Granite Countertop Polishing and Chip Repair
You are probably aware that Granite countertops are considered the “King of Countertops.” The praise is earned due to its unique natural stone characteristics. Unlike Marble, Travertine, Onyx, and Limestone countertops, Granite is an intrusive igneous rock formed by molten lava cooling and solidifying. Other intrusive rocks are Basalt Obsidian, Rhyolite Pumice, Scoria, and Tuff. Granite is identified by its grains and come in a wide array of colors.
HOW DID GRANITE BECOME THE UNDISPUTED KING OF COUNTERTOPS? Granite is a natural stone that undergoes an extensive process before it is eventually installed in homes or commercial buildings. Many people are unaware of this massive process and the long journey Granite takes from quarry to countertop. Humans are inside creatures which enhances Granite positives characteristics.
Before we continue answering the question, let's unpack this more on Granite's incredible journey.
Below is a link regarding Granite’s journey
Granite is ideal for countertops because of its hardness and durability. Granite holds up to the demands placed on it to preform.
THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF GRANITE COUNTERTOPS:
However, since Granite is installed in kitchens on countertops, bars, mantles and bathroom vanities. Overtime, the surface of Granite can become dull due to a soil residue. Repeated water allowed to dry on the Granite can lead to calcium magnesium buildup around faucets and surfaces. Worst case, hairline cracks and chips may also appear in Granite countertops due to settling and errostions.
Most dull areas and chips can be removed with restoration. Stone Care of Arizona, Arizona stone care experts use specialized Granite countertop resin diamonds and polishing methodologies to remove scratches, chips on the Granite countertop.
We analyze the size and depth of scratch to determine and match the baseline grit pattern. Simply stated, grit size pattern could range from 50, 150, 200, 400, 800, 1,000 and 3,000. (based on the manufactures specifications) Removing a deep scratch or dull area may require beginning at lower grit size below the crater or gully’s depth to begin the removal process. The depth or gully is discovered by the starting point and beginning cut.
If the depth feels lower, Stone Care of Arizona, Arizona Stone Care experts will hone above the gulley depth and hone to the lower grit to remove the scratch. The goal is to never plunge too deep. Once we remove the offending scratch, we narrowly define the serpentine borders to feather out the grit pattern in surround areas. We then work backward with subsequent higher honing grit until we polish the granite countertop to match the existing shine. (If done correctly there will be no scratch haze)
WHAT CREATES CRACKS ON GRANITE COUNTERTOPS?
Most cracks appear as a hairline fissure that may increase in size and width. It is not uncommon to detect cracks in countertops in older homes or immediately after installation.
Granite countertop cracks happen as a result of the following:
• Granite countertops are regularly cracked during transporting and installation. Unfortunately, cracks often become visible soon after the warranty has expired. Closely inspect granite before and after installation and before the warranty expires.
• Granite countertops can expand due to variations in weather patterns. This may result in cracking along joints and near weakened veining areas.
• Granite countertop mounting metal rods may become contaminated causing the rods to rupture. This can happen due to water rusting the metal rods and improper seaming and/or seam failure. Expanded rods may cause cracking in the surface of the countertop.
• With constant exposure to intense water pressure, Granite surface areas may weaken. Water (calcium-magnesium) allowed to saturate may in time create ruptures on the Granite surface.
• The client drops a heavy object on the surface or on the profile of the Granite in a weak place on the countertop leading to a surface crack.
This consumer information is brought to you by Stone Care of Arizona, LLC, Arizona stone care experts. We specialize in cleaning, sealing, polishing Granite countertops. To get
an estimate please
contact us at
480-625-0557
ARTICLES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN READING: