LoveToKnow HomeImprovement:AllComments

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Hi Kal - It really depends on the type of sealer that was used. If it's a strippable sealer, you can certainly strip/remove it and start again, but if it's a permanent sealer, it will be very difficult to remove. It's helpful if you know the product that was used initially to seal your granite - that way you can read the label and contact the manufacturer for their recommendations. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels

I used a sealer for my granite which I think is a year or so old. It dried and left my countertops (dark green) smudgey looking..I have tried to buff them out, but it is not working...what should I do, Should I strip them and start again. Kal

-- Contributed by: Kal

Hi Jill - Thank you for stopping by with your product recommendation!

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels

Do you gave a granite work surface? Are you aware that some granite and rock based work surfaces become stained by oil, grease, red wine and other cooking ingrediants? Well the solution to stop your expensive worksurface becoming unsightly and stained is to use our Work & Bake Mat. Its silicone base grips the work surface and does not slide, then you can roll out pastry, etc on the non stick suface without any oil, fat, grease staining the expensive granite work surface. They are avialble from NonStickKitchen.com and other retail outlets.

-- Contributed by: Jill

Hi Jean - thank you for your comment. I'm sorry to hear that the treatment didn't help. It sounds like granite countertop can be tempermental and calling the granite professionals is likely the best course of action. Again, sorry to hear about your countertop.

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels

I tried the treatment for oil based stains. I followed instructions to the letter.

Instead of a small mark I now have a large one - have had to call in professionals.

Fortunately this was only a four foot length of counter, so if it has to be replaced, will not be TOO expensive.

-- Contributed by: Jean Evans

Hi Gail - I found this granite cleaning information to be helpful. You have to be careful not to use anything too harsh that may scratch, pit, and etch the surface of the stone. You should wipe the surface down daily and use a microfiber cloth to dry and shine. Once a week you can wipe it down and use a stone cleaner formulated with a neutral pH.

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels

Hi, We had Baltic Brown granite installed last month. It looks beautiful: nice and shiny! Can I use something like Glass Plus to keep it shiny or what else is available? (I use a mild soap and wipe it down with a handiwipe and then dry it with a soft dishtowel). What is good to use on it to keep it nice and shiny, as I don't want to wear away the sealer?

-- Contributed by: Gail Moll

Hi Gerry - I'm so sorry to hear about the etching marks you have in your countertop. Have you had the counter sealed? From what I have read, counters that have not been sealed are more likely to get stains or etching as the granite is porous and absorbs oils - grease, hairspray, foods, and toiletries may all leave stains or etching. You have to be careful with cleaning products too - check out this site for more information about taking care of your countertops. There is also information here for polishing out etching and preventing future damage. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels

we have new granite counters in our kitchen and bathroom. They were installed 4 months ago and today I noticed that in the bathroom close to the faucet there are rough, etching marks. We do not know what could have caused this as we have very carefully used only granite cleanser, water, and a soft cloth.

Would someone please give me some ideas on how to fix the ecratches and what could be causing this. Thank you, GerryWright

-- Contributed by: gerdonati04@yahoo.com

Hi Gabriella - thank you so much for your suggestion! That sounds like a fantastic solution to staining and getting a professional protective sealer.

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels

I live in Morristown NJ and have had Granite in my kitchen for two years, its the lighter granite. The only problem I have had is it absorbs water, my husband has sealed it so many times but nothing has worked for us and it now has an oil stain. I did find this company that came out and helped me and I was grateful. They took out my oil stain and applied a permanent sealer and issued me a lifetime warranty. I have had it done now for 2 months and man do I love it. I would recomend this to anyone who had had any absorption issues. The name of the company is granite shield protection, I believe they are based out of new york. When my husband called them they came right out and the service was great. Sincerely, Gabriella Lee Morristown NJ

-- Contributed by: Gabriella Lee

Hi Aaron, Thank you for comment! It's nice to know of your positive experience with granite countertops.

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels

We had our granite countertop installed about 6 years ago and we donâ€™t have any complaints. The recent news about possible radon does cause a little concern and the granite, fabrication and installation wasnâ€™t cheap. If I was doing it over, I might consider other options. I ran across this site when looking for info on radon and cleaning of granite. Good info for anyone who owns or is considering a granite countertop.

bestkitchencountertops.com/granite-countertops/

-- Contributed by: AaronZ

Hi Brent,

We have a new expert here at LoveToKnow Home Improvement and I suggest you ask her. Go to Home Improvement:Ask the HomeImprovement Expert and submit your question. Let me know if you have any trouble with the feature.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

Hi Donna,

I think it was an oil & vinegar based salad dressing. I've seen other sites that say replace the water with bleach for oil-based stains but I'm a little scared of using bleach (even though the granite is mostly white with black specks). Thanks.

-- Contributed by: brent

Hi Brent,

Do you know what caused your stain in the first place. Sometimes that can help determine the best course of action.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

I tried the flour, soap & water solution and this morning the stain appeared darker! I'm at a loss as to what to do. I want to reseal my counters to try and avoid more stains but would like to fix this one first. Any advice?

-- Contributed by: brent

Hi Mary Jane,

If the flaws are factory flaws they might be able to be fixed, however that would probably be best handled by a professional. Check your paperwork to see what quality granite you are paying for:

First Quality contains no material defects, has quite consistent color and granularity between pieces and consistent physical properties.

Second Quality contains small visible defects or inconsistencies, some color variation and potential inconsistent physical properties.

Commercial Grade contains significant visible surface defects which may have been filled or repaired, significant inconsistencies in granularity and color and will be the weakest of all in terms of physical properties.

Even with these definitions it is hard because they mean different things with different stones. Talk with the fabricator about your issues and make it clear you want "First Quality" granite. An experienced fabricator should be able to cut the countertops to eliminate the flaws. However, granite is a natural product and not as uniform as man-made products. It may show changes in granularity. It this is your case these aren't defects but part of the unique character and beauty of granite.

For complete information visit www.heritagestonecraft.com/questions

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

had remodelled/renovated kitchen in 6 wks. Already lacquered granite tops have pinholes in them. Gone back to guy who did the deal who stated it was flaws in the granite! Your thoughts on this please. Have had a gr8 deal of faults with this renovation; sloppy tradesmen/work etc. Was told Tenex may help to fill holes. Any suggestions?

-- Contributed by: MARY-JANE

Jerry,

I've given your dilemma more consideration and I'm wondering if you could find other homes this contractor built and ask if any of the current owners know which sealer was used.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

Hi Jerry,

That's a good question, and I haven't found the answer. I would suggest calling your local granite dealer to see what they recommend. If I learn anything new, I'll let you know.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

While investigating resealing my granite kitchen counters, I was told that I should use the same type of sealer, i.e. either a solvent based or water based sealer, as was originally used. I can't find a record of what was originally used and the company that did the installation has gone out of business so I have no one to ask. Is there any way I can "test" to know what's on the granite now? If not, will it cause a problem if I put a solvent based sealer over an original water based sealer or, vice-versa, if I put a water based sealer over an original solvent based sealer? Would you recommend that I go with a solvent or water based sealer? Any particluar brand or product?

-- Contributed by: Jerry

I have read that applying a "poultice" of acetone or strong hydrogen peroxide (like they sell at a beauty shop, not at the drugstore) soaked onto a paper towel and left on the stain, covered with plastic wrap, for 24 hours. I would check with the manufacturer of your counter, however, to make sure this is an acceptable process for your particular stone.

-- Contributed by: Sarah White

Hi, Can you please tell me how to remove water stains from my bathroom granite counter? Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Sheri
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