Get matched with top buffing and polishing pros in Orangeville, IL

You generally cannot change the color of the natural stone, such as making granite countertops darker or lighter. Some people claim that certain chemicals will lighten or darken granite, but those will damage the stone and not provide uniform, expected results, so it’s better not to try. Similarly, some people ask whether they can stain over granite. Granite is beloved for its stain-resistant finish, so you probably won’t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.

Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.

The restoration or polishing process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the size, condition of the stone, and accessibility.

Granite and marble compare well against each other in terms of price, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Deciding which one is better depends on your personal style and preference. Both materials resist damage like chips and cracks well. You should seal both material types against staining and etching, but they’re still susceptible if oil, wine, coffee, tomato sauce, or juice are left on the countertop long enough. As material and installation costs range similarly, the deciding factor is your budget, design, and preferences.

In many cases, it’s worth it to restore stone. Stone restoration generally costs less than replacing the stone entirely, helping to save on the cost of your project while still giving your home’s stone a polished appearance. However, if your stone is very cracked or crumbling to the point of compromising the structural integrity of your home, you may want to consider replacing it. Stone flooring costs range from $6 to $20 per square foot on average.