"Hal is a bit of a character and drives an old truck, but he is very pleasant and takes great pride in his workmanship. One of the few times in our history of several home projects where a project has exceeded our expectations."
Granite Restoration questions, answered by experts
A floor polisher won’t remove scratches from a wood floor, but the polish can fill in surface scratches and make them all but invisible. If you run your fingernail gently over the scratch and it doesn’t catch, chances are that the polish will hide it. If it does catch, you might want to have your floors fully refinished, and you might need to have a professional floor sander in for particularly deep scratches. When in doubt, call a professional floor polisher to determine if polish will fill in your scratches or if you need more in-depth services.
While no countertop material is truly “heatproof,” granite countertops are extremely resistant to high temperatures. Some types of granite can withstand temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, we don’t recommend placing hot pots and pans directly on granite countertops. Even if it doesn’t scar the granite, it may damage the sealant.
The frequency for sealing granite countertops depends on several factors, including the type of sealant used, the color of the granite, and how heavily the countertops are used. As a general guideline, resealing is often recommended every 12 to 18 months, but some sources suggest it could be as often as every few months or at least once a year.
The type of sealant is a major factor: water-based sealants may need reapplication every six months to a year, while more durable solvent-based sealants can last for five to 10 years. Additionally, factors like heavy kitchen traffic, frequent use of acidic cleaners, and lighter granite colors may require more frequent sealing to prevent staining.
To determine if your countertops need resealing, you can perform a simple water test. Place a few drops of water or a wet paper towel on an inconspicuous area of the granite. After 10 to 15 minutes, check the spot. If the water has beaded up, the seal is still intact. If the water has been absorbed and darkened the stone, it's time to apply a new coat of sealant. You can choose to seal the granite yourself or hire a professional to ensure it's done correctly.
Both buffing and polishing increase the longevity of your floors by removing scratches and buildup, but they are different processes. Polishing removes the top layer of your floor, removing surface-level scuffs and scratches. Buffing your floor involves filling the scratches and scuffs with a buffing solution. No matter which method you choose, you can rest assured that both techniques will leave your floor looking shiny and new.
Standing water can lead to surface discoloration if your granite countertops are improperly sealed. However, it’s possible to remove hard water stains with a baking soda paste. Take more care with acidic liquids, such as fruit juice or red wine, which can leave more permanent stains. That’s why it’s so important to reseal these surfaces regularly.
The Wheaton, MN homeowners’ guide to granite restoration services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Granite countertops last 15 to 100 years based on usage and maintenance. Here’s how long your granite countertops will last and ways to increase their lifespan.
