Q: How do you update granite countertops without replacing them?

• <div><p>You can&rsquo;t change the color of the stone, but you can update granite countertops without replacing them by painting them. Because granite is a porous material, you&rsquo;ll want to seal them first before painting them so that the paint doesn&rsquo;t hurt the surface. This is important because you don&rsquo;t want to devalue your counters by damaging the original surface; even if you don&rsquo;t like the color now, you or a new homeowner may want to remove the paint someday and return them to their original color. You can also cover them with </p></div>

Question 1

Can you make granite countertops darker?

Accepted Answer

•

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.

Question 2

Why do you cut stone with water?

Accepted Answer

•

Using water when cutting stone drastically reduces the amount of dust that comes off the stone. It’s beneficial to cut down on the amount of dust for respiratory and other safety reasons, such as keeping your vision clear while using an electric tool. Even with protective eyewear, the dust can still cloud your safety glasses. You should always wear protective gear when cutting stone.

Question 3

Does flagstone need to be sealed?

Accepted Answer

•

Sealing is essential to keep your flagstone looking new for as long as possible. If you don’t seal flagstone, the surface can wear and stain. It also helps protect the stone’s natural texture. Just make sure you choose a matte sealant to avoid making your stone slippery like a glossy sealant can.

Question 4

How do you remove cloudiness from marble?

Accepted Answer

•

To remove cloudiness from marble, use equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply it to the surface, allow it to sit for at least two hours, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. Another option is adding a couple of dish soap drops to warm water and wiping the surface after you’ve applied it to the surface. You may also consider using a liquid stone cleaner.

Question 5

How do you update granite countertops without replacing them?

Accepted Answer

•

You can’t change the color of the stone, but you can update granite countertops without replacing them by painting them. Because granite is a porous material, you’ll want to seal them first before painting them so that the paint doesn’t hurt the surface. This is important because you don’t want to devalue your counters by damaging the original surface; even if you don’t like the color now, you or a new homeowner may want to remove the paint someday and return them to their original color. You can also cover them with