How do you update granite countertops without replacing them?

• <div><p>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 </p></div>

Get matched with top buffing and polishing pros in Santa Fe, NM

Q: What is the difference between buffing and polishing a floor?

• <div><p>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. </p></div>

Q: How much does stone restoration and polishing cost?

• <div><p>The cost of stone restoration typically ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot. The final price depends on several factors, including the type of stone, the extent of the damage, the level of polish required, and the labor intensity of the job.</p></div>

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>

Q: Does flagstone need to be sealed?

• <div><p>Sealing is essential to keep your flagstone looking new for as long as possible. If you don&rsquo;t seal flagstone, the surface can wear and stain. It also helps protect the stone&rsquo;s natural texture. Just make sure you choose a matte sealant to avoid making your stone slippery like a glossy sealant can. </p></div>

Q: Can you make granite countertops darker?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;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&rsquo;t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.</p><p>Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Buffing And Polishing pros in Santa Fe, NM

*The Angi rating for Buffing And Polishing companies in Santa Fe, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Buffing And Polishing needs.

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Last update on May 12, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
We recently had our kitchen cabinets painted by Capital City Coating and the results came out amazing. The finish is smooth, clean, and professional, and it completely transformed the look of our kitchen. The attention to the cabinet doors, trim, and edges was excellent, and everything looks...
Capital City Coating LLC
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Reviewed in January 2026
Elevate Builders did a great job on stucco repair on some exterior walls of our home and garage. They did a wonderful job, matching colors and textures exactly. They’re very professional about communication and scheduling, and I strongly recommend them.
Elevare Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2025
Quality job tree trimming and tree removal. Showed up on time and finished up early. Will rehire for the next time.
Cesar's Tree Service & Maintenance
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Reviewed in September 2025
López Landscaping did a beautiful job in my garden with trimming and just made it look very professional and neat. He was right on time and did exactly what I asked for.
Lopez Landscaping & Design LLC
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Reviewed in March 2025
At different times during the growing season, we need garden waste cleanup. CJ's is the best. They are always thorough and prompt and leave our garden looking happy and pristine.
CJ'S LANDSCAPING LLC
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Reviewed in January 2025
Totally great job and experience. Also did some painting and other general construction and all top notch.
JP General Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Project: Trim bushes and trees and removal of bushes I was fortunate to watch Byron remove a huge tree in the next door neighbors yard and was so impressed by how hard he and his helper worked. Asked if he would give a qoute on work I wanted to have done in my front yard. His qoute was very...
Shaddai Landscaping LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
Roby and his team did an incredible job painting an entire 1600 square foot 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house, including accent walls and refinishing the doors! Pricing was fair and communication was excellent. Would definitely hire this team again for future painting needs.
The Knights Painting
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Reviewed in November 2023
I needed to re-stucco my entire home as the original stucco had cracks. I was given a clear quote detailing the work to be done. All communication was clear throughout the process. They worked with my schedule and did a great job. The crew were friendly and hard working, and they cleaned up...
Duran Plastering, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2023
They were prompt and neat, cleaned up. And followed instructions from my husband on the tee trimming
Daniels tree service landscaping
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Find Buffing and polishing pros in Santa Fe

Master-Tech Professional Cleaning & Restoration

4.8(

)

Serving Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I use Master tech for all my carpets and this time I had my area rugs cleaned. Now they look new again."

Response time7 hrs

14 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by64%of homeowners

Serving Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very well. Bryan, the cleaner, did a great job. He was very professional, courteous, and congenial. Price was competitive with other cleaning companies."

Recommended by94%of homeowners

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New Again Surface Restoration

5.0(

)

Serving Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went excellent. They were very professional, on time, and worked hard. I definitely recommend them and I would hire them again.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"My yard looks incredible. The work was extraordinary, timely and completely professional. It took about 2-3 weeks and the results are amazing.
"

+107

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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E & E Santa Fe Cleaning Service

4.7(

506

)

Serving Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Three ladies came to my home and cleaned every single surface, doors, frames, baseboards, floors, the kitchen and bath in 6 1/2 hours total. They did an excellent job and got a few tough areas I had not been able to get completely clean. I clean very well, but didn't want to spend the time to do the whole house at this time. Usually cleaning services do not clean as well as I do, but E & E did a better job than I do myself. It was a bit pricey, but they did such an incredible job I cannot really complain about the cost."

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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We Do Windows Santa Fe, LLC

4.8(

)

Serving Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

"Very professional team who were efficient and completed the project in less than expected time. It appeared there were no window panes when looking through the newly cleaned glass. Excellent attention to screens, sills and corners. We will be using them on a regular basis."

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Road Runner Yard Maintenance

4.1(

218

)

Serving Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Credit card accepted

"My yard was much cleaner - and done in much less time than I could have done it."

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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JC GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

5.0(

)

Serving Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He was only here two days. He was very professional. He did a great job and cleaned up. He also put everything back the way I had it. I would definitely hire him again."

Response time5 hrs

Response rate95%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Mean Clean does a consistently great job cleaning our vacation rental in Red River. Professional, attentive and punctual, I have no hesitations recommending Mean Clean to others."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Santa Fe, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They did a good job. They were on time and very professional."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 25

Buffing and Polishing questions, answered by experts

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.

The cost of stone restoration typically ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot. The final price depends on several factors, including the type of stone, the extent of the damage, the level of polish required, and the labor intensity of the job.

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

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.

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 Santa Fe, NM homeowners’ guide to buffing and polishing services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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Apr 6, 2026Apr 6, 2026
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