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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 

If you would rather use vinegar to clean the stone fireplace instead of dish soap, this mixture should work fine. Vinegar is slightly acidic, however, so it may etch some kinds of stone without quite a bit of diluting. For a stone fireplace, dilute it to about one cup of vinegar for every gallon of hot water. It’s a smart idea to test the diluted mixture in an inconspicuous area of the fireplace and watch for etching. You can use vinegar to clean quite a few different items around your home, and it’s especially good at removing stains.

You don’t need to seal German smear; the mortar is already acting as a sealant for the bricks. You can seal the mortar, though, if you wish to further protect the area from stains, moisture, and dirt or make it easier to clean and maintain. Note that a sealant will make the mortar appear more glossy.

Granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months, depending on the color and usage. Lighter granite needs to be resealed more frequently than darker colors. If you use acidic cleaners or prepare food on the surface regularly, you must reseal the surface more frequently. Without proper sealing, granite is vulnerable to staining. You can tell if your countertop needs to be resealed by placing a wet paper towel on the counter for 10 minutes. If the water beads up, it is still sufficiently sealed; if it sinks in, it’s time to apply sealant.