Granite is much stronger than marble, and due to its durability and attractiveness it has become a favorite for home and commercial countertops. Granite rarely etches, but it can become dull and susceptible to staining.
Because granite is a dense, igneous stone (formed from the solidification of molten rock material), properly caring for granite requires a deep cleaning, polishing, and sealing to restore it to its original beauty. As with other natural stones, The Marble Restoration Company of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley’s specialists can repair most chips and cracks in your granite.
During our combined 40 years of experience, we have developed a special process to hone and/or polish and seal granite to maximize its beauty and durability. Our granite care and restoration processes employ the latest technologies and equipment to protect and preserve your granite floors, counters, vanities, and more. Once we have completed a granite restoration, our technicians will educate you with simple stone and tile care tips so you can keep your granite looking like it was just installed. If it’s made of granite, we’ll make it like new again!
The Granite Restoration Process
Granite Cleaning
The first step to every granite restoration project is a deep and thorough cleaning. Granite is a tough, durable stone that requires strong and penetrating cleanings to remove stains and trouble spots. Our cleaning process ensures that no abrasive acidic cleaners are used that can contribute to etching and dulling the granite surface. Additional chemicals and cleaners may be used to help remove stains and discoloration from the granite surface.
Granite Repair
The tools and compounds used to repair chips and cracks in a granite surface vary greatly depending on the severity, location and type of granite. Special compounds and materials may be used to fix a crack, while others perform best on a chip or damaged corner. The experts at The Marble Restoration Company will determine which will perform the best at repairing the granite surface and restoring it back to its original “just installed” look.
Granite Honing
Granite floors, counters and surfaces become dull over time when the stone erodes from dirt, sand, shoes, traditional wear-and-tear, and other usage. The honing process serves two purposes: repairing and preparing for polish. Using abrasive pads, stones and even industrial diamonds attached to an oscillating tool, the honing process evens out the surface and restores a smooth finish that is ready for the polishing phase. Due to the hardness and density of granite, several passes may be needed to restore the surface.
Granite Polishing and Buffing
To restore the granite surface to its “just installed” look, the polishing process uses polishing compounds and liquids. This will return the luster and shine to the floor, countertop, or tile surface. Multiple passes of high-quality polishing compounds are applied to the granite surface and restore the luster and beauty. The buffing process is also known as crystallization. This process helps return the granite to a mirror-like shine and reflection. If a honed or satin finish is required, our final step will be to buff with honing powders to achieve the client’s desired finish.
Granite Sealing
Sealing the granite surface is recommended to help protect the surface from damage, staining, and general use. Our industrial strength sealants help ensure a quality finish to the granite surface for long-lasting beauty and shine. The sealant may be dry to the touch after application, but typically requires some time to cure and harden. The Marble Restoration Company provides instructions after the sealing process so you know when the curing process has completed, and you can return to regular use of the granite floor, counter, or other surface.
Does Granite Need Maintenance?
Commercial Maintenance Guarantee
Even for high-traffic commercial properties, after we complete a granite restoration and implement our regular service agreement, we will guarantee you will never have to pay for a complete restoration again.