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can you lighten your granite countertops

by Mr. Drake Stanton II Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Yes, you can darken or lighten the color of granite countertops. Generally, granite countertops are popular for their hard surface and durability. But you might not like the actual color or the color might not go with the other decoration of your house. So, if you wish to darken or light the color of granite countertops, you can do it.

Full Answer

How to restore shine to granite countertops?

There are positives and negatives with both that include:

  • – Polishing powder that is dry is less costly than paste formulations.
  • – Powder polishes are adaptable as they can be used wet or dry.
  • – Wet polishing can be messy and create spray when power tools are used in the polishing process. ...

More items...

How to clean granite countertops naturally?

To clean granite countertops naturally, combine the following in a 16-ounce spray bottle: 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol. 6-8 drops of Dawn dish soap. 2 cups of water. 6-8 drops essential oil. Seal, shake lightly to combine. Spritz counters and wipe dry with a cotton cloth. Just as certain commercial cleaners can be too harsh, natural cleaners ...

How to Polish granite counters like a professional?

  • Apply with a soft cloth. Never use an abrasive scrubber.
  • Spray the solution over the granite surface. Wait 5 minutes. Rinse the surface thoroughly.
  • Buff dry with a microfiber towel.

What is the best way to clean granite countertops?

Tips for How to Clean Granite Counters

  • Avoid harsh cleansers. Chemicals, acidic cleaners, and abrasive cleaning tools spell disaster for your granite. ...
  • Dry your countertop. When you’ve finished cleaning stained granite countertops now it’s time to rinse and wipe. ...
  • Consider special granite cleaners. ...

Can I change the color of my granite countertop?

Yes, you can but you will need to prepare for your painting project ahead of time. You can paint granite countertops, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, coffee bars, and more with the proper primer, paint, and sealer to spruce up any room in your house, including bathrooms and kitchens.

Can you stain granite a lighter color?

The answer is that while no material is completely 100-percent stain-proof, granite countertops are surprisingly stain-resistant— and that includes light colors, too! The natural stone's hardness gives granite its resistance to staining.

How can I lighten my granite countertop?

Steps to Fix the Discoloration:Apply a small amount of baby oil to a clean white rag.Rub it over the lighter spot (or a portion thereof). ... If the oil darkens the counter and you like the look, use Stone Color Enhancer to make it permanent.First, make sure the area is clean and free from debris or residue.More items...

Can you bleach granite countertops?

Answer. Yes, Clorox® Regular-Bleach2 is safe for sealed granite countertops. Remember, bleach should never be used full strength for cleaning any surface — it should always be diluted with water first. For disinfecting countertops, use a solution of 1/2 cup Clorox® Regular-Bleach2 per gallon of water.

How do you lighten a dark countertop?

Brighten Your Dark Kitchen with Our Illuminating TipsGet a New Countertop. ... Upgrade Your Cabinets. ... Rethink Recessed Lighting. ... Install Brighter Bulbs. ... Use Under Cabinet Lighting. ... Take Advantage of Natural Light. ... Make Use of Glossy Surfaces. ... Incorporate Bright Colors.

What can you do with outdated granite?

If you can't change the granite, change its surroundingsGive the cabinets a facelift with paint.Go further and replace those cabinets.Give a new face to the wall above the counters (by repainting perhaps).Repaint all the kitchen walls.Freshen up the floor.

Can you bleach granite to lighten it?

Bleach: While bleach is a great disinfectant, it can dull the finish of your granite and in some cases even change its color. There are other, safer, ways to disinfect your stone, so avoid bleach and any products that contain it when cleaning your granite.

Can you repurpose granite countertops?

If you are reusing your granite countertops for your kitchen or bathroom remodel, you're limited to use your existing design so the granite will blend into the new space. This is especially crucial if you have granite cut outs around your sink.

Can you cover granite countertops?

Nearly any type of counter can be overlaid, as long as it is strong enough to support the overlay: tile, laminate, stainless steel, granite, quartz, concrete, and wood.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide on granite?

Cleaning Resistant Strains Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and warm water in a bowl until there is a thick paste. Though commonly used as a wound disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide also works wonders on your granite tops. A solution of hydrogen peroxide removes stains without bleaching or discoloring your countertops.

Does vinegar ruin granite?

Steer clear of vinegar, which can dull the granite and weaken the sealant—though there are plenty of other ways to clean with vinegar around the house! Also, avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the stone.

Is it safe to use Clorox wipes on granite?

Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.

What type of countertop is used in kitchens?

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPSKitchen Counters: Granite, Still a Go-to Surface Choice

How to coordinate kitchen finishes?

Coordinate your kitchen finishes beautifully by choosing colors that complement granite’s natural tones

Is granite bullet proof?

Granite is bullet proof but it does run the risk of going "out of style", imho. Marble is beautiful however it does stain so not so good in a kitchen work area. We like concrete sometimes and also oddly enough - linoleum. Quartz is coming on strong, it is bullet proof and stain proof, and depending on the application, very beautify. There are many different manufacturers. I just recently used the zodiaq line from Dupont on several projects with great success.

Is poultice a solution?

Poultice is the solution. Here is a link we have on or website that will guide you through thru process. Watch the video also if you are new to this process. It is not difficult but you will need patience. Stain management

How to remove stains from granite counter tops?

Steps to Fix the Discoloration: 1 Apply a small amount of baby oil to a clean white rag. 2 Rub it over the lighter spot (or a portion thereof). If your countertops are not properly sealed, the oil may stain. 3 If the oil darkens the counter and you like the look, use Stone Color Enhancer to make it permanent. 4 First, make sure the area is clean and free from debris or residue. 5 Apply Stone Color Enhancer with a clean rag. 6 Wait no more than 15 minutes. 7 Wipe away excess Stone Color Enhancer.

Why is my granite countertop dark?

If you move a long-standing object from your granite countertop and discover a difference in color, it is usually caused by the countertop darkening over time due to light exposure. There are two ways to approach this problem.

How to clean oven cleaner off stone?

Clean off the oven cleaner with soap and water after you have finished one small section. This will prevent the oven cleaner from sitting on the stone for too long and continuing to lighten it beyond what you want.

What to use to make a stone counter look permanent?

If the oil darkens the counter and you like the look, use Stone Color Enhancer to make it permanent.

What to do if you add too much stone color enhancer?

If you added too much Stone Color Enhancer, remove the excess with mineral spirits.

Can you spray oven cleaner on granite?

Do not spray the oven cleaner directly onto the stone. Wipe the oven cleaner onto the granite in a small hidden area and let it sit for a minute to test the results. If the test does not go well, use the method above for Darkening the Granite instead. If the test does go well, repeat the process for the rest of the countertop, ...

Can you lighten granite?

However, if you prefer the idea of lightening the granite back to its original color, there is a method below for that as well. If you have an actual stain, not caused by light exposure but rather by something like food or soap that was on the counter, then use the guide How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops instead.

What does it mean to hon a surface?

Here’s How to Fix it. You HONE it. That’s it. If you don’t know, honing just means that the shine is removed, revealing a matte surface. We can use the honing technique on many different surfaces, the most popular being marble and quartz.

Why does honed granite look darker?

Just so you know, honed granite will look darker because you are removing the shine, which reflects light and makes the stone look lighter. You can choose to do it yourself (what I would do) or you can hire someone to hone it for about $50 per square foot.

What is the toughest material to use for countertops?

Granite is one of the toughest materials to use for countertops, but the style can feel just a bit dated and out of context. All you need to do is get your granite honed and it will look like a brand new countertop. The speckling detail will be less intense and to me, it will actually look more like a natural stone.

What is reflective surface?

A reflective surface essential shines a light on all the imperfections. You already know this if you’re a makeup junkie. You don’t put highlight on skin that’s breaking out, you don’t apply glittery eyeshadow to dry eyelids. Remember this: matte conceals, shiny reveals.

What safety gear is needed to sand stone?

Safety gear must be work to protect the lungs while sanding stone. You need proper air ventilation, a dust mask, respirator, etc. According to the American Lung Association, Silicosis is:

Is marble veining or speckling?

Given that marble has a very specific veining style, you might not be used to seeing images of matte countertops that are made of a stone with speckling instead of veining. Let me reassure you, speckling is just as gorgeous as veining. I actually prefer speckling because I think it is more of a relaxed style, whereas marble is fancy and uptight.

Can you use honed marble for sensitive marble?

But, you can use this honing technique to give your sensitive marble a little assistance. If you’re going to use marble, used honed marble like Amber Interiors; it will be much more forgiving. Just hone everything to make imperfections less noticeable; that’s my PSA. So, are you ready to do this kitchen DIY?

What is Bianco Antico?

Bianco Antico is one of the most popular granites at Marble.com because of its fashionable elegance. Grey accents and hints of burgundy make it easy to use as a kitchen countertops and even as a full backsplash as we see here. This funky kitchen is a cook’s dream. The Bianco Antico granite with an ogee edge contains light shades ...

Why use granite countertops?

Using durable granite countertops for the working areas and serving areas makes for an easy cleanup. Light countertops save this space from potentially appearing too dark because of the absence of windows in the kitchen area.

What color is colonial gold?

Colonial Gold is a popular light granite with slight movement. Small maroon speckles scattered throughout the stone offset the subtle color combination of white, grey, and beige, making it a great options for kitchens of any style. Here, Colonial Gold pairs wonderfully with a variety of golds, creams, and browns in an open kitchen design. The extensive countertop space not only provides ample room to prepare and serve meals but because of its light shade, it also enhances the size of the room.

What is Viscont white?

Viscont White is a pristine granite option that is white with grey veins. The neutral palette of these countertops is practical and ideal for a variety of decors, especially contemporary designs like seen in this kitchen. Despite its quaint size, light design elements, like Viscont White countertops, ensure the room does not feel cramped.

What is a typhoon stone?

Typhoon Bordeaux is a truly beautiful Brazilian stone that’s sure to make an artistic statement as a kitchen countertop. Its intricate color design typically features burgundy, gold, and grey. In this kitchen, a large island featuring Typhoon Bordeaux is the focal point of the room. Thanks to the broad range of colors represented in this countertop, it pairs well with both light and dark cabinets. A classic, ogee edge on the center island and perimeter countertops provide a luxurious style, which is the finishing touch for this gorgeous kitchen.

What is Astoria granite?

Astoria is a consistent beige granite with slight movement and black speckling. It is subtle in appearance but it can be the perfect natural stone for moderate kitchens or a large one, like we see here. A light countertop allows for the space to feel open and unrestricted.

What to consider when choosing a countertop?

When choosing the perfect countertop for your kitchen, bathroom, or any other project, be sure to consider additional design elements in the room. Features like appliances, cabinets, and backsplashes will help determine the right stone for your space.

What is the second biggest mistake people make when they choose countertops?

The second biggest mistake people make when they choose countertops is NOT shopping with the floor tile, or the countertop sample, if they are looking for floor tile. Your countertop should look happily married to the floor tile. And the only way to ensure that your kitchen is happiness is to bring that tile along.

Why is it bad to listen to people renovating?

That is because they have no idea how to help their customers with colour, all they care about is SELLING GRANITE. So, while it seems tempting to listen to the person selling the product. They do not have the vision of your house in your head you do.

Does granite look good with tile?

For the most part, granite doesn’t look good with trendy , current, geometric tile. Even if it’s plain and white.

Can you make a mistake when choosing granite?

Unfortunately, this kind of mistake is easy to make when you’re making decisions with small samples. Because once you choose granite, you’ve maxed out your pattern quota for the kitchen.

Can you take a risk and end up with a look you love?

You could take a risk and end up with a look you love, but that is rare. How we know that, is because so many people try it and fail with the amount of bad renovations and new builds on the market every day.

Is there anything wrong with a pink backsplash?

Nothing wrong with a pink backsplash, if it’s a colour you love:

Is renovating messy?

Plus renovating is messy. Always best to have it behind you for that reason as well!

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