should granite countertops be smooth as glass

A granite

countertop of sufficient quality should feel as smooth as glass. What About Polishing the Surface? Some may suggest that the solution to a rough granite countertop surface is more polishing. Poor quality granite slabs may have rough patches and simply not feel smooth as glass.

Full Answer

Is a granite counter top supposed to be smooth?

The surface can also feel somewhat sandy or dusty if a sealer was applied incorrectly or left on the surface to dry for an extended period of time. A granite countertop of sufficient quality should feel as smooth as glass. What About Polishing the Surface? Some may suggest that the solution to a rough granite countertop surface is more polishing.

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 alternative to granite countertops?

• Butcher block.
• Marble.
• Soapstone.
• Quartz.

Why are granite countertops so heavy?

• Stir some dish liquid in water to make suds.
• Soak a cloth or paper towel with the soapy water.
• Lay the cloth over the super glue.
• Leave the cloth on the superglue for several hours. If nee

Is it normal for granite to have rough spots?

When it comes to granite countertops, rough spots on the surface are usually a result of opting for low-quality granite. Since these surfaces cannot be polished to obtain that smooth, glass-like feeling their supposed to, people had to come up with other ways to repair these countertops.

How do you smooth out granite countertops?

How to Fix Rough Spots on a Granite CountertopTools and Materials You Need. ... Step 1: Clean the Rough and Chipped Spots. ... Step 2: Surround the Damaged Area with Masking Tape. ... Step 3: Apply Filler. ... Step 4: Let Dry. ... Step 5: Polish!

Why is my newly installed granite gritty?

ANSWER: Grit on granite countertops is usually due to a low-grade / poor quality slab that cannot be fully polished. All the mineral grains of the granite will continue to flake off. Your options are to replace the countertop or apply a permanent topical coating to bind the granite surface.

What are do's and don'ts for granite countertops?

With this guide, you can learn the do's and don'ts of granite countertop care.How To Keep Those Granite Countertops Looking Fabulous. ... Immediately Clean Up Spills. ... Always Use a Soft Cloth or Sponge. ... Use Coasters for Bottles, Cans, and Glasses. ... Hot Pots and Pans Need Trivets. ... Don't Forget the Cutting Board.More items...•

Is granite perfectly smooth?

A granite countertop of sufficient quality should feel as smooth as glass.

How do you get granite to shine like glass?

To put a shine on your granite, pour a little cooking oil on a soft cleaning cloth and wipe it across the countertop. Buff it gently. This makes the counter a little bit stain-resistant and gives it a glossy shine. Even if you know how to clean countertops correctly, your granite will need to be resealed periodically.

Does sealing granite make it smooth?

People sometimes complain of a gritty or rough granite surface after a new granite kitchen countertop installation but your issue seems to be of a different nature. And just FYI... no chemical or sealer makes the countertop smooth or shiny.

Do granite countertops have imperfections?

While natural stone is famed for its distinctive beauty, imperfections in granite countertops and other stone surfaces can be a concern for some. For instance, prospective stone buyers might worry that the “flaws” in natural stone could take away from the unity and elegance of their design.

Is granite rock smooth or rough?

Granites usually have a coarse texture (individual minerals are visible without magnification), because the magma cools slowly underground, allowing larger crystal growth. Granites are most easily characterized as light colored and coarse grained as a result of cooling slowly below the surface.

What can damage granite countertops?

All acidic foods are dangerous for granite countertops, including citrus juice, wine, vinegar, and beauty products like nail polish remover. Acids can etch the surface, degrading its seal and exposing the vulnerable stone underneath to more stains.

How often does granite need to be sealed?

If the granite surface immediately takes in most of the water and develops a dark mark or ring, you need to seal it once every few months. If it takes a few minutes for your stone countertop to soak up all the water, you only need to seal it once every year or two.

How often should you polish granite countertops?

every five to 15 yearsHow often you re-polish your granite is completely a matter of its appearance. Most granite surfaces require remedial polishing every five to 15 years, depending on the traffic or use they receive. Your newly polished granite must, of course, then be re-sealed to protect it from stains and other harmful issues.

Is Granite supposed to be smooth?

I just had New Venetian Gold granite installed today in the kitchen. I love the way it looks! Only problem is, when I run my hand across it, it feels gritty. Is this just the "natural-ness" of the stone? Or un-even resin? I guess I thought it would be smooth, like glass.

Comments (29)

and many other Granites that come out of that particular region of Brazil.

Does resin sit on the surface?

what that may be I have no clue. A resin is often legitimately used to fill voids, etc., but it is applied prior to polishing and absorbs into the pores... does not sit on the surface. The long and short is that you should have got the exact slab you picked out at the warehouse.

Is granite the same as natural stone?

Because granite and natural stone are " natural" products meaning there isn' t any strict consistency from one slab to the next even among the same colors. Now most slabs of the same color will be similar, but you can certainly get an extreme difference in characteristics and quality.

Does granite sealer make it shiny?

And just FYI... no chemical or sealer makes the countertop smooth or shiny. The "polish" comes from intense friction and abrasion on big machines at the factory. A granite sealer will ONLY slow down the rate of absorption to help prevent staining.

Can granite sealer be stuck to countertop?

Thus, in addition to the existing issues you probably now have granite sealer stuck to the countertop surface... it should only be below the surface in the pores. Most likely what occurred is that you picked out a color via the sample and then the installer purchased a cheap low-grade version of that granite variety.

Preventative Care for Granite Countertops

The best way to keep your new granite countertops looking nice is to make sure you are taking precautions against spills, stains, and scratches .

How to Clean Granite Countertops

Before you polish and seal your granite countertops, be sure that the surface is entirely clean.

How to Polish Granite Countertops

Polishing your granite countertop is extremely similar to cleaning it. However, this time you will let a polishing solution sit for 3 to 4 minutes before wiping it up.

How to Seal Granite Countertops

A properly sealed granite surface will be able to slow the seepage of stains.