Solutions for Countertop Etching, Scratches, Chips & Cracks Revealed!

Solutions for Countertop Etching, Scratches, Chips & Cracks Revealed!

If your countertop has taken on some wear and tear, there might be a good solution to improve the appearance and durability without going through the trouble of replacement. Minor issues like removing stains and making other damage less noticeable is easy with the right information, but keep in mind that hiring a professional is always a good solution.

If the issues are simple enough, you might feel confident handling the job yourself with a do-it-yourself remedy.

Stains and Etching

Staining to marble or any natural stone can happen, but is rarely permanent. It’s not unusual for someone to confuse staining with more common etching. This usually occurs because the homeowner simply was never educated about the properties of marble, marble maintenance and protection or how to clean marble the right way. If you have dull spots or a glass ring appearance from exposure to acidic liquids or cleaners, you may have etching. The best solution for etch marks depends on the type of surface finish: polished, honed, etc.

There are products that remove etching on polished marble, but a honed surface has to be restored professionally. Sealed granite should have plenty of protection against stains, but any discoloration can be removed with mild dish detergent or a paste made from baking soda. Since soapstone and quartz are non-porous, the regular upkeep and maintenance should be very easy.

Chips, Pits, Scratches, and Cracks

Blemishes that are small and shallow are much easier to repair regardless of your countertop material. Marble paste is great for restoring the polished look if surface scratches are noticeable, but deep separations need to be filled by a marble repair professional.

Harder surfaces, like granite, are more susceptible to actual cracks than scratches because all natural stones can fracture from impact. If you have a broken edge or a deep pit, it might seem like the best thing to do is replace the entire countertop. It’s best to get a professional opinion to decide if a repair is possible depending on the size and severity of the damage.

A little chip or minor scratches in your countertop might not seem too bothersome to overlook. However, if you feel that the damage is severe and unsightly, you should give us a call at Flemington Granite. We are experienced with all types of countertop materials and want to help you with repairs if possible. If your surface damage is too severe to fix, we also have plenty of new countertop slabs available in the showroom.

Understanding The Background Of Soapstone Countertops

Understanding The Background Of Soapstone Countertops

Selecting a countertop to install is not as simple as choosing the one that looks the prettiest. Soapstone countertops are a great choice if you value very low maintenance, beauty, and the durability to withstand all types of use.

What exactly is soapstone?

Coming from natural quarries, the soapy metamorphic rock has a distinct presence of talc. Soapstone Slabs that have a lower talc content are going to make better countertops because they are the most durable. A higher talc content is best for artistic use because it’s very soft and easy to carve.

Soapstone is not going to be as strong as marble or granite, but it’s easy to cut and install. Since the slabs are typically smaller when quarried, it might be necessary to match several pieces for a single countertop.

Why is soapstone such a great countertop material?

Unlike a lot of other popular countertops, soapstone is actually a heat conductor that can withstand direct exposure to a hot pan.

It is not going to etch from acids like harsh cleansers or lemon juice, so it’s great in a kitchen. The nonporous surface is so dense that it is not going to stain, even if dark liquids are not cleaned immediately.

Is sealing necessary for soapstone countertops?

No protection is necessary to keep soapstone looking as perfect as the day it was installed. It actually offers a bit of an environmental advantage because no chemicals are needed for fabrication or care.

What colors are available in soapstone?

All of the soapstone slabs are some shade of gray, but they can feature unique undertones of green or blue.

Every quarry is going to offer a unique material that might have some degree of veining.

What is required for soapstone cleaning and maintenance?

As mentioned, the majority of people that choose soapstone are looking for little to no maintenance. Soapstone resists bacteria and it’s non-absorbent so cleaning rarely requires anything more than soap and water.

If the slab is on the softer side, it is a good idea to add a layer of protection with a cutting board when preparing food. If scratches do show, it is easy to eliminate on your own by buffing with a sandpaper.

How to Clean Granite Countertops

How to Clean Granite Countertops

Any granite owner understands that some products should not be used to clean the surface. Although it is quite strong and resilient under most conditions, some common household chemicals are simply too harsh. Detergents and ammonia can cause the appearance to dull, but acidic cleaners actually eat away at the surface. The only way to keep your granite looking great and free from damage is to learn the proper technique for cleaning with safe products.

Routine Clean

It is recommended to wipe down the surface as often as needed with warm water and a mild dish soap. Use fresh water to rinse until all soap is removed to prevent the residue from leaving a dull appearance. Never use any citrus-based cleaners as they are too harsh for use on granite. Isopropyl alcohol, baking soda, and water can also be used safely to disinfect and sanitize the surface if needed. A professional cleanser should be used on occasion to restore shine to the countertop.

Items You Will Need
Stone Care Products

Items You Will Need

  • Soft, non-abrasive sponge
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Bowl of warm water
  • Bowl of clean rinsing water
  • DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional KlenzAll™ Cleaner or Revitalizer Granite Cleaner

Deep Clean – Best Cleaner For Granite Countertops

Dirt, oil, grease, and other stubborn substances require the help of professional products. We recommend mixing warm water with DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional KlenzAll™ Cleaner or Revitalizer Granite Cleaner. The concentrated solution should be prepared with 2-4 parts water in a large bowl, unless it is a ready-to-use product. Apply the mixture to the granite surface and rub gently with the cloth or sponge until the debris has lifted. Completely rinse the product from the surface with clean water and dry with the microfiber cloth.

Additional Tips  (how often to seal granite)

  • Every 2 years, it is recommended to have the granite surface resealed with a high-quality professional product. DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Bulletproof® Sealer and Natural Stone Countertop Sealer are highly recommended products that are easy to use.
  • Avoid acidic cleaners as much as possible because they weaken sealant and leave the surface vulnerable to damage. Lemon, lime, vinegar, bleach, and ammonia are among common household products that should never be used on granite.
  • Test the seal of countertops by placing a drop of water on the surface. A strong seal will cause the water to bead up, but resealing is necessary if it soaks into the granite within a few minutes.
  • Check out the Dupont Stone Care Guide for more tips!

Follow these tips for worry free maintenance and cleaning of your granite countertops. For more information give us a call or simply stop by our showroom.

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