UPDATED: Granite care: polishing and buffing

Granite is one of the most popular choices for stone countertops, and for many good reasons. Granite is a durable, gorgeous material that lasts what seems like forever. In the worst case scenario, your granite countertops could be prone to scratching over time, however, do not worry because there are many ways in which you can prevent this from happening!

One way to protect the surface of your granite countertops is by adding a polishing coating. Polishing your granite countertops will help bring them back to life and give them the brand new look you’ve longed for! 

At GMS Werks, our team are the experts when it comes to everything natural stone. Below, we explain the benefits of polishing your granite countertops as well as detail some general granite countertops maintenance tips!

Why have your granite polished

When you polish your granite countertops, your countertops will begin to have a shiny, glossy and reflective finish. This, combined with proper lighting, can end up enhancing the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom significantly! 

Polishing your granite countertops also has more stain resistance than non-polished granite, which ultimately better protects your granite’s surface. This also helps keep your countertops clean and germ-free! Lastly, polishing your granite will enhance the color and overall appearance of your countertops, which is extremely beneficial for granite that may be older. 

Tips on polishing your granite

When polishing your home’s granite, it’s especially important that you avoid making common mistakes. Yes, someone could do more damage to their granite stone if they do not properly buff granite or apply the granite polishing cream correctly. These are the most common mistakes that should always be avoided: 

• Polishing floors: DO NOT polish your granite kitchen or bathroom floors that have a large amount of foot traffic. This can create a slippery surface and potentially lead to injury. Granite floors should be cleaned with soap and water, but never use granite polishing cream for safety purposes. 

• Polish over weak spots: If there is a weak spot in your stone, then this space should not be polished or buffed. It is imperative to call your natural stone contractor to properly and carefully handle this situation. 

• Polish before sealing: When natural stone is not sealed properly, a granite polishing cream will not help. Any type of natural stone needs to be sealed to make sure that this material is not porous and correctly repels spills; however, there are stones that do not need to be sealed but that will be discussed with your natural stone contractor. 

• Using common cleaners: Do not put chlorine, vinegar or other common household cleaning products on natural stone. This is because it can cause the stone to break down which can cause weak spots in the stone and cause problems later in the duration of its life. 

Other regular granite countertops maintenance

On top of polishing your granite countertops, performing regular maintenance will also help protect your granite and help them last longer! Below are some granite countertops maintenance tips!

• Clean and wipe down countertops regularly. Keeping your granite surface as clean as possible will help prolong the life of your countertops. 

• Reseal your granite countertops every year or so. The sealant will protect your countertops from scratching and other damages. 

• Remove stains right away, especially from oils. It’s just a good idea in general to wipe up any spills right away!

Polishing your granite countertops will enhance the appearance, increase the longevity, and overall protect your granite investment. For more information on how to properly polish your granite countertops, or to learn more maintenance tips, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime!