Update: Repairing granite and natural stone surfaces

There are not many countertop options that are better than natural stones such as granite, marble and soapstone. Each of these stone types has a natural beauty with unique colors and patterns to match any decor. However, they are vulnerable to chips and scratches that could diminish their appearance over time. Granite is a much harder stone than marble or soapstone which makes it more difficult to scratch, but this also means that scratches in granite are harder to remove.

In order to need a natural stone repair surface to become scratched, something harder than the stone itself would have to scratch it. Soapstone is the softest of these natural stone types, so it can be scratched by a piece of marble or granite. That means soapstone cannot scratch either granite or marble.

• Foot traffic can scratch natural stone floors because dirt, sand and other debris are abrasive under your shoes. Putting rugs or mats near doorways can help reduce this.
• Soft natural stone may become scratched by sanded grouts.
• Lift all furniture as dragging it can scratch stone flooring.
• Countertops made from soft natural stones such as marble or soapstone can become scratched from toys, keys, kitchen utensils or cutting on the counter.

Your natural stone surfaces can become chipped or scratched, and the proper repair process depends on the type of stone and severity of the scratch. Soapstone surfaces are the most likely to get scratched because they are soft, but they are also the easiest to repair.

• For light scratches apply medium pressure to the scratch using a wet paper towel with mineral oil. You can also sand it out with 300 grit sandpaper but make sure to apply mineral oil after sanding.
• For a deep scratch, sand it out with 100 grit sandpaper and apply mineral oil afterward.

In most cases, it’s best to hire a stone care professional like GMS Werks for your natural stone repair granite and natural stone countertops because you can cause irreversible damage by using improper methods.

• Buff out light scratches with #0000 steel wool.
• On dark granite, black permanent marker or paint marker can cover up small scratches. Color the scratch with the light marker and then use denatured alcohol to wipe off extra color from the area.
• Some scratches can be camouflaged with a quality stone color enhancer.

If your countertop is damaged beyond repair, countertop resurfacing maybe your best option. Having your countertop resurfaced will give your counters a brand new appearance without the trouble and cost of a full replacement.

If you are interested in adding natural stone to your home, office or retail space, or you need a natural stone repair, contact us at GMS Werks and we would love to help you create the space you’ve always dreamed of!