Granite is undoubtedly a durable and low-maintenance material. It is a typical stone for constructing backsplashes, countertops, or flooring material. Despite its hardwearing quality, it might also lose its shine and go dull with time for several reasons. No material is flawless and indestructible; hence, the Granite also fades and loses its original appearance after years of use.
However, there do exist ways to revive the original shine and colors. Are you also concerned about seeing the faded Granite in your home? Do you want to know what went wrong? We have got this fantastic guide to your rescue. The following guide caters to comprehensive details on the reasons that cause Granite to become dull and faded. We have also compiled some ways to mend the damage and retain the original condition.
What Cause Dullness In Granite?
Following are some commonly observed reasons for fading and dullness of granite:
Acidic Food Items And Beverages:
Due to its durability and exceptional heat resistance, granite is a common material for constructing kitchen countertops and slabs. But this poses the risk of damage to the natural stone if any acidic content is spilled. The citrus fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, lemons, etc., are acidic. Therefore it is always recommended to cut such fruits or vegetables on a cutting board to avoid direct contact of acidic content with the granite stone. The medium acidic wipes off the sealant (if any) applied on the granite surface so it can also damage it permanently. In this way, the surface of granite might appear dull and faded.
Soap and Liquid Cleaner Residues:
The most common reason to remove granite’s original shine and reflective surface are leftovers from soap foam or liquid cleaners. Even if a thin film of soap foam or liquid surface cleaner is left unwashed on granite, it can lead to dullness and take away granite’s natural look. So it is preferable to properly wipe off the liquid cleaner/soap foam so that no layers stay back on the stone, making it appear not very attractive.
Wrong Cleaning Products:
The low maintenance quality of granite is a game changer when the proper measures are taken to keep it in good condition. If the cleaners used for granite are very reactive, they may ruin the natural outlook of the stone’s surface. Before picking a cleaning liquid for granite, knowing what product would suit your granite type the best is inevitable. It is also preferable to select neutral detergents when cleaning granite.
Improper Sealing:
Like other natural stones, granite also requires good quality sealant to maintain its original condition. If the countertops or granite tiles in backsplashes are not correctly sealed, it can lead to dullness and damage. Some types of granite, especially white granite, need to be appropriately sealed to last long and remain as good as new. Although improper sealing does not directly cause granite dullness, it is undoubtedly a common factor leading to damaged surfaces.
Abrasive Cleaners And Bleaching:
If exposed to abrasive cleaners such as bleach and ammonia, granite surfaces can become dull and damaged. These reactive agents wash away the sealant coating on the granite and make it appear old and faded in color. Therefore, using abrasive cleaners such as ammonia or bleach for natural stones like granite is never a good option.
How To Revive Granite’s Shine?
If you have made any mistakes from the above-mentioned ones that have caused the dullness of granite in your home then we have the following remedies for you to make granite look as good as new:
Polishing Powder For Granite:
Polishing powders is the most feasible way to get rid of dull and damaged granite surfaces. It is best to wipe away minor scratches, spots, or damaged areas on your granite. The application of polishing powder on granite is straightforward. You need to mix the powder with water to create a paste and apply it to the areas of scratches on granite. This will help you regain the original condition of your granite countertops, slabs, or backsplashes.
Using Acetone:
Acetone is an effective solvent for getting rid of grease and oil remnants on granite countertops or slabs. Due to the heat and scratch resistance quality of granite, it is extensively used in kitchens near the stove to act as countertops. Cooking often causes the development of oil and grease films on granite stones which make them appear dull. If the marks do not go away with water or detergents then acetone can do the job perfectly. Apply acetone to a cloth and place it on a greasy area. Scrub it generously and wash away with water.
Resealing The Granite:
A common and obvious reason for dullness in granite comes out to be the washing away of sealant. If the sealant comes off then the surface becomes susceptible to dullness and the colors might also fade away. So an easy method is to simply reseal the surface by using a good quality and an appropriate sealant according to your granite top. This will help to transform the surface.
Polishing And Refinishing:
In cases when the damage is great and the above-mentioned methods do not work, it is suggested to polish and refinish the surface. This is necessary because sometimes the acidic liquids and other substances might seep deeply into the granite damaging it permanently. So the only solution to this is to hire a professional to repolish your granite surface.
Conclusion:
It can be concluded that granite being a low-maintenance material, rightly so, requires the necessary measures to maintain its original condition. A mindful approach can avoid several reasons leading to dullness and granite fading. A long-lasting functionality of granite is only possible with the proper care and preventive measures. If the damage has been done, then the mentioned steps can be followed to mend the surface and revive the stone completely. However, you must seek professional advice when choosing the suitable cleaning material or sealant for your granite countertops or slabs. You can visit our website for more life hacks and information related to natural stones!
