Countertop Polishing – How to Keep Your Countertops Looking New

Keeping your countertops clean and polished is a key to keeping them looking new. This helps ward off stains, scratches, etching, and soil build-up that may cause long-term damage to the surface.

Polishing your countertops is an easy process that can be done at home. It is important to note that only non-abrasive polish that is safe for granite should be used. Read on to know more.

1. Increased Durability and Longevity

Granite, marble, and other stone countertops are a beautiful and durable addition to your kitchen. They resist heat, scratching and stains much better than many other countertop choices. However, they can still lose that initial sparkle after a lot of use and will require some maintenance to keep them looking their best.

One way to restore those countertops back to their former glory is by polishing them. This process removes scratches and light scuff marks to make them shine again. It also seals the countertop making it more resistant to spills, etching, and staining.

Before starting the polishing process it is important to protect yourself and the countertop by putting on gloves and using protective eyewear. It is also recommended that you clear the countertop and protect any adjacent surfaces with tape. Lastly, wear a respirator mask to prevent inhalation of dust particles.

2. Increased Visual Appeal

Polished countertops are bright and reflective, which is ideal for homeowners who want a little extravagance in their kitchen. They also showcase the natural beauty and pattern of the stone. The glossy surface helps to brighten a room and makes it look bigger, as well.

On the other hand, honed countertops offer a soft sheen that is not as reflective as polished counters. They are also softer to the touch and feel textured. The textured appearance offers a more organic, earthy, and natural vibe to the kitchen, as well as diffuses light less readily.

It is important to note that a polished countertop can show smudges and fingerprints more easily, which may not be ideal for those with young children. However, it is possible to remove those body marks with a simple cleanser and proper cleaning techniques. Additionally, a polished countertop may be more prone to staining from spills and edible oils. However, these issues can be minimized by using a countertop protective sealant and promptly wiping up spills and liquids.

3. Stain-Resistant

Countertops need to be cleaned regularly to remove spills and stains. This will also help to keep them looking fresh and beautiful. Keeping up with proper cleaning and polishing of stone countertops will protect the surface from bacteria, which can cause discolorations on countertops.

Quartz countertops offer the best stain resistance because they are engineered with ground-up natural stone and resin to create a nonporous material. This makes it very durable and easy to maintain. It can be wiped down with a damp cloth or cleaned with commercial granite cleaners. However, this material can still stain from certain chemicals or acidic food products.

To avoid any damage or etching, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the polishing powder you purchase for your countertops. This will include clearing the countertop, protecting adjacent surfaces, and using the correct grits. For example, you should use a coarse grit to roughen the surface and then move on to finer grits.

4. Easy to Clean

Keeping up with cleaning routines can help keep your countertops shiny and stain-free. Using a pH-balanced cleaning solution like Granite Gold Daily Cleaner (r) will ensure your stone stays protected from acidic solutions, common household cleaners, and abrasive scouring pads that can damage the surface. It is also a good idea to use cutting boards for chopping and trivets or hot pads for placing pots and pans on the countertop, which will prevent direct contact between the granite and objects that could cause scratches or etching.

Over time, your counters may lose their glassy shine from soap film buildup or reveal small scratches due to normal wear and tear. Polishing helps restore the shine of your stone, revealing the natural beauty of the material.

To do the job properly, a soft microfiber cloth or towel and either a polishing machine or handheld polisher are needed. Be sure to use protective eyewear, gloves, and a respirator mask to avoid dust particles or any other contaminants that might be released during the process. Click here for the next blog post.