Loading

How to Make Granite Countertops Look Smooth and Shiny

Grand Rapids Flooring

If you have any questions about granite countertops after reading this article, please feel free to contact us and we'll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.

After investing in a granite countertop installation, we understand how you want to maintain its natural beauty for as long as possible. These easy-to-follow tips include preventative care, cleaning ideas, and polishing tricks for making and maintaining your granite countertops smooth and shiny look. These tips will help, but remember to practice a regular granite countertop maintenance routine to ensure your countertops keep their glossy shine for years to come. 

Preventative Care for Granite Countertops

The best way to keep your new granite countertops looking nice is to make sure you are taking precautions against spills, stains, and scratches

The kitchen can be a messy place, which is why it’s important to take measures to protect it. Here are a few simple tips to protect granite kitchen countertops

  • Clean spills immediately
  • Use coasters
  • Cut vegetables and other food items on cutting boards
  • Don’t place hot pots and pans directly on your countertop surface
  • Be cautious of impact damage around edges
  • Avoid traditional household cleaning products as they can cause etching

The most effective way to protect your granite countertops from common stains and impurities so to have them polished and sealed. But before doing that, you’ll want to make sure they’re cleaned right.

How to Clean Granite Countertops 

Before you polish and seal your granite countertops, be sure that the surface is entirely clean.

As a knowledgeable granite installation company, we can recommend a reliable cleaning product after we install your stone kitchen countertop so that you’ll be able to clean them right. Different granite composites sometimes require unique treatments, so be sure to check with us before trying a new product. 

Never use cleaning products containing ammonia, vinegar, or citrus on your granite countertops. These highly acidic cleaners will dull the surface of your new granite countertop. Buy a cleaner specifically designed to clean granite surfaces.

To clean your granite countertops, spray or mist the cleaner across the entire surface and let it sit for a minute. (Be sure to check the specific instructions for the cleaner you’re using too.) Then wipe with a soft microfiber cloth afterward until the surface is dry.

How to Polish Granite Countertops

Polishing your granite countertop is extremely similar to cleaning it. However, this time you will let a polishing solution sit for 3 to 4 minutes before wiping it up. 

Afterward, buff the countertop with a soft cotton cloth until there are no streaks remaining. You should be left with gleaming granite countertops that works beautifully your floors.

How to Seal Granite Countertops

A properly sealed granite surface will be able to slow the seepage of stains. 

To test if your granite counter needs sealing, pour a little bit of water on the surface. If you notice it slowly seeps in or darkens the surface of your granite then it’s probably time for resealing. 

A good sign is if the water immediately beads up on the surface, this means that you won’t need to seal your granite countertops just yet. 

When testing your granite sealer, it’s a good idea to apply it to an area that isn’t incredibly noticeable before applying it to your entire countertop. 

We recommend you work in small sections so that you don’t spray the same area more than once. After applying the sealant, you will need to wipe the countertop surface with a soft cotton cloth for 3 to 5 minutes until dry.

After this, your countertops should be ready to handle another season of dinner parties, kids’ birthdays, and social events with your friends and family. 

Are You Considering Granite Countertops?

Although maintenance on them is recommended, granite countertops offer far more durability and life than traditional wood, lamination, or tile countertops. If you are interested in our granite countertop installation service, please feel free to contact us online or give us a call at (616) 458-4806. The Grand Rapids granite countertop installers at Complete Flooring & Interiors are dedicated to helping make your kitchen dreams a reality!