When a large pot falls on your granite countertop and pops, a piece cracks off the top, or if a large crack appears, it gives you a bad, dreadful feeling. Certainly, a scratch is one problem, but what if a significant portion of your countertop chips off? How are you going to fix it? Take deep breaths: it can be fixed, and you might be able to restore and save your granite countertop.
Granite has been one of the world’s most resilient natural stones, making it the strongest material overall. Despite its durability, granite can still break if a cast iron pan slams into the edge of your countertop. When you see a chip in your granite countertop, you can use the internet to find a nearby professional to repair it. To begin, determine whether the crack you’re seeing is a true crack or a fissure. This knowledge is helpful in deciding which items are necessary to finish the job right.
Is it a Fissure or a Crack?
The most significant distinction is in the manner in which they occur. Natural forces cause a fissure, but a fracture is caused by external forces such as manufacturing, installation, or transpiration. Examine the fissure or crack from a low angle to identify the difference. A crack has two reflective points, but a fissure only has one.
Fissures are very small openings that run along the edges of the stone’s crystalline formations. The apparent separation normally stays within the granite, though it might go all the way through on rare occasions. Cracks might be little or large, and they normally form in only one spot on the slab, though they can extend the full depth of the stone. Straight lines near supporting structures frequently show cracks generated by strains during the installation procedure.
Tips on Granite Countertop Repairs
Although cracks in granite countertops are not always disastrous, they can deteriorate with time. You need to stop it before it gets any worse because a growing or continuous crack can damage the stone itself, which you don’t want. Chips aren’t as awful, but they’re unsightly, especially if they appear along with the countertop’s corners. The same can be said for actual breaks.
1. Repair Cracks
A low-viscosity epoxy is preferable because it penetrates deeply into the crack and forms a strong bond. This has the extra benefit of possibly preventing the crack from widening. However, this cannot be guaranteed. Granite & Marble Chip Repair Kit is a fantastic product for this. Because it’s an epoxy, you’ll need to combine two components to activate it. The epoxy hardens to a shiny, clear, and durable surface resembling glass, making it ideal to fill bigger cracks while remaining unnoticeable. It won’t become yellow or discolored over time.
2. Etch Marks
Etch marks are common on granite surfaces. Larger ones may necessitate the assistance of an expert. Smaller marks produced by a tomato or a lemon, on the other hand, are frequently repairable by homeowners. Cleaning the afflicted area should be the first step. You could use a small stone soap, but the majority of the time will be spent cleaning with water. It should be able to remove the dirt and slime. Then thoroughly dry the area.
3. Fix Fissures
Although a fissure in your granite countertop may always be repaired, if the fissure is in a high-traffic area, it’s a smart option to get it fixed right away to avoid more deterioration to the countertop. Fissures that aren’t mended might cause staining, so if you’re planning to work in the area where the fissure is, it’s better to get it fixed before something else happens to the granite.
For minor fissures, you should use a clear resin, epoxy, or acrylic adhesive. A fissure that runs through the corners of the stone (rare but potentially possible) can compromise the integrity of the structure of your countertops. Look for the Granite & Marble chip repair kit if you’re seeking a complete solution for repairing fissures in granite.
Final Thoughts
Granite countertops may endure a long time if they are properly cared for and maintained. Choosing the best repair kit is important in some circumstances, and it also allows your countertop to freshen and renew your kitchen. Keeping your countertops clean is also important. On a clean surface, you will not only be more likely to notice any damage, but you will also be able to remove anything that could cause chipping and etching, as well as many other types of damage.