Stone countertops are hardy by nature. Whether they are made of granite, travertine, limestone, marble, or another similar material, you can count on them to last a long time. You will certainly want them to endure, given the significant cost of installing one.
With that said, they are not invulnerable. New residents of an old home may find that the countertops have incurred damage in the past. People with new countertops may accidentally damage them as time passes.
In this article, we will show you how to fix countertop problems of different kinds and protect that huge investment. There is plenty that you can do on your own to resolve these issues and prevent them in the future. All you need are the right tools and the know-how.
Water Damage
You may be surprised to hear that stone, especially granite and marble, can be quite porous. Many holes can lead to the inside of the material. If moisture finds its way inside and hardens, it may compromise the integrity of the rock. This problem may be especially noticeable around faucets, where you are likely to see white marks known as hard water spots.
The sooner you treat the trouble area, the more likely you will be able to completely resolve the problem. As soon as you notice these spots, take a high-quality stone scrub and apply it to the area. Wait about ten minutes, then tackle it with a brush. You may need to repeat the process a few times.
Preventing this issue is as simple as applying a material-appropriate stone sealer immediately after installing the countertop. This type of product creates a protective layer over the surface, blocking water droplets and moisture from worming into the holes. Taking this step with a new countertop can prevent stains, minimize maintenance, and extends its lifespan.
Heat Damage
As we noted earlier, water damage tends to occur on the sections of the countertop near sources of water, like the sink. Heat damage can also be the result of kitchenware appliances and equipment. If you move something from the stove right onto the countertop and leave it there awhile, it may leave scorch marks or other blemishes. Keeping appliances that heat up on the counter can also cause damage over time.
If something goes wrong, a mix of hydrogen peroxide and flour can work like a charm. You have to blend the substances into a creamy consistency, then pour it over the spots and cover the area in taped-down, hole-punched plastic wrap. After 24 hours, pull the wrap off and remove the substance. A little washing and soaping should clear the rest away.
Fortunately, stone countertops generally offer high resistance to heat. Even granite, which is more vulnerable than most kinds of rock, is still more resistant than, say, wood. Most instances of heat damage are superficial, and one can easily scrub off the marks with some soap and warm water.
Fractured or Ruptured Surfaces
When you look at the countertop and spot cracks, your first impulse may be to have a professional replace the entire slab. Before you call anyone, though, we advise you to take a deep breath and look a little closer. Total replacement is not often necessary. Sometimes, you simply need to isolate the trouble spots and treat them with care.
First, note where the cracks are located — all over the countertop or just one area? Then, count how many you can find — are there many or just a few? After that, discern the size of the fractures — are they deep cuts or shallow marks?
You can easily fill in a handful of minor fractures (after some initial cleaning of any debris inside) with some material-appropriate adhesive filler. If you have larger ruptures concentrated in a specific area, you can ask a professional to remove and replace that countertop section.
The last thing you should note is the likely cause of these ruptures and fractures. You may need to remove some weight from the area or distribute it more evenly across the entire surface. If that is not the problem, then something may have gone wrong in the installation process. In those circumstances, you should call the contractor about the matter so they can check and handle it for you.
Chipped Edges
Learning how to fix countertop scratches should be simple enough: just fill it in with adhesive. However, when you drop something on the counter’s edge and a piece completely chips off, repairing the issue is a little trickier. You should rely on professionals when significant chunks come loose. If the chips are slight, though, there is a DIY approach that anyone can take.
This process is similar to that of filling in cracks, including cleaning the area as the first step. The difference is that cracks are, by definition, enclosed by walls that make inserting the adhesive easier. With chipped edges, you have to create your own walls using tape. That will concentrate the adhesive, mold it into the right shape, and prevent it from seeping elsewhere.
Once you squeeze it in, you should get it even while it is still wet. Take a razor and slice at the adhesive until it is level with the rest of the countertop. After all that manual work, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Give the adhesive a full 24 hours to harden, then remove the tape and scrape off any excess with the razor.
How to Fix Countertops with My Stone Care
Learning how to fix countertops can save you a lot of trouble and money. As you can see, the most common issues often have DIY solutions and do not always require professional assistance. In fact, you can take care of plenty on your own with the aid of stone repair and stain remover supplies from My Stone Care. Visit our online store today so you can see how we can help you protect your investment and extend your countertop’s lifespan.