Granite countertops dull around sink.

[Brad_Ct]

Just got done reading the thread on new countertops and curious if anyone knows how to get the shine back in older granite.

Last year we bought a 15 year old house that either the PO didn’t take care of the counters or the granite itself is of a lower quality because around the sink it is very dull and spotted, also there a couple of rings in other areas where I assume someone set a glass.

Been reading online and see that people say that buffing it will restore it’s shine, anyone have any input on this?

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Honing and polshing can take care of that depending on how deep the etching has gone and what chemical has caused the etch.

 

[Julian]

I had water marks around a couple of faucets and I just took a razorblade and granite cleaner to them, and they returned to like new.

 

[Brad_Ct]

Honing and polshing can take care of that depending on how deep the etching has gone and what chemical has caused the etch.

The etching appears to be fairly deep and I think it is from a combination of hard water and letting water sit after using the sink. I ended up having to use a scotch pad to get the white residue off it and then 1500 grit wet sanded to get it somewhat smooth.

 

[Brad_Ct]

I had water marks around a couple of faucets and I just took a razorblade and granite cleaner to them, and they returned to like new.

It is way past that point unfortunately.

 

[Julian]

It is way past that point unfortunately.

Gotcha....I guess this is what people were referring to when they said granite needs sealing on occasion? So....sealed with what?

 

[Brad_Ct]

Gotcha....I guess this is what people were referring to when they said granite needs sealing on occasion? So....sealed with what?

I am using the cleaner, sealer, and polish from Granite Gold, the rest of the counters look amazing since I did them it’s just the sink area that is giving me headaches. Wife is threatening to have them replaced so I need to do something.

 

[jeffrt]

If it’s a dark spot, a mixture of acetone and baking soda will soak out a stain. Lots of things online for this. I’ve done it and it works. Mix it up to a paste consistency, spread it over the area, then cover in plastic (taping the edges). Leave for 24 hours, then remove. You may need to do it more than once. Then re-seal it. Good luck!