Tips on Polishing Your Granite Countertops

If you have granite countertops in your home, chances are you have invested a good amount of money into them! Granite countertops are one of the most common natural stone materials used due to their great beauty and durability. But to make the most out of your investment, you should be taking proper care of your granite countertops!

At GMS Werks, we are experts when it comes to granite repair Omaha. Although granite is a very durable material, it still needs to be properly cleaned, sealed and polished to keep its true beauty. Here are some tips on how to properly polish your granite countertops.

There are two ways in which homeowners can try polishing their granite. When polishing natural stone, both a wet and dry material can be used. But which one is better? Well, the answer is either one! Let's look at some of the benefits and downfalls of wet versus dry polishing.

• Dry polishing powder is less expensive than paste.

• Powder polish is more versatile because it can be used dry or wet.

• Wearing water-resistant clothes and placing plastic sheeting on furniture, cabinets, and walls is important when using wet polish because the process creates excess spray when used with power tools which can cause damage to surrounding materials.

• Wet polishing keeps the pads cool which prevents them from becoming too hot and wearing down too fast.

• Wet polishing pads cost less than dry pads.

It is advised to check with the manufacturer of the granite countertops or flooring to see which method of polishing is best for your product.

Granite polishing powder is also called stone polishing compound. Powder allows the removal of minor scratches and stains while providing a quick and simple way to create a shiny surface. Use a buffing granite polishing pad on the surface in a consistent circular pattern when using dry polishing powder. If you prefer to use the powder wet then it is advised to use a muslin wheel.

There are many different compounds available for both new and used granite surfaces. When trying to choose a compound it is suggested to take the primary color of the stone into consideration. There are light and dark tones available, so the primary color should be matched to whichever tone matches it best.

Granite polishing creams are typically designed for use on countertops. Due to the type of light abrasives in the cream, it is best used on rich stone to create a premium grade finish. Many professionals use a hog’s hair pad or similar material for buffing granite with polishing creams.

If you recently bought new countertops, it doesn't make sense to not properly care for them. Use these tips to ensure you are properly polishing your granite countertops and helping prolong the life of your investment. 

GMS Werks is a granite repair Omaha company that homeowners can trust! We offer a variety of natural stone services. From installations to granite repair Omaha, we got you covered. Visit our website today to learn more about our natural stone services!