Granite is an extremely hard and durable stone, but it can be scratched. If the scratches are very deep, the only way to remove them is by abrasion, polishing them. The thought of polishing your beautiful granite countertops can be daunting, and if you’re not comfortable with your own abilities in this area, it may be wise to hire a professional. Trying to save a few bucks is a commendable effort, but if it ends up costing your countertop replacement, it’s not worth it. The problem is that grinding removes a layer of the stone. The new layer might be a few shades different in color from the surrounding surface.
But, if the scratches are not that deep, there is an alternative method of removing them, one that is not as “abrasive”. You can spray on a special crystal solution and use a polishing pad to put it to work removing scratches. The polishing process requires some time and effort. You need to apply the crystal solution on the whole countertop and polish the whole surface as well to avoid the problem of color difference. And you should not apply additional polish to scratches. Instead, the polish should be even across the entire countertop. This is done much more easily with an electric orbital damper.
The glass solution you spray on the countertop should be the right one for the job. These solutions come in a variety of formulations, from thick to thin. If the scratches are minor, you can probably use a finer formulation. It’s best to start with finer and work your way up to coarser if the finer formulation doesn’t seem to work. Once the countertop is scratch free, you should apply a granite polish and granite sealer. These products will bring out the brilliance of the stone and help protect it from staining.
Polishing granite countertops is just one part of maintenance to keep them looking their best. They should also be cleaned frequently and sealed every six months to a year. Granite countertop cleaning can be accomplished with home solutions or a granite cleaner that you have purchased. Granite is sensitive to some chemicals and should never be exposed to highly acidic or alkaline compounds. You should avoid using most household cleaners on granite unless they specifically state that they are intended for that use. Antibacterial sprays are fine.
The best alternative to regular household cleaning products, especially if you don’t have time to mix up a homemade formula, is to purchase a granite cleaner. It will be specially designed to clean the stone in depth without causing any damage.