Granite’s sleek, expensive look and feel is why it’s always in demand. In fact, It is one of the most popular choices in building, because it is so durable. Because of this, Granite is often used for many surfaces, including countertops, home decor, headstones, and monuments, to name just a few.
Do Granite Countertops Scratch Easily?
Granite is actually one of the hardest natural materials on earth and it will not easily scratch or stain. Although granite is extremely durable, it can still scratch when exposed to abrasive materials, excessive heat, and when it comes in contact with harder objects such as diamond or carbide. With a hardness of 6 to 6.5 in the Mohs scale, granite countertops and tiles are much harder than marble, travertine, limestone, etc.
What Is Granite Made Out Of?
Granite is a natural material. It develops through the slow crystallization of magma below the Earth’s surface and is collected when it hardens. A combination of different minerals and crystals make up granite’s unique color and texture. Feldspar and quartz generally make up the majority of granite, as well as small traces of mica and amphibole.
After granite is mined, it goes through a manufacturing process of smoothing and shaping into whatever product it will be used for. It comes in a variety of shapes, styles, and sizes and is sold online or at home improvement stores. Depending on the size and quality, the price of granite varies.
What Can Scratch Granite?
Below is a list of things that can damage your granite countertop:
- Heavy objects
- Sharp objects
- Abrasive materials
- Jewelry
- Heat
Let’s get into the details of what you should keep in mind when caring for your granite. To avoid scratches in your granite, avoid:
Heat
Granite is a rock, so placing heat—such as a hot pan—on the surface creates a thermal shock. The contact between the hot pan and the cold surface can weaken and therefore crack the worktop. To fix this, I always try to put something between my granite countertop and the hot pan, such as a thick cloth or trivets.
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Heavy Objects
The fall and/or weight from heavy objects will most certainly cause a crack or a micro-scratch on your granite. Although the crack might be small at first, it is common to spread over time. Therefore, avoid obvious abrasions, sliding heavy or sharp objects on your countertop.
Sharp Objects
Contrary to popular belief your regular stainless steel kitchen knife will not cause scratches on granite countertops easily. This is because the stainless steel blades have similar or less hardness than granite. In fact, you can cut directly on a granite countertop without damaging the cooktop.
However, I recommend never cutting anything directly on the surface of the granite and opting for a cutting board instead. This is because sharp objects can damage the countertop sealant and will affect the surface quality. Besides, if you use the knife on granite without sealant it can dull the knife edge very quickly.
I should also mention that ceramic and tungsten carbide knives are harder than granite and can scratch the granite countertop surface.
Abrasive Cleaning Products
Another tip to protect your granite is to avoid abrasive cleaning products! Examples of harsh products include vinegar, lemon, bleach, oven cleaner, or other harsh chemical cleaners. These cleaning products are too acidic for your worktop and can cause dullness and result in staining.
Jewelry
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend…until they scratch your granite. Just like granite itself, diamonds are also very hard. Because of their hardness, carbine and diamonds are prone to scratching granite and causing cracks.
An easy solution is to simply remove your jewelry when working on granite countertops.
How to Remove Scratches from Granite?
Although we try our best to protect our granite countertop and floor tiles, accidents happen. Depending on the depth of the scratch, the solutions to fix it are not the same. The first step is to inspect the scratches and determine their extent. It is always important to start the restoration process on clean surfaces. Otherwise, debris and dust will prevent good results. In some cases, it will even make the situation worse.
Below are some tips and tricks you can use to spruce up your granite.
Sanding/Buffing
- First, clean the surface using a soft rag, dishwashing soap, and water.
- Then, sand the affected area in circular motions. Start sanding with rough sandpaper and move up to a higher git paper to finish it. I would advise you not to apply too much pressure for fear of damaging your work surface.
- If you have a drill or a rotary tool use it to buff the surface.
- To finish, apply a granite protective coat.
It’s best to test this process on a hidden part of your countertop. This way you can test if it will be suitable to remove the scratches.
Epoxy Filler Kit
If the scratch on your granite is deep, epoxy is the best solution. Epoxy is essentially synthetic filler for granite. The material has a toughness similar to granite, which is why it is recommended as a filler. To match the epoxy to your granite, buy colorants and mix them with the epoxy so that the filler can blend in nicely.
Sealant
Sealant adds an extra layer of protection to your granite. After cleaning your granite countertop with acetone, pour granite sealant on the surface. Then, evenly distribute the sealant with a brush.
Professional Repair
Sometimes, it is best to call a professional to have your granite repaired. They will already have the tools and expertise needed to restore it to its fullest potential.
Overall, Granite is an excellent choice for your countertops and home decor. To ensure maximum quality, it is always important to know how to best care for your granite. Follow the tips above, and your granite will be set to sparkle!