Your granite countertop has served you well for years, but now there’s a chip near the sink, a hairline crack you can’t stop staring at, or a stain that won’t budge no matter what you try. A lot of homeowners don’t realize they can repair granite countertops themselves with just a few supplies and some patience.
Not every granite issue requires calling a granite installer or spending hundreds on professional repairs. The truth is, many common problems with granite countertops are completely fixable at home if you know what you’re doing. Below is a guide to DIY granite repair that covers everything from chips and cracks to stains and scratches, plus tips on when it makes sense to tackle the work yourself and when you should bring in the pros.
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Repair Granite Countertops: What’s DIY
Granite is incredibly durable, but it’s not indestructible. Heat, impact, acidic substances, and time all take their toll. The good news is that minor damage responds well to DIY repairs, while major structural issues might need professional intervention.
Assessing Your Granite Damage
Before you start any repair work, take a close look at what you’re dealing with. Run your finger over chips and cracks to gauge their depth. Check if cracks are stable or if they’re growing. Look at stains under different lighting to determine if they’re surface-level or have penetrated the stone.
For chips, measure the size. Anything smaller than a dime is usually an easy fix. Cracks need special attention because you’ll want to determine if they compromise the structural integrity of your granite kitchen countertop. If the crack is superficial and doesn’t go all the way through, you can likely handle it yourself.
Gathering Your Repair Supplies
To repair granite countertops effectively, you’ll need specific materials. For chips and cracks, get an epoxy or resin repair kit designed specifically for stone. These kits come in various colors to match different granite shades. You’ll also need acetone or rubbing alcohol for cleaning, painter’s tape, razor blades, and fine-grit sandpaper.
For stain removal, gather baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, plastic wrap, and tape. If you’re dealing with scratches, get polishing powder designed for granite and a buffing pad. Having everything ready before you start makes the process smoother and prevents interruptions.
How to Repair Chips in Granite Countertops
Chips are probably the most common damage you’ll encounter, especially around sinks and edges. Here’s how to fix them:
Start by cleaning the chipped area thoroughly with acetone to remove any grease, dirt, or residue. Let it dry completely. Use painter’s tape around the damaged spot to protect the surrounding surface and create clean edges for your repair.
Mix your epoxy or resin according to the kit instructions. If your granite has multiple colors, you might need to blend different tints to match. Apply the mixture to the chip, slightly overfilling it since the material will shrink as it cures. Use a razor blade or putty knife to level it with the surrounding surface.
Let the epoxy cure according to the manufacturer’s timeline, usually 24 hours. Once fully hardened, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any unevenness. Start with 400-grit and work up to 800-grit for a polished finish. Wipe away dust and assess the repair. If the color match is close and the surface feels smooth, you’ve successfully repaired a chip.
Fixing Cracks in Your Granite Surface
A cracked granite countertop can be alarming, but small cracks are manageable with the right technique. According to Angi, superficial cracks that don’t compromise structural integrity can often be successfully repaired by homeowners using specialized stone repair kits.
Clean the crack thoroughly, using compressed air if possible to blow out any debris lodged inside. Wipe with acetone and let dry. For hairline cracks, you’ll use a similar epoxy as with chips, but the application differs slightly.
Apply painter’s tape on both sides of the crack to keep your work area clean. Mix your color-matched epoxy and carefully work it into the crack using a thin blade or toothpick. You want to fill the crack completely without excess overflow. Smooth the surface and remove excess material before it starts to set.
After curing, sand the area smooth, gradually working through finer grits. The goal is to make the repair granite counter crack invisible both to touch and sight. Polish the area with granite polish to restore the shine.
Removing Stains From Granite
Stains require a different approach than physical damage. For granite countertop cleaning that addresses deep stains, you’ll need to create a poultice that draws out the discoloration.
Mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste, similar to peanut butter consistency. For oil-based stains, use acetone instead of hydrogen peroxide. Spread the paste over the stain, extending about an inch beyond the discolored area. Cover it with plastic wrap and tape down the edges to keep it moist.
Let the poultice sit for 24 to 48 hours. The mixture will dry out and pull the stain from the stone as it does. Remove the plastic, let the paste dry completely, then scrape it away and wipe the surface clean. If the stain persists, repeat the process. Stubborn stains might need three or four applications before they fully disappear.
Dealing With Scratches and Dull Spots
Surface scratches and dull areas don’t necessarily mean you need to repair a damaged granite countertop in a traditional sense, but they do need attention to restore appearance. Light scratches often respond to polishing compound and some elbow grease.
Apply granite polishing powder to the scratched area and work it in with a soft cloth or buffing pad attached to a drill. Use circular motions and light pressure. The polish will gradually smooth out minor imperfections in granite and restore shine. According to HGTV, regular polishing not only improves appearance but also helps maintain the protective seal on granite surfaces.
For deeper scratches that polishing won’t fix, you might need to use very fine wet/dry sandpaper, starting at 800-grit and working up to 3000-grit. This is delicate work that requires patience, but it can effectively minimize visible damage.
How to Reseal Granite Countertops After Repairs
Once you’ve completed your repairs, sealing is crucial. Repairing granite worktops doesn’t end with fixing the damage itself. You need to protect your work and ensure the entire surface has adequate sealing.
Test whether your granite needs sealing by dripping water on the surface. If it beads up, your seal is good. If it darkens the stone within a few minutes, it’s time to reseal. Clean the entire countertop thoroughly and let it dry completely, waiting at least 24 hours after any repair work.
Apply granite sealer evenly across the surface using a clean cloth, working in small sections. Let it penetrate for the time specified by the manufacturer, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe away any excess sealer before it dries. Some sealers require a second coat after the first has cured.
Reseal granite countertops annually for high-use areas like kitchen or bathroom surfaces, or every two years for less frequently used spaces. This preventive maintenance keeps granite looking great and makes future repairs easier.
Preventing Future Damage to Your Granite
After investing time in repairing your countertops, you’ll want to prevent future problems. Here are the key steps to keep your granite in top condition:
- Always use cutting boards instead of cutting directly on granite
- Place trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans, even though granite handles heat well
- Wipe up spills immediately, especially acidic substances like wine, coffee, or citrus juice
- Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbers that can wear down the sealer or scratch the surface
- Stick to pH-neutral cleaners designed for stone
- In kitchen and bathroom applications, be mindful of heavy objects that could chip edges if dropped
- Test your sealer regularly by dripping water on the surface to check if it still beads up
- Keep sharp or heavy items away from countertop edges where chips are most likely to occur
When DIY Repair Granite Countertops Isn’t Enough
While many homeowners successfully restore granite countertops on their own, some situations call for professional help. Large cracks, particularly those near edges or corners, might indicate structural problems. If your cracked granite countertop continues to spread despite repairs, that’s a sign that something more serious is happening.
Extensive staining that doesn’t respond to multiple poultice treatments might be etching or damage below the surface that requires professional grinding and polishing. Similarly, if you’ve attempted a repair and the results look worse than the original damage, it’s time to call in experts before making it more difficult to fix properly.
Getting Professional Help to Repair Granite Countertops
Sometimes the smartest DIY decision is knowing when to bring in professionals. If you’ve assessed your damage and it’s beyond your comfort level, or if your repair of granite countertops hasn’t worked, expert help is available.
Ready to tackle your granite issues with professional support? Granite ASAP specializes in granite repair, restoration, and maintenance. Our team has the experience and materials to make even severely damaged granite look like new again. Reach out now and discover why homeowners trust us for all their granite care needs.
