Granite countertops are often the crown jewel of a kitchen, offering a beautiful, durable surface that’s built to handle daily chaos. But even the toughest natural stone isn’t invincible. Over time, everyday wear and tear—from dropped pots to standard daily wipe-downs—can slowly strip away your gorgeous finish. Suddenly, the luxurious centerpiece you once loved starts looking scratched and a little worse for wear.

The good news is that you absolutely don’t have to rip your countertops out. Granite countertop restoration is much more manageable than it sounds, and doing it right is the secret to keeping them looking new for decades. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn hard water stains, minor scratching, or just a general loss of luster, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to breathe life back into your stone and protect it for the long haul. Let’s get that brilliant shine back!

How to Restore Granite Countertops

Think of this overview as “professional granite countertop restoration 101” as NOVA Stone Care walks you through the ins and outs of how to restore granite countertops. Granite countertop restoration is more than just a quick polish and calling it a day. We start with intensive cleaning to strip away years of grime and degraded sealers. Once the surface is prepped, resurfacing begins via a specialized process using diamond abrasive pads. We will carefully grind down the top microscopic layer of your stone. This process is like a giant eraser, buffing any scratches, stubborn hard water spots, and dull areas that a standard cleaning simply can’t fix.

After the surface is completely smooth and looks flawless, we bring back your finish. Our stone care technicians will use progressively finer grit diamond pads and professional-grade polishing powders. Making the stone look pretty is only half the job; keeping it that way is our end game. The last step is the application of a commercial-grade penetrating sealer. The sealant fills the natural, microscopic pores of the granite and creates an invisible shield to lock out moisture, oils, and spills, keeping your countertops gorgeous and resilient for years to come.

A Note on Proper Granite Countertop Care

Once your granite is looking as good as new again, keeping it that way comes down to a few simple daily habits. The golden rule of granite care? Step away from the harsh chemicals. Common household cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or vinegar are simply too abrasive; they will eat right through your protective sealer. Stick to a dedicated pH-neutral stone cleaner or just a few drops of mild Dawn dish soap mixed with warm water. Wipe the surface down daily with a soft microfiber cloth to pick up debris and grease without leaving behind scratches or streaks.

Beyond the daily wipe-down, long-term maintenance is all about preventative care and keeping an eye on your sealer. Be quick to clean up spills before they have a chance to seep. It’s also wise to get into the habit of using coasters, cutting boards, and trivets to protect the surface from thermal shock or accidental gouges. Finally, give your counters the “water test” every few months. Just flick a few drops of water onto the surface; if it beads up like a freshly waxed car, your sealer is holding strong. If the water darkens and absorbs into the stone, it’s time to reapply a quality penetrating sealer to keep your granite bulletproof.

Searching for Granite Countertop Restoration in Northern Virginia?

If you’re on the hunt for granite stone care technicians in Northern Virginia, NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Our stone care experts bring with them years of experience in the business and the technical know-how to get your granite countertops looking right as rain.

Are you interested in scheduling a time to have the natural stone in your home assessed? Contact us, and we can get you on our books today!

Is the granite in your home a little worse for wear? Maybe you have noticed a crack in your granite countertop, and you’re thinking, “Wow, that is going to be an expensive remodel.”

While it’s true that the cost of granite and other natural stone materials can be expensive, the perk of splurging on granite for your home is that it is long-lasting with proper care and maintenance. Fortunately, there are stone care professionals out there who can help you keep your granite looking pristine and free from cracks and chips.

What Causes the Granite Surfaces in Your Home to Crack and Chip?

Granite is one of the hardest natural stones used in homes, but it can still crack or chip under the right conditions. Damage can come from stress, impact, installation problems, or natural weaknesses in the stone itself. Dropping something dense with heavy impact, like a cast-iron pan or metal appliance, onto an edge or corner can easily crack or chip your granite surface. Corners and narrow sections around sinks are especially vulnerable because they have less structural support, so they stress and flex more easily.

Granite is formed under geological pressure, and some slabs contain fissures or veins that are naturally weaker than the surrounding stone. These are often aesthetically harmless, but under stress, they may develop into visible cracks. Other causes of cracking and chipping can include excessive weight or pressure, house movement or foundation settling, sudden temperature changes (thermal shock), weak edges and thin profiles, bad maintenance, and improper sealing.

Professional Granite Crack Repair Services

Professional stone care workers provide granite crack repair services and can masterfully restore damaged stone countertops, vanities, floors, and other granite surfaces to make the crack structurally stable and far less noticeable. These experts can address hairline cracks, surface fractures, chipped edges and corners, seam separation, and sink rail cracks, and can even address broken sections of countertops.

A common service provided by granite restoration specialists is rusted rod repair, which usually involves cracking in front of or behind your sink. Rods that are installed to reinforce weaker sections of the stone around sink walls can be prone to rust. These embedded rods expand when they rust as water seeps in, causing corrosion (failed caulking is a likely culprit), and the pressure can eventually cause the granite to crack. These professionals will do an in-person assessment of damage before providing a quote, as some repairs can be more involved than others.

When to Call a Stone Care Professional

Small chips are usually repairable with epoxy or resin color-matching, while larger cracks may require professional stone repair and even reinforcement underneath the slab. That’s why it’s important to call the professionals early when the damage is still minor. When the crack starts growing and pieces become loose, it’s time to call in the stone care pros. Generally, calling the experts in to address issues sooner rather than later will make a big difference in cost.

Are you searching for professional granite crack repair services in the greater DC area? NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Our skilled team of stone care professionals has the know-how to get your granite surfaces looking like new. Contact us and get on our calendar today!

Do you have granite countertops in your home? If so, you may have chosen them not only to accent and complement the base aesthetics of your kitchen or bathroom but also because of their durability. Stone is often a top choice for countertop material because it is both strong and gorgeous.

But to get the most out of your granite surfaces, you will need to maintain them properly. There are a few reasons why polishing and sealing your granite countertops regularly is a wise choice.

Why Polish and Seal Your Granite Countertops?

Did you know that sealing stone surfaces actually protects them? It’s true. Natural stones like granite are porous, which means that the stone itself has openings that allow it to absorb things. This can be quite problematic in terms of aesthetics and health hazards.

Your granite countertops can be susceptible to staining, discoloration, and even bacteria. Granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms are the perfect place for unwanted bacteria to infiltrate weakly sealed and aging stone. The experts recommend sealing your granite tops every one to three years, depending on the color,  frequency of use and care.

Polishing Your Countertops Regularly Will Keep Them Looking Like New

While sealing your granite countertops is a necessity for cleanliness and health reasons, polishing is mostly a choice made to keep the natural stone in your home beautiful. For starters, polishing a granite countertop will bring back its shine!

Polishing can also bring out the natural colors of the granite that may have dulled over time. Most stone care professionals will do a solid polish on your countertops along with a seal. This serves to help reinforce your seal, making it more damage-resistant.

NOVA Stone Care Can Polish and Seal Your Granite Countertops

If you are a homeowner in the Greater D.C. area searching for stone care services near you, NOVA Stone Care has got you covered. Locally owned and operated, we specialize in expert natural stone restoration services, including polishing and sealing granite countertops.

Interested in learning more about who we are and what we do? Visit our website for a full list of services or contact us for a quote.

For top-quality stone care products trusted and used daily by our team, visit https://mbstone.com/

Granite countertops and floors provide a luxurious look to any household and are a popular choice in homes across northern Virginia. Homeowners who choose granite love it not only for its aesthetics but its durability.

Natural stone surfaces like granite are heat, scratch, and stain resistant and can offer unique choices. From a design perspective, there is a wide range of color choices, finishes, and textures. A bonus is that they are also a desirable feature for homebuyers and add value.

When Granite Countertops and Floors Start Showing Their Age

Granite is an excellent choice for areas of your home that see a lot of use, which is why natural stone is commonly used for countertops and flooring, but it is not completely immune to scratching and staining. These polished surfaces can dull over time with use and age. 

Homeowners who are knowledgeable about caring for granite surfaces know to avoid cleaning chemicals such as bleach and lemon cleaners, and to avoid using abrasive sponges and steel wool when cleaning granite counters and floors. For additional guidance, take a look at this list of cleaning products to avoid on granite surfaces and what to use instead.

Proper care can keep your granite surfaces unblemished for a longer period of time. Even so, regular use means that eventually your granite countertops will need a little tender loving care to get them shining like the day they were installed.

Granite Restoration Services in Sterling, Virginia

Fortunately, there are stone care experts in Sterling, Virginia, who can restore your granite countertops and floors to their previous glory. Granite is a low-porous natural stone, so it is more resistant to staining than other choices, but with improper maintenance or compromised sealing, granite can be damaged.

Granite restoration specialists have a few tricks up their sleeves when it comes to restoring floors and countertops. Expert stone care professionals will thoroughly clean granite surfaces to remove any grime and dirt before beginning the restoration process. They will use specialized equipment to hone the top layer of the granite to grind away and fill in chips or scratches as necessary. They will then buff the surface of the granite to give it a like-new polished look.

Resealing Your Granite Countertops and Floors

Stone care workers are also skilled at resealing granite countertops and floors. Why have your granite resealed? Because resealing granite and other porous natural stone surfaces is a basic part of maintenance and recommended stone care. If you’re unsure whether your countertops need to be resealed, this guide from Lifehacker explains a quick and easy way to find out.

Resealing adds a protective barrier between your natural stone and outside contaminants. This is a hygienic practice as the porous nature of granite can allow for bacteria to make their way into the stone’s pores and potentially expose your household to bacterial contamination. Sealant also protects surfaces against harmful acids and creates a stain barrier. These are the benefits of having your countertops and floors resealed after restoration.

Are you searching for stone care workers for granite restoration in Sterling, Virginia? NOVA Stone Care, locally owned and operated, has you covered. With a sterling reputation for quality customer care and expert stone care services, we can get your granite countertops and floors looking good as new. Contact us for a quote and visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do.

Granite countertops are an amazing aesthetic to have in your home. Many homeowners choose to purchase homes with granite countertops (a great selling point!), and some even make the addition during home remodel projects because they prefer granite.

There are a few things that are different about having natural stone countertops over basic wood, tile, acrylic, or stainless steel countertops that homeowners must be aware of when caring for granite surfaces. Resealing granite surfaces as needed is necessary maintenance. This article details the steps professionals take prior to resealing and how to clean granite surfaces before sealing.

Why Do Granite Countertops Need to Be Resealed Regularly?

Even though granite is a low porous stone, the natural stone is still susceptible to liquids that may lead to discoloration or staining and even the growth of bacteria. The pores that are part of the composition of granite are what make resealing and refinishing a necessity for upkeep. 

Resealing your granite countertops per the sealant manufacturer’s recommendations (usually specified on the label of the sealant that is purchased) protects your natural stone. Doing so will help keep these surfaces looking pristine, increase durability, and, most importantly, promote cleanliness. Sealing reduces the ability of harmful bacteria imbedding into your natural stone countertop. Most professional stone care workers can also refinish and polish your countertops to address blemishes like stains and scratches, a process that returns the stone to its previous luster.

How to Clean Granite Before Resealing

Before your granite countertops can be resealed, they must be properly cleaned. The first step is to take everything off your counter. Jars, appliances (microwaves, coffee pots, water boilers, your espresso, or Soda Mate), decorations, dishes and your dishrack, and whatever tchotchkes you might have taken up real estate, need to be cleared. 

When cleaning the granite countertop, it is best to do so thoroughly. You must remove all the grease, crumbs, dirt, coffee grounds, and whatever else might have been sticking to the surface with a soft sponge or soft microfiber cloth. Warm water and non-acidic soap work best. You will want to avoid any abrasive cleaning products or materials to prevent unintended damage to your granite during the cleaning process. Things to avoid include ammonia, bleach, vinegar, and lemon cleaners as all can damage your countertop’s finish.

Your Granite Countertops Must Be Completely Dry Before Sealant Application

It is necessary to let your granite countertops dry before applying any sealant. This can take anywhere between 12 and 24 hours. You can go by the manufacturer’s specific recommendations or err on the side of caution and wait a full 24 hours before resealing your granite surfaces. You cannot use the countertop while it is drying; otherwise, you will be back to square one.

Why? Because liquids disrupt the sealant’s ability to do its job. If the granite is wet during application, the sealant may not bond as well to the surface, and the finish can have a hazy appearance. If you notice this, it means that your granite countertop has been improperly sealed. Weak seals do not offer as good of a defense from unwanted stains, moisture, and bacteria. It is best to let your granite countertops dry overnight after deep cleaning them before resealing.

Applying Sealant to Your Granite Countertops

Once everything is completely dry, it is time to apply the sealant. Applying a small amount of the sealant to a part of the countertop that is normally obscured and out of view for a test is a smart move. It is pertinent that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you want to read more about the process, you can check out Angi’s List and Better Homes & Gardens.  If you’re unsure, hire stone care professionals to get the job done for you. 

Are you searching for granite countertop resealing and refinishing in Northern Virginia? NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Our stone care workers are experts at resealing and refinishing natural stone counters, and we have a reputation for quality services, including granite. Contact us today for a quote.

Do you have granite countertops in your home? They can be a wonderful way to accent your kitchen or bathroom by providing a timeless and elegant look. However, if you want to keep your natural stone surfaces looking like new, there are a few things that you should know about how to clean granite countertops properly.

Many people don’t realize that natural stones like granite are porous in nature, meaning that the stone itself contains openings that are microscopic. These “voids” within the granite can be problematic as they can absorb liquids (as well as gases!)—granite is considered a low-porous material, but proper granite cleaning and maintenance are still imperative to maintaining the integrity of the granite surfaces within your home.

What You Use to Clean Your Granite Countertops Matters

One of the biggest things you can do to damage your beautiful granite countertops is to choose the wrong type of cleaning materials to get the job done. We are going to discuss what not to do and what to do when it comes to keeping your granite pristine and not damaging it during the cleaning process. For starters, what you wipe your granite countertop down with matters.

Avoid scrubbing your granite counter down with things like coarse brushes, Brillo pads, steel wool, etc. Why? Granite is sensitive to these things, and those rough materials can do more damage than they do good. Granite is hard, but abrasive cleaning materials will scratch its sealant, create pitting and surface scratches, and even dull the granite’s surface. Instead, it is recommended to clean your granite surface with soft microfiber clothes or a non-abrasive sponge.

What Types of Cleaning Products Should You Use to Clean Granite Countertops? 

We recommend a simple solution of dish soap and water to clean your granite countertops. Just make sure to wipe them down to dry them thoroughly to avoid any unwanted streaks. You really don’t need more than this. If you need to properly disinfect the granite surface, you can use a 50/50 solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and water for proper sanitation. 

What you want to avoid using to clean your granite countertops is anything too acidic or caustic. Harsh chemicals, products like bleach, lemon cleaner, and vinegar-based cleaning solutions, can weaken the sealant on your granite countertops and dull their finish.

Resealing Your Granite Countertops

To properly maintain the integrity of your granite, it’s important to reseal your countertops following the sealant manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are uncertain about this, you can contact us with any questions you might have about the specific process. As professionals, we can polish and seal your granite countertops properly and with care for a deep clean.

Why reseal your countertops? The reason is that resealing protects the stone. This process helps preserve your granite countertop’s natural luster and beauty, which is why experts recommend refinishing as part of granite countertop maintenance.

If you are looking for a reputable stone care company to spruce up your granite countertops and make them look new, NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Our stone care experts are skilled in services like polishing and resealing. Visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do.

Do you have granite countertops in your home? If so, did you know that an important part of upkeeping your granite counters is resealing them when they need it?

You might be wondering why stone care professionals recommend that you periodically reseal your granite countertops (as needed). NOVA Stone Care has the answers to this question and can provide you with some tips surrounding the signs to look for that will tell you that it is time to reseal the granite surfaces in your home.

Why Reseal Your Granite Countertops?

For starters, let’s talk about why you should reseal your granite countertops every one to three years. This can be highly dependent on things like how much use these granite surfaces see, the type of sealant chosen when they are resealed (not all sealants are created equally), and the type of care and maintenance provided by homeowners. Granite countertops exposed to acidic substances and heavy use need resealing more often than those treated with extra care.

The main reasons for sealing your granite surfaces are that it protects the naturally porous granite and promotes the longevity of the stone. We know that sealants can add an extra level of durability to help protect your granite countertops from wear over time and from overabsorption of substances that make contact.

Signs That Your Granite Countertop Needs to Be Resealed

What are some signs that it’s time to reseal your granite countertops? For starters, you will notice that the granite appears duller than it used to, losing that polished finish. Visible cracking of the sealer means moisture is penetrating the porous stone and beginning to cause damage.

Other things to watch out for a water rings and stains. Dark spots or any type of discoloration, the appearance of a bumpy or uneven finish, watermarks, these are all big red flags. All these occurrences indicate that your sealer is past its expiration date and that you should reseal your granite countertops for the sake of durability, longevity, and aesthetics.

One Simple Test Can Help You Confirm Whether It’s Time to Reseal Your Granite Counters

An easy water test can confirm your suspicions. Choose a hidden spot, somewhere along the granite countertop surface that is a bit obscured from view. Pick a place on the countertop that is not readily visible (a spot underneath baking jars, coffee maker, microwave, etc.) and pour a little water onto the surface (around a quarter cup is a good amount).

Let the water sit there for three or four minutes and take a look. If the granite absorbs water, the area darkens and shows a visible blemish. However, if you notice that the water is beading off the surface, this is a good sign that shows your sealant is still effective and that it isn’t time to reseal your granite counters. This test is simple, tried, and true.

Do your granite countertops need a little tender loving care? NOVA Stone Care can take care of that for you. We are pros in countertop finishing and work with all types of natural stone, granite included. Are you interested in learning more about who we are and what we do? Visit our website and contact us about resealing your granite countertops today!

Does your home have granite countertops? Granite is a beautiful way to accent your kitchen and add a touch of class. But there are a few things to consider when it comes to the longevity of natural stone counters. When it comes to proper care, you will find that with the right maintenance, your granite will continue to look as good as the day it was installed.

But beyond the aesthetics, making sure that your granite countertops are properly maintained involves not only using less abrasive cleaning materials on your counters (absolutely avoid the use of strong acid based cleaners and solvents as well as coarse brushes, rags, or steel wool). This stuff will do more damage than good to your granite.

Why Do the Experts Recommend that You Seal Granite Countertops?

Stone care experts agree that granite countertops should be periodically resealed. Why? Most professionals cite two reasons. The first is aesthetic while the second is hygienic. Both are valid reasons to decide to hire out for professional granite refinishing services in your area. 

Keep in mind that most natural stone, including granite, is porous. Resealing granite protects the stone from absorbing things that can tarnish it. Without a proper seal, oils, liquids, coffee, and juice can seep into your granite and blemish it. A properly sealed countertop is more resistant to staining, scratching, and chipping. But beyond the aesthetics, sealing your granite countertop ensures hygiene—preventing bacteria and mold from taking root.

How Often Should You Seal Granite Countertops?

Generally, most stone care professionals will agree that you shouldn’t go for more than a year without resealing your granite countertops. Why? Because this timeframe is usually when most sealers will be good up until (definitely go by what the sealant manufacturer’s label says when it comes to how long the sealant is effective for). 

The experts at NOVA Stone Care recommend resealing your countertops with an appropriate granite countertop sealer between six months and a year, depending on the level of wear, tear, use, and/or abuse that your granite countertops weather. With heavy use or improper maintenance, you will need to reseal your granite countertops sooner rather than later.

Are You Searching for Granite Refinishing Services in Northern Virginia?

If your Northern Virginia home has granite surfaces that need some serious TLC, chances are that these surfaces are in dire need of resealing. NOVA Stone Care specializes in working with all types of natural stone, and our professional stone care technicians are skilled at refinishing granite countertops. We have the experience and the know-how to get your granite countertops looking like the day that they were installed.

Are you interested in learning more about who we are and what we do? Visit our website for a full list of our services and contact us for a quote. We can address imperfections and damages before resealing your counters and return your granite countertops to their former luster.

If your home features granite countertops in the bathroom and kitchen, you might take pride in having such beautiful natural stone accents. Granite is a gorgeous material to work with that can add a good amount of class to anyone’s home décor if done tastefully. 

However, just like other building materials, a certain amount of upkeep is required to maintain the granite in your home. Whether you are a homeowner considering installing granite countertops for the first time, a homebuyer considering purchasing a house with granite countertops, or you have had them in your current home for years, proper care for your granite countertops is essential for homeowners.

Why Sealing Granite Countertops is Crucial Maintenance

Many homeowners choose granite countertops due to the stone’s beauty and its contribution to the overall home décor. Natural stone countertops are a top choice for interior decorating. Properly maintained stone can withstand the test of time in areas like the bathroom and kitchen, offering a longer shelf life than wood and often less hassle than tile.

One thing that homeowners with granite countertops need to be aware of is that their countertops require routine resealing. Most natural stone workers recommend resealing your granite countertops every one to three years, depending on usage, the type of sealant used, manufacturer recommendations, and the type of granite used.

But How Do You Know It’s Time to Seek Granite Sealing Services in Northern Virginia?

It is difficult for the untrained eye to look at a granite countertop and determine that it needs resealing, except in the most extreme cases. However, there is a simple test you can perform to determine if it’s time to reseal your granite countertops. All you need is a little water. 

Just pour a small amount (no more than a quarter cup) of water on your granite surface and observe to see if it is absorbed into the rock. Also, look for any dark discoloration of the stone where the water makes contact. If you observe a dark spot, the sealant on your countertops is ineffective. This is the easiest way to determine if your granite countertops need resealing.

How to Seal Granite Countertops

If you’re wondering how to go about sealing your kitchen countertops, the first step is to thoroughly clean and dry the granite countertops you plan to reseal. The next step is to apply a granite sealer to the countertop using a spray bottle. It is essential to apply the sealer evenly across the entire granite countertop, dampening the rock only. Once you have done this, let the sealer sit for the recommended amount of time by the manufacturer. Once it has set, gently wipe away the excess with a microfiber cloth.

You can also choose to hire stone care professionals to do your countertop refinishing for you. These experts can provide recommendations for polishing and addressing issues such as chips, scratches, etching, and wear on your granite surfaces. 

If you are on the hunt for natural stone care services and granite countertop resealing in Northern Virginia, NOVA Stone Care has got you covered. Contact us today.

Do you have granite countertops in your home? If so, you may have chosen them not only to accent and complement the base aesthetics of your kitchen or bathroom but also because of their durability. Stone is often a top choice for countertop material because it is both strong and gorgeous. But to get the most out of your granite surfaces, you will need to maintain them properly. There are a few reasons why polishing and sealing your granite countertops regularly is a wise choice.

Why Polish and Seal Your Granite Countertops?

Did you know that sealing stone surfaces actually protects them? It’s true. Natural stones like granite are porous, which means that the stone itself has openings that allow it to absorb things. This can be quite problematic in terms of aesthetics and health hazards.

Your granite countertops can be susceptible to staining, discoloration, and even bacteria. Granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms are the perfect place for unwanted bacteria to infiltrate weakly sealed and aging stone. The experts recommend sealing your granite tops every one to three years, depending on the color,  frequency of use and care.

Polishing Your Countertops Regularly Will Keep Them Looking Like New

While sealing your granite countertops is a necessity for cleanliness and health reasons, polishing is mostly a choice made to keep the natural stone in your home beautiful. For starters, polishing a granite countertop will bring back its shine!

Polishing can also bring out the natural colors of the granite that may have dulled over time. Most stone care professionals will do a solid polish on your countertops along with a seal. This serves to help reinforce your seal, making it more damage-resistant.

NOVA Stone Care Can Polish and Seal Your Granite Countertops

If you are a homeowner in the Greater D.C. area searching for stone care services near you, NOVA Stone Care has got you covered. Locally owned and operated, we specialize in expert natural stone restoration services, including polishing and sealing granite countertops.

Interested in learning more about who we are and what we do? Visit our website for a full list of services or contact us for a quote.