One of the natural stones of choice when it comes to choosing a bench top material, mostly due to its availability in a wide array of colours and durability, is granite. Over time, however, use and age may cause the surface of your stone bench to grow dull and lifeless, which can really affect the appearance of your kitchen. Follow these steps if you would like to learn how to restore your granite:
Step 1: Give the bench a thorough clean using a mild detergent or a specialized stone cleaner. It is important to make sure that all stains and dirt have been removed, otherwise they will be sealed into the granite.
Step 2: Take some fine grade steel wool or a stone wax removal product to remove any wax that may be on the granite’s surface. You will then need to wipe the benches down with water and dry quickly with a soft cloth. Leave to dry for 2 to 4 hours.
Step 3: Use the stone sealer that you have pre-purchased and apply it to the surface of your bench, using a spray bottle if needed to ensure that the coating is even. Wipe off any remaining residue, then leave the whole bench to dry completely.
Step 4: Take an automotive rubbing compound and apply it to the dull areas of your granite, then apply a wax or polish. Using a car buffer, buff both of these substances into the stone until its shine returns.
To ensure that your granite’s shine is maintained, it is a good idea to reseal the bench tops a few times a year, to clean up spills immediately, to use chopping boards instead of placing food directly on the surface and to avoid placing oil on the bench. If you find your granite growing dull again, simply repeat this process.