Granite countertops are tough, aren’t they? That’s why they are one of the most popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms. Natural stone surfaces have a timeless look that is beautifully reflected in granite countertops. Their natural beauty makes them truly decorative.
But even the strongest surfaces can be impacted once in a while. If you accidentally placed a heavy appliance with force and knocked the edge while doing so, you’ll likely have a chip in your granite, and that’s just plain frustrating. Even though it’s a cosmetic issue that doesn’t impact functionality, we know this small chip bothers you.
Your once sleek kitchen or bathroom now looks damaged and needs repair. But before you start looking for new granite slabs, consider this: what if you could be the repair person? You won’t need to call anyone if you have the right tools and knowledge. Using our step-by-step guide, you could fix chipped granite yourself. We’ll help you get your countertop back in shape; what’s more, we promise to help you do it gently. Let’s begin!
1. Clean the Damaged Area
Professional granite restoration is necessary for large-scale jobs, but a small chip can be handled DIY. Prepping the area for the chip repair is essential. The first step is to clean the chipped area well to remove debris in any other form.
Kitchen countertops usually attract grime and grease from cooking, while granite bathroom countertops can collect dust if not wiped regularly. Regular cleaning helps improve the quality of your repair. Hence, pay adequate attention to this step, even when you want to move forward to fix the chip. Believe us, we know how strong the urge is to repair the chip right away.
You can use masking tape around the chipped granite; this protects the surrounding area. Mix a mild detergent with water (warm water will do, too). Dip a soft cloth in this solution and gently clean the area. Don’t scrub too much, as this could further damage the existing chip or impacted area. Rinse after it’s cleaned and let it dry. A hair dryer or an electric hand fan can dry the area quickly and thoroughly.
2. Fill the Chip with Epoxy
While the just-cleaned surface dries, get a granite chip repair kit. These repair kits contain colored epoxy or resin, a mixing tool, and a hardening agent. You can get them online or at any local hardware store.
The main thing is to buy a granite repair kit with a color and pattern that matches your granite countertops. If you don’t get the exact shade, buy something that looks very close. Some granite repair kits have pigments you can mix to get the right shade.
Take your time mixing the pigment, especially if your granite countertop has a texture (like veins, speckles, or a marbled look). Test a small sample on a cardboard or any other suitable surface before applying the pigment to the chipped area.
Next, carefully apply the epoxy, filling the small chip on your granite countertop. You can use the applicator for this. The filled-in epoxy should be a notch above the granite’s surface to ensure you can sand it later. Sanding makes the job smooth.
If you’re unsure whether your kitchen countertop needs repair or upgrade, we recommend reading about the signs that a countertop installation is necessary.
3. Smooth the Surface
Once the filling is done, you can get a coffee and relax. The epoxy takes some time to cure. The instructions on the granite repair kit tell you how long it usually takes, so don’t rush this process. When the material hardens, use a razor blade to scrape the excess epoxy. Work only on the impacted area to avoid scratching the surrounding surface. This is crucial since granite is prone to scratches.
An important tip: Always wear gloves when using a razor blade to avoid accidental cuts. Further, don’t leave the blade lying around after you’re done. Dispose of it carefully. After all, safety is essential!
Next, get a sanding paper or use the sanding pad in the granite chip repair kit to sand the area. Once it looks flush, you can stop to check if it’s flat against the surface.
4. Polish the Repaired Area
The chip is smooth now, but it doesn’t have the shine like the rest of the granite countertop. That’s what the polishing compound is for. It’s made for natural stone surfaces, and you’ll likely find it in repair kits. If not, you can buy a polishing compound at a hardware store.
Buckle down to restore the shine! Blend the repaired area using the polishing compound and see if the chipped area still catches your eye. If it doesn’t, your job is almost finished. Get a cloth and wipe the residue, and see how the previously chipped granite now looks. You can pat yourself on the back for a good job done patiently!
5. Seal the Granite
This step is key to maintaining the integrity of your granite countertop. Reseal the surface because granite is porous. It absorbs liquids when they spill and stains quickly. The sealing process makes the chip repair sturdy.
Use a quality granite sealer to reseal the entire countertop instead of focusing only on the chipped area. Follow the instructions on the repair kit and wait for at least 15 to 20 minutes before wiping the excess material. You can also try the water test to see if additional sealing is needed. Pour a tiny amount of water on the surface. If it seems to get absorbed, get the materials for resealing.
Don’t ignore the kitchen tiles if you’re doing a complete kitchen remodel or refresh. In fact, get professional grout cleaning services to make your space sparkle.
Conclusion
A chip in your granite countertop seems disturbing and unmanageable at first. Yes, we know that. But we can tell you that repairing it isn’t difficult when you have the right tools and reasonable knowledge.
The five steps explained in this guide (cleaning, filling, sanding, polishing, and resealing) can help you quickly handle a chipped granite countertop problem. With a few vital granite restoration tips, you can keep your kitchen or bathroom looking as good as new. So, the next time you see a small chip, pick up your granite chip repair kit confidently and follow these steps to fix your granite countertops like a professional.
If you feel the job can’t be done DIY, seek help from professional companies experienced in handling granite countertop chip repair. Visit us to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your home in great shape.
