Are Etch Marks Ruining the Look of Your Granite Countertops?

Granite is one of the most-preferred stone for countertops. It is tough, durable, looks rustic and has a natural demeanor to it. But, this natural stone also comes with its own share of problems. Without proper maintenance and care, your granite countertops can easily become dull and lustreless. While you may be cleaning and polishing your granite regularly, you might not be aware about etching. It is a sort of chemical damage that occurs on natural stone tile due to certain acidic products. You might think etching marks as water stains, but actually, if not treated immediately, these rough patches can further absorb stains which are extremely tough to remove. So if you have noticed etching marks on your surface, then professional cleaning granite countertops services can restore it to perfection.

What is Etching? 

Etching is a type of chemical damage on stone surfaces that occurs due to acidic substances or chemicals. This damage can be mild to severe and it results in a dull looking rough patch on the surface. You might think the etching on granite to be a stain, but no matter how vigorously you clean, it will not go away. The longer your stone is exposed to such products, the more severe the etching marks will become. The repair process will also get all the more difficult.

Etch Marks on the Stone Surface

What Causes Etching?

It is caused by acidic liquids. Such products are used for cleaning granite countertops. Even acidic food and beverage spills such as wine, lemon juice or tomatoes lead to etching.  Household cleaning agents like bleach, soda and ammonia also cause etching marks.

How To Prevent Etching on Granite Countertops?

• Regular cleaning of granite can prevent the stains from seeping deep into the pores of the stone.
• You should always use cleaning products with an alkaline PH level. You need to take care of granite right from the start to prevent any kind of stains or etching marks.
• Moreover, you should prevent cutting and chopping of vegetables and fruits directly on your granite countertops. Always use a chopping board for your chopping purposes. 
• In case of a spill, do not spread the liquid to wipe it. Instead, use a blotting paper to absorb the spilled liquid and then clean with a wet cloth. 
• To prevent etching marks, sealing granite is necessary. Once you have deep-cleaned your granite, you should call in experts to seal the surface. Sealing the stone with epoxy resin sealers forms a waterproof layer on the surface, thereby preventing absorption of any liquids or moisture. Any acidic spills on a waterproof surface cannot damage it then.

Granite Cleaning

How to Repair Etching Marks?

Polishing the surface can remove the etching marks. Polishing imparts a mirror like sheen and finesse and restores it back to perfection. You can hire professionals to polish the surface.

Contact stone restoration professionals from D’Sapone to repair etching marks on your granite.  They use high-quality products for deep cleaning granite countertops. They also seal and polish the surface to remove the etching marks. If you find etch marks are ruining the look of your stones, you can avail their services now.