Granite countertops tend to be exceptionally durable, but like any other material, this stone can be damaged and may require granite countertop repair. Cracks and chips are the most likely types of damage, though discoloration can be a problem, as well as scratching. The first step in performing a granite countertop repair is consulting the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure the person doing the repair will not be voiding any warranties. If bonding agents are required to fix the damage, the repairer should be sure to color-match the materials to ensure the repairing agent will not stand out from the rest of the surface.
Epoxies and other bonding agents are usually necessary to perform granite countertop repair that relates to chipping or cracking. When applying such bonding agents, it is very important to use the proper tools and clean up any messes as they happen. Epoxies tend to harden very quickly, and it will be difficult to clean up messes once the bonding agent cures. Cleaning up the globs or other messes as they happen will help prevent the need for excess clean-up later. Granite countertop repair is not exceptionally difficult, but care must be taken to ensure mistakes are addressed immediately.
For small or medium cracks, it is best to use a palette knife or similar tool that will allow the repairer to spread epoxy or bonding agents smoothly and easily. It will be important to work the bonding agent into the crack; if the crack is exceptionally small, a toothpick can be used to force the epoxy into the crack. The top of the crack should be smoothed out once the epoxy is pressed in to ensure a smoother finish and less sanding later on.
Always clean the surface of the granite before performing any granite countertop repair. Do this with manufacturer-recommended cleaning agents that will not damage the finish of the granite. In some cases, it may be necessary to sand the granite surface with an abrasive, often one that contains diamonds. If this is the case, be sure to do some research to find out what type of finish was used on the countertop and how to replace that finish so the final repair blends in with the rest of the countertop. Polishing the surface will be necessary after such repairs; this process may also be necessary if the granite becomes discolored or etched.
