How Often Should You Polish Granite (And Why)?

how-often-polish-granite
Granite is a standout feature in your home regardless of the room and location you’ve installed it in, but over time it will start to lose that original shine it once had. And, in the pursuit to enhance the natural shine and luster of your granite, you may be asking “how often should I polish granite?” and “can I polish granite on my own?” Luckily, it is possible to learn how to polish granite countertops and other surfaces in your home — and it usually doesn’t require a visit from a professional. With the right tools and knowledge, polishing your granite countertops and other natural-stone surfaces will help extend the life and appearance of your natural stone.

Is Granite Polish Necessary?

When you invest in a natural-stone surface like granite, stone care is one of the most important things to learn right away. As third-generation Stone Care Experts, we pride ourselves on helping people just like you know how to properly care for the stone in their home. And many people are surprised to hear the secret to long-lasting, beautiful granite countertops is a simple, three-step process you can do on your own:
  1. Clean often
  2. Seal frequently
  3. Polish regularly
In short, yes, it is very important to polish your granite countertops and other natural-stone surfaces. Natural stone is an investment, and you want it to last a long time. You may not realize it, but common day-to-day things, like leaving a lemon on your granite countertop after making a homemade salad or spilling nail polish remover on the ledge of the bathtub, can cause damage to the stone. Your granite should be wiped clear daily or after each meal preparation with a granite cleaner formulated specifically for granite and other natural stone. But, why do you need to polish granite? Polishing granite surfaces goes beyond aesthetics. A high-quality granite polish will help reinforce the protective seal on the stone’s surface, will enhance the natural color and shine of your stone, and help resist fingerprints, water spots and soap scum build-up. And, if polishing becomes a regular part of your routine, especially on dark-stone surfaces, little things like fingerprints and streaks won’t form as easily. Not only is polishing granite necessary, but it’s very important that you are using one that is formulated specifically for granite and other natural stone. Look for one that is pH balanced, safe for food-preparation surfaces and doesn’t contain phosphates or ammonia. Granite Gold Polish® checks off all of those boxes and comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle that is safe to use as a granite polish on countertops, walls, backsplashes, tubs and more.

How Often Should You Polish Granite?

How often you polish comes down to how often you want to enjoy consistent shine and luster. Our customers often tell us they polish weekly. Be sure not to use spray to polish stone floors. They become too slippery and risk injury. Instead, hire a professional stone restoration specialist with the proper tools and training. Here's some helpful information on Granite Gold Polish®. You may have noticed other companies recommend that you professionally polish your granite at least every 5-15 years. This is a pretty broad range and much longer than the weekly granite polish we recommend. But there are many factors that determine how often granite should be professionally polished. Cleaning, sealing and polishing your granite should all be standard upkeep and maintenance practices. Think of your weekly polishing as a preventative measure intended to help you avoid any damage to your beautiful natural-stone surface. You certainly don’t want to wait until there are visible signs of damage before you think about stone care. Polishing granite is quick, easy and requires nothing more than your spray bottle of Granite Gold Polish® and a paper towel or lint-free cloth. By using a granite polish that you can do yourself on a weekly basis, you are taking the upkeep of your natural stone into your own hands and extending its life. You are also saving yourself the need to pay a professional every couple of years to polish and/or repair your stone.

Can I Polish All The Granite In My Home?

We don’t recommend polishing all granite surfaces with a spray polish. For example, you should avoid spraying polish granite or other stone floors as they can become too slippery and dangerous; instead, hire a pro with the proper tools and training If the granite on your floor or counters is looking dull and you’re tempted to polish it, contact our experienced team to learn about your options and how to polish a granite floor.

How To Polish Granite Countertops And Other Natural-Stone Surfaces

Prepping your granite surface for polishing is a fast and easy process. You should already be using a stone-safe daily cleaner after meal prep, spills and water has accumulated. Then, once you are ready to start polishing granite, simply:
  • Clean with Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®.
  • Wait 20 minutes or dray to the touch before applying Granite Gold Polish®.
  • Rotate nozzle to either “spray” or “stream” setting.
  • Hold the bottle 6-8 inches from the surface.
  • Buff with a dry paper towel or lint-free cloth.
  • Wipe dry with a paper towel or lint-free cloth.
For the complete, in-depth polishing guide, here’s how to polish granite countertops yourself.
The Lennys   |   Posted on November 10 2020

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