A granite countertop with a scratch in it is a granite countertop that is susceptible to even more damage. As more people in Nashville choose to use them in their homes, we hear more problems developing from small scratches that aren’t dealt with promptly or correctly.

This article lays out 8 steps you can take to repair a scratch in your granite countertop.

Repair a scratch in your granite countertop

1. Wipe Down: The area around the scratch needs to be cleaned with a solvent. Go to your local hardware store in Nashville and ask for methyl-ethyl-keytone, paint stores will definitely have it. This will remove any oils on the surface of the granite countertop. When clean, dry it with a hairdryer to be sure that all moisture is gone.

2. Mask it: Use masking tape to create a frame around the scratch. The frame is meant to keep the epoxy in the next step in a small area.

3. Use epoxy: Put on your best rubber gloves, get to a location with ventilation, and mix together the epoxy resin and tinted granite powder, that you should have bought while out in Nashville looking for the solvent. Mix in more resin until you get the right color for the scratched area. Follow the instructions included as they vary slightly, but this is when you’ll usually add the hardener.

4. Fill the scratch: Most surface scratches will only need a small amount of the epoxy resin to fill it up. Keep it within the masking tape frame, don’t spread it around.

5. Level it off: Use a razor blade and scrape the epoxy off before it gets too hard so it is level with the rest of your granite countertop.

6. Wait: The epoxy needs at least 24 hours to completely harden.

7. Get buff: Use a very fine grit sandpaper, at least an 800, to smooth out the surface. Keep the frame in place so you don’t damage the area around it needlessly.

8. Seal the deal: Use your sealer that you always have for your granite countertop by applying it with a paintbrush. This will help it look shiny and new again.

Further granite countertop repair help in Nashville

For bigger scratches, or even chips, contact the team here at Stone World. They’ve helped many other residents in Nashville repair their granite countertop, and have the connections to get it done right should you need professional help!

Granite countertops are more popular than ever here in Nashville. Some may think that it’s just a trend or fad, but this has been going on for years and shows no signs of slowing down. And why should it? Granite countertops last for years, have a unique look, and fit into a range of kitchen styles.

If you’d like to learn more about why granite countertops are so popular in the Nashville area, read on.

What are the strengths of granite countertops?

Granite countertops are regularly chosen by homeowners in Nashville due to four main reasons. We’ll look at them now.

1. Granite countertops are strong

Granite countertops are strong enough to handle any of your daily chores for decades. Causing granite countertops to crack also takes a hard hit, one which is pretty uncommon for your average day in any kitchen or bathroom in Nashville.

2. Granite countertops look great

Granite countertops come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. This diversity allows them to easily fit into any style you’ve chosen for your kitchen or bathroom.  You can find a lightly colored beige, a daring red, or stark black granite countertops for nearly any application in your home.

3. Granite countertops are easy to care for

Granite countertops require less regular care than the other popular stone countertop material in Nashville – marble. Granite countertops typically require sealing every two years, although more often could help keep it sealed even better.

4. Granite countertops are hard to chip or scratch

Granite countertops are made from one of the hardest natural substances on Earth – granite! It isn’t often that you’ll hear of one breaking, not every after the craziest party that Nashville can throw at them.

Are granite countertops the right choice for your home?

Many people in the Nashville area have been choosing granite countertops solely due to their popularity. For help getting the right one into you home in the Nashville area, contact the team here at Stone World.

Granite countertops are some of the most popular types in all of Nashville. Be sure to follow this guide to keep them looking as good as the day you had them installed. As it’s designed to keep your granite countertop looking nearly brand new for years to come.

Granite countertop care guide: Cleaning and maintenance

What to not use on your granite countertop

Every granite countertop will be damaged by harsh cleaners, especially those that contain bleach or abrasive material. Be sure to never use them on your granite countertop so you don’t cause damage to them

Basic cleaning tips for a granite countertop

1. Start with a large bowl, or a bucket full of warm water. Now add in a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Swish it around a little and get it sudsy.

2. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the water and use it to wipe away at the worst of the mess. Rinse the sponge or cloth repeatedly as you clean it further.

3. Once you have cleaned up the whole mess, rinse out the sponge or cloth so that all soap is out of it. Now rinse the granite countertop with plain water to get rid of all soap residue.

4. Wipe your granite countertop with a dry cloth and remove all remaining moisture.

5. Periodically you will want to use a natural stone or granite cleaner, instead of the soap and water, to bring back the shine that built up soap residue can cause. Natural stone cleaners for granite countertops can be found at most hardware stores in Nashville.

Remove a stain from a granite countertop

Your granite countertop will resist stains better than marble, particularly if it is dark. Here is what you can do to get rid of those stains which do occur:

1. Blot at spills, don’t wipe as that will spread it and make your problem worse.

2. Mix up your own poultice, which is a mixture of baking soda and water to a toothpaste like consistently, or purchase one from a local hardware store in the Nashville area.

3. Apply the poultice in a 1/4 inch thick layer. Overlap the stain on your granite countertop by at least 1/4 of an inch on all sides.

4. Cover the poultice completely with plastic wrap. Tape the edges of it down to the granite countertop and seal it completely.

5. Leave the poultice on the stain for at least 24 hours, and up to two days if needed. Allow it to dry completely.

6. Use a cloth or sponge to wipe up the poultice.

7. Rinse the granite countertop with plain water, and then clean it as normal.

8. If there is still a stain there, you can repeat the steps above as many times as you need to.

For difficult granite countertop stains

If you are still having a problem with your granite countertop, you can call up the team here at Stone World. They’ve seen every granite countertop stain you’ve imagined, and have helped at least lessen it for everyone who has come to them here in Nashville for help.

Stone World Granite countertops have been popular in Nashville for decades. Quartz countertops are just starting to get noticed in a major way. Which of these two excellent countertop materials are going to be a better fit for your home in Nashville? Take a look at this comparison article to judge whether you want granite countertops or quartz countertops!

Comparing granite countertops and quartz countertops

Good points for granite countertops:

The strengths of granite countertops have lead to them being the most popular choice in Nashville for years:

1. They are incredibly durable and will only chip or break if hit REALLY hard by something solid.
2. Granite countertops are resistant to stains, a darkly colored one will hardly show stains at all.
3. Due to them being a naturally formed substance, no two are ever exactly alike.

Problems with granite countertops:

1. They are very heavy and require professional help for a smooth installation.
2. They are porous and must be resealed regularly: every year, or every other year.
3. Seams are visible where two pieces of granite come together.
4. They will stain more than quartz countertops.

Granite countertops are popular in Nashville due to their durability, unique patterns, and lower maintenance issues when compared to other non-stone materials.

Quartz countertops

Good points for quartz countertops:

1. As strong as granite, but slightly easier to install than granite due to it being slightly flexible.
2. Never needs to be sealed as it is non-porous. Busy Nashville homeowners love this point.
3. Require little to no maintenance: you can install them and forget about them.
4. Resistant to all staining

Problems with quartz countertops:

1. Discoloration can occur if they’re exposed to direct sunlight. This does take quite a few years to happen.
2. Quartz countertops are even heavier than granite – this is not a DIY material, and your cabinets had better be well made!
3. You will see seams where two pieces of quartz meet.

Low maintenance and no staining – what’s not to love about quartz countertops!

Are granite countertops or quartz countertops the right choice?

If you need more help choosing granite countertops or quartz countertops for your home in Nashville, contact the stone experts here at Stone World!

Granite is a very resilient surface that can take some abuse. Minimizing this abuse can help extend the life of a granite countertop almost indefinitely. The dos and don’ts of granite countertop ownership outlined here can help old and new granite countertop owners in Nashville protect their investment.

A new granite countertop owner can put this up near the granite countertop after it’s installed to teach their family about proper care. Some of those in the Nashville area who had their granite countertops installed ten years ago can still use them as reminders of granite countertop dos and don’ts to new guests before parties, or during family gatherings.

Granite countertop dos:

• Clean up spills immediately by blotting, the longer they sit the more chance there is that it will stain
• Clean the surface with a mild soap and warm water, using a soft cloth
• Dry the surface of any moisture right away
• Have cutting boards ready for all slicing
• Use coasters under all drinks to keep moisture off the countertop
• Seal your granite countertop regularly – every 6 months to 2 years depending on use

Granite countertops are pretty tough, and can stand up to most of what people in Nashville will throw at it on a routine day, but following these ‘do’ tips will extend its natural beauty even longer.

Granite countertop don’ts:

• Place hot pans directly on a granite countertop, thermal shock can damage it
• Wipe up spills, blot at them to try and soak them up rather than spreading them around
• Use abrasive cleaners
• Use chemical filled cleaners
• Cut directly on the surface
• Allow acidic drinks to sit; though not as sensitive as marble, acids can eat away at the finish if given time

Having granite countertops in your home

The list of dos and don’ts for granite countertops above should have given you an idea of how you can care for a granite countertop in your home. It isn’t too hard, and being prepared with the right accessories and cleaners helps.

If you’ve decided that granite countertops are right for your home, contact the design team at Stone World right now. If you still have questions about granite countertop dos and don’ts, you’re still free to call and chat about granite countertops, and how they’ll function in your home.