How to Repair Granite Countertop Etching

granite counters in a kitchen
  • 24-48 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 60-220
What You'll Need
Safety glasses
Face mask
Gloves
Two-part clear epoxy
Plastic spoon
Putty knife
Radial sander
120-grit sandpaper
Granite finish
2 plastic bowls
Water
Rag
What You'll Need
Safety glasses
Face mask
Gloves
Two-part clear epoxy
Plastic spoon
Putty knife
Radial sander
120-grit sandpaper
Granite finish
2 plastic bowls
Water
Rag

You can repair a granite countertop when you have accidentally etched the surface and it is not that hard to do. When you own a granite countertop you are conveying pride in your home because they are very beautiful and just as expensive. Granite is not as soft as marble but can still be damaged by various methods from food to home appliances. Many granite countertops are finished with polyurethane or stone wax which gives them a great shine. Etching a granite countertop is not that easy to do but when it does happen you should not panic. You can repair a granite countertop that has been etched and the following article will show you how.

Step 1 – Prepare the Surface

The obvious first step is to make sure the granite countertop is ready for the repair you are going to do on it. Wipe it down with a damp rag. This will moisten the granite and will show you where and how deep the etchings and grooves are. Once they are highlighted you can begin to remove the finish. Unfortunately this has to be done or else the new finish will not adhere or the repair epoxy will not set. Attach the 120-grit sandpaper to the sander and use medium pressure as you sand down the area. It is a good idea to continuously wipe the area down. Once the granite’s surface looks dull and you can feel the texture of the granite the finish is removed. Wipe it down with a damp rag to remove the dust created from you sanding it down.

WARNING: To keep granite particles out of your body, wear a face mask and safety glasses while sanding the countertop.

Step 2 – Fill the Etches

In order to repair a granite countertop that has been etched you will need to use a clear epoxy. This material is basically a liquid plastic that hardens. You will first want to mix the epoxy in a plastic bowl you do not mind throwing away when you are finished. Follow the mixing instructions on the containers. After both parts have been mixed use a plastic spoon to fill the etches in the granite countertop. The putty knife will be used to smooth the epoxy out as well as push it deeper in the etch. Use a damp rag to carefully wipe away the excess epoxy.

WARNING: Epoxy products can release fumes, so wear the same safety equipment mentioned earlier while using it and make sure your work area has adequate ventilation.

Step 3 – Finishing the Repair

The epoxy will need time to cure and harden to complete the repair. You repair a granite countertop in several ways but for etching in the surface the best bet is to use epoxy. After the epoxy has dried you can gently sand it down in case you missed any lumps or noticeable areas that are raised. In order to finish the repair of the granite countertop you need to actually replace the finish you removed previously. The best way to go about this is to read and follow the directions on the granite finish you purchased. Trying out other methods now could damage the granite and your repair efforts.