There seems to be an ongoing question of whether or not you should refinish granite countertops or replace them. We’re going to tackle this question today with some things to consider when making your decision.
Granite countertop refinishing may sound like a big undertaking, but it’s not as big of a project as having all your old countertops replaced, and it’s more cost effective.  Let’s explore some reasons why you may want to refinish granite countertops in your home.
Refinish Granite Countertops vs. Replacement
Granite countertops are the focal point of a beautiful kitchen. They catch the eye with their beauty and shine. Perhaps you’ve noticed lately that your granite is not as lustrous as it once was, despite the careful attention you give to cleaning and polishing it regularly. Granite countertop refinishing is great to freshen up the look of your kitchen without the upheaval and cost of a complete remodel. Let’s take a look at some options.
Sealant
How do you know when to reseal? Experts recommend this simple test: Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface of the granite. If after a few minutes the water has dissipated at all or absorbed into the granite, then it’s time to reseal.
You can seal the granite yourself, just remember that a DIY sealant process is a temporary solution and will have to be redone periodically. If you want your granite to be resealed permanently, contact your local Seal Team One and let the professionals provide permanent sealant that lasts. Sealing your granite properly is critical to preventing stains and damage to the granite, make it easy to wipe clean, and will keep it looking spectacular for years to come.
Repair
If your granite looks nice but has a few nicks and dings in it, you may not need to completely refinish your granite countertops. You can purchase epoxy or resin at your local home improvement (i.e. Lowe’s) or kitchen remodeling store. Use a color-matched epoxy to fill the small nicks and holes in the granite, then let it dry. Finish the process by sanding and resealing the affected part of the counter area. If you have large holes or cracks in the granite, it may be best to hire a professional to repair the granite for you.
Paint
Painting is an option to refinish granite countertops if you’re aiming for a different look altogether. Although this method does require careful preparation, it produces a rewarding change to your current countertop view. Consult a design expert at your local home improvement store for suggestions on what paints they recommend that will be most effective. The top coat of paint should be oil based for best results.
Laminate
A creative option for granite countertop refinishing is to install laminate over the granite. Laminate is a relatively inexpensive way to restore life and color to your countertops. This is a bit of a project, but if you’re an experienced DIY person, you may be up to the challenge. The process requires removal of the countertop, cleaning, and light sanding. You’ll use laminate glue to adhere the laminate to the granite. If this sounds like too much, hire someone to do the job for you. Hiring a professional to install laminate tops is far cry cheaper than replacing the granite.
You are now armed with creative ways to refinish granite countertops that will restore the look of your kitchen at a fraction of the cost. Whether you need sealant or overall restoration, Seal Team One is at your service to make your surfaces beautiful again.
