Why Do Granite Countertops Stain

Granite is one of the most durable and beautiful natural stones that you will find.

Why do granite countertops stain.

And of course more lightly colored granite is more likely to show stains than darker colors so if you have a white or other pale colored granite countertop it s important to be extra vigilant. Even a completely sealed granite countertop can stain if a spill is left to sit for long enough. Dark water stains may appear close to the sink if the countertops are constantly wet. If you re not certain what caused the stain consider its size shape and location to give you clues.

In general granite resists stains better than many other countertop options. Most stains can be removed from granite counters. Food and beverage spills especially that of greasy foods and cooking oils can stain a granite surface over time. But one thing about granite countertops is that if they are not sealed with a quality granite countertop sealer they become prone to staining.

Jim says that a poultice is a common way to remove stains. Liquids that do not evaporate such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the stone. Hair dyes colored toiletries paint and stain pigments the colorants contained in chemicals when spilled on granite will seep into the granite s pores and discolor the surface. The porous granite soaks colors and dyes often resulting in stains after lots of use or exposure to some fluids or objects such as oil based cosmetics food colored drinks and metal objects.

However because it is porous like most natural stones granite can stain. Industry secrets for removing stains. Etching is when a substance actually begins to eat away at the stone causing a dullness or discoloration. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.

In some cases dark quartz counters exposed to direct heat or sunlight will show discolored spots that look like stains which can be prevented by using pot holders instead of placing hot cookware on top of quartz surfaces. Stains in granite countertops are permanent. Hence a granite countertop does not soak up as much spills or oils as other countertops do. Next you need to determine what caused the stain so that you can apply the correct materials to remove it.

Start by determining the source of the stain. In order to remove a stain you need to ensure that it is indeed a stain and not damage to the stone. Make a paste mixture of hydrogen peroxide and diatomaceous earth and place it over the stain. More commonly granite countertops suffer from etching not staining.

Jim hollenback of prescott az s granite kitchen concepts has provided us with valuable industry insider secrets about removing some types of stains from granite. Unsealed stones may change color temporarily when wet but permanent stains can occur if substance like wine juice acidic foods or oils are allowed to sit on the stone.