Even though granite is famous for being tough, beautiful, and long-lasting, it doesn’t stay showroom-perfect forever. Over time, you may notice your granite countertops starting to look:
- Dull instead of glossy
- Cloudy around the sink and stove
- Speckled with stains or water rings
- Chipped along the edges
The good news? In most cases, you don’t need new counters—you just need to restore granite countertops the right way.
This guide walks you through:
- How granite stone behaves and why it loses its shine
- How to diagnose stains, dullness, and damage
- Step-by-step restoration: clean, repair, polish, and seal
- How granite compares to other countertop materials
- Design, cost, and Aardwolf granite options for long-term results
Understanding Granite Stone Before You Restore It
Granite geology and composition
Granite is an igneous rock formed when molten magma cools slowly deep underground. This slow cooling creates large, interlocking mineral crystals, mainly:
- Quartz – adds hardness and scratch resistance
- Feldspar – contributes many of the white, cream, and pink tones
- Mica and other minerals – add sparkles, dark flecks, and dramatic patterning
These minerals create the key characteristics of granite:
- Very hard and durable
- Highly resistant to scratches and heat
- Naturally (mildly) porous
- Capable of a brilliant, mirror-like polish
This combination is why granite is such a popular natural stone countertop material—and why it’s worth restoring instead of replacing.
Natural vs. engineered granite
When you’re planning how to restore granite countertops, it helps to know what you’re working with:
- Natural granite stone
- Quarried in slabs
- Slightly porous
- Can be deep-cleaned, honed, polished, and re-sealed many times
- Engineered “granite” / quartz
- Man-made from stone particles and resins
- Non-porous and highly stain-resistant
- Cannot always be restored the same way as natural granite
This guide focuses on restoring natural granite, though many cleaning concepts also help with engineered surfaces.
Step 0: Diagnose What’s Wrong With Your Granite Countertops
Before you grab polish or sealer, take a close look at your granite under good lighting.
Common issues:
- General dullness – loss of shine, heavy streaking, or hazy areas
- Stains and discoloration – dark spots, colored patches, or rings
- Soap scum and mineral buildup – cloudy or chalky film near sinks and faucets
- Chips and nicks – especially along edges, corners, and around sinks
Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can choose the right steps to restore granite countertops effectively instead of just masking problems.
Step 1: Deep Clean for Truly Clean Granite Countertops
You can’t restore granite over dirt, old wax, or greasy residue. A thorough deep clean is always step one.
How to deep clean granite safely
- Clear the surface
Remove appliances, decor, and anything sitting on the countertop. - Dust and wipe dry
Use a dry microfiber cloth to lift crumbs and loose grit without scratching. - Wash with a pH-neutral cleaner
- Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap, or
- Use a cleaner specifically labeled safe for granite countertops.
- Rinse thoroughly
Wipe again with clean water to remove soap residue. - Dry completely
Use a clean microfiber towel. Drying lets you see lingering haze, stains, or etching clearly.
If you notice cloudy buildup in bathrooms or around the kitchen sink, it may be soap film rather than damage. For detailed techniques, see this guide on how to remove soap scum from granite.
Once your clean granite countertops are dry, you’re ready to tackle stains.
Step 2: Removing Stains from Granite Before You Polish
You should always deal with stains before polishing or sealing. Otherwise, you risk locking them in.
Identify the type of stain
Look closely at problem spots:
- Dark, greasy-looking stains – likely oil-based (oils, butter, cosmetics)
- Brown or tan spots / rings – often coffee, tea, or other organic spills
- Colored marks – ink, marker, food dye, or cosmetics
- Cloudy patches near water – hard water deposits or soap scum
Once you know what caused the stain, you can choose the right solution.
Helpful stain-specific resources
Use targeted guides for the most effective removing stains from granite:
- Coffee and tannin spills:
Learn how to handle them with how to remove coffee stains from granite. - Glue and adhesive accidents:
If superglue has cured on your granite, see how to remove superglue from granite. - Permanent marker and ink stains:
For kids’ artwork or accidental marks, read how to get Sharpie off granite. - Bathroom haze and shower residue:
For thick film around sinks or in showers, revisit how to remove soap scum from granite.
Most deep stains require a poultice—a paste that draws pigment or oil out of the stone. Patience is key: several applications may be needed for older stains.
Once stains are reduced or removed and the surface is clean, you can move on to structural repairs.
Step 3: Repairing Chips in Granite and Edge Damage
Chips don’t just look bad—they catch crumbs, feel rough, and can worsen over time. As part of restoring granite countertops, it’s smart to fix them early.
DIY chip repair for small chips
For tiny chips and pinholes:
- Clean and dry the damaged area completely.
- Use a clear or color-matched epoxy or resin designed for stone.
- Carefully fill the chip just to the surface level.
- Let the epoxy cure fully according to product instructions.
- If allowed, lightly level any high spots, then buff gently.
This works well for small chips on a white granite countertop or a black granite countertop, where a careful color match blends in nicely.
When to call a professional
Get a pro involved if:
- Chips are large or clustered
- Cracks run across the countertop or along a seam
- Damage is located in load-bearing or high-stress areas (overhangs, sink cutouts)
Once chips are repaired and stains are addressed, polishing will produce a much more uniform shine.
Step 4: Polishing Granite Surfaces to Bring Back the Shine
Now it’s time for the most satisfying part: polishing granite surfaces so they glow again.
Light polishing at home
If your granite is only slightly dull:
- Use a granite-specific polish (avoid generic waxes or furniture polish).
- Apply according to directions—usually a thin coat, allowed to haze, then buffed.
- Buff with a soft microfiber cloth in circular motions.
This can refresh gloss, especially on darker stones like many black granite countertops, and make color and pattern pop again.
Professional honing and polishing
If your countertops are:
- Heavily scratched
- Etched from past use of acidic cleaners
- Unevenly polished or very dull
…you may need professional honing and polishing:
- Technicians use diamond polishing pads and water to gently remove a tiny layer of stone.
- They work through multiple grits until a smooth, glossy finish returns.
This is more common in older kitchens or in heavy-use commercial spaces, and can make a tired granite stone surface look brand new.
Step 5: Sealing Granite to Protect Your Restoration
Once your granite is clean, stain-free, repaired, and polished, you must seal granite to protect it. Remember: granite is slightly porous, and sealing dramatically improves its resistance to new stains.
How to test if your granite needs sealing
Use the simple water test:
- Place a few drops of water on the countertop.
- Wait 10–15 minutes.
- If the stone darkens where the water sat, it’s time to reseal.
How to seal granite countertops
- Clean and dry
Make sure the surface is spotless and fully dry. - Apply sealer evenly
Use a clean cloth or applicator pad and work in manageable sections. - Allow penetration
Let the sealer sit for the manufacturer’s recommended time so it can soak into the stone. - Wipe off excess
Remove any residue and buff dry with a microfiber cloth. - Let it cure
Avoid heavy use or water on the countertops until the sealer has fully cured.
After sealing, your restored granite countertops will resist spills far better and be much easier to maintain.
Design & Material Choices Around Restored Granite
Restoring your countertops is also a good time to think about overall kitchen or bath design and how granite compares to other materials.
Natural stone countertop comparison
- Granite vs quartz countertops
- Granite: natural, unique, slightly porous, requires sealing, excellent heat resistance.
- Quartz: engineered, non-porous, no sealing, but less tolerant of high heat.
- Granite vs marble: pros and cons
- Marble: softer, more porous, prone to etching from acids.
- Granite: harder and more resistant to scratching and staining for busy kitchens.
- Granite vs soapstone durability
- Soapstone: very stain-resistant but softer and easier to scratch.
- Granite: tougher surface, retains a polished finish longer.
- Granite better than concrete countertops?
- Concrete: extremely porous and seal-dependent, can crack or stain if neglected.
- Granite: naturally dense, easier to maintain once properly sealed.
Color, backsplash and cabinet decisions
When your granite shines again, you’ll notice how much design choices matter:
- White granite countertop styles highlight light, bright interiors and make rooms feel larger.
- Black granite countertops and deeper tones add drama and contrast.
- Thoughtful granite backsplash designs—like full-height slabs—eliminate grout lines and create a luxe, seamless look.
- Smart pairing granite with cabinet colors (high contrast for bold style or soft tonal harmony) can make your restored surface a true focal point.
Granite Countertop Cost, Sourcing & Aardwolf Solutions
If restoration inspires you to add an island, replace a section, or plan a full remodel, it helps to understand cost and sourcing.
Granite countertop cost & where to buy granite countertops
Granite countertop cost can vary widely based on:
- Stone rarity and pattern
- Slab thickness and edge profile
- Fabrication complexity
- Local labor costs
You can explore:
- Local fabricators and showrooms
- Wholesale granite suppliers for raw slab selection
- Big-box retailers for affordable granite countertop options
Because granite is heavy, proper support and installation are critical. (If you’re planning structural changes, you might also be interested in technical resources like “how much does granite weigh” or “how much does a slab of granite weigh,” which explain handling and support requirements.)
Aardwolf granite: from slabs to installation
A high-quality restoration pairs perfectly with high-quality stone. That’s where Aardwolf comes in.
- The Aardwolf granite countertop collection focuses on durable, attractive stones that perform well in real kitchens and baths.
- Aardwolf premium granite slabs are selected for consistent thickness, strong structure, and beautiful patterning—making them ideal both for new installations and blending with existing, restored tops.
- With Aardwolf granite installation services, you get professional templating, cutting, seam placement, and initial sealing, so your new or expanded surfaces start off protected and ready for daily life.
- The Aardwolf granite pricing guide helps you compare entry-level, mid-range, and premium stones, and choose from the best Aardwolf granite colors to complement your cabinets, flooring, and backsplash.
FAQ: Restoring Granite Countertops
Q: How often should I restore granite countertops?
A: Light maintenance (cleaning, small stain removal, and resealing) should happen every 1–3 years. Full professional honing and polishing is only needed when you see heavy dullness, etching, or deep scratches.
Q: Do I have to strip the old sealer before resealing?
A: Not always. If the surface is thoroughly cleaned and free of residue or waxes, most penetrating sealers can be applied over worn sealer. Follow product instructions, and always test a small area first.
Q: Can I restore granite myself, or do I need a professional?
A: Many homeowners successfully handle cleaning, stain removal, minor chip repair, and resealing. For major damage or heavy wear, a professional stone restoration company can save time and deliver a more uniform finish.
Final Thoughts: Bringing Granite Back to Life
Knowing how to restore granite countertops gives you options. Instead of replacing a tired surface, you can:
- Deep-clean and clear buildup
- Use targeted methods for removing stains from granite
- Repair chips in granite so edges look neat again
- Polish granite surfaces to revive depth and shine
- Seal granite to protect your work and make daily care easy