QA

Question: Granite Changes Color When Wet

Why Does It Happen? Even if your granite seems extremely smooth to the touch, it is a natural substance, and on a microscopic level it is uneven and full of holes. The porous surface of stone allows water to cling to it and absorb, darkening the appearance.

Can water discolor granite?

So can water ruin granite? No, but it can discolor it so you want to be cautious with especially hard water on your granite countertops.

Why is my granite countertop getting darker?

Over time (usually in excess of one year), improper cleaning (such as not completely removing food and beverage spills or residue contained in smoke from cooking) attacks the granite’s color and clarity. As a result, the granite’s surface becomes much darker in color compared than when it was new.

Why is my granite change color?

Granite is impervious to water, but the polished surface may be exposing one or more of these minerals that can oxidize and change color when exposed to water. Granite and marble can also be etched slightly by mild acidic fruits and juices or discolored from a hot pan set out on the counter to cool.

How do you fix discolored granite?

Rub the granite with hydrogen peroxide, using a cleaning rag, to clean ink and marker stains and organic stains such as coffee and milk. Eliminate water marks and stains by gently rubbing steel wool over the discoloration. Don’t rub too hard with the steel wool to avoid damaging the granite.

Why is my granite staining?

They are caused by the absorption of materials into the pores of the stone causing it to have a different color from the rest of the countertop. They can either come from spills or prolonged exposure to chemicals. The good news is, once the staining agent is removed, the stain on the granite countertop is gone too.

Why does my granite leave water marks?

Simple water stains are often the result of condensation from a drinking glass that has been sitting on the countertop for too long. On the other hand, hard water stains are the result of hard water getting into the pores of the stone. Hard water is water that is particularly high in mineral content.

How do you fix a discolored countertop?

For stains on granite or marble countertops, clean with a paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains) or hydrogen peroxide (for water-based stains). Apply the paste to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and tape down the edges.

Can granite be stained darker?

Yes, Tenax Ager is especially formulated to darken the cut edges of granite countertops so that the edges match the color of the top surface particularly if it has been resined.

Does sealing granite make it darker?

ANSWER: While it is true that the granite countertop color will darken when/if water absorbs and/or right after applying a granite sealer Second, a typical impregnating granite sealer like these recommended marble & granite sealers should not darken or change the color at all.

Why is my granite turning pink?

Pink colored granite is a result of an abundance of potassium feldspar within the granite. You can see small specs of milky semi-transparent quartz, dark brown/black amphibole, and opaque white feldspar. However, in a granite like the one above the primary mineral is potassium feldspar.

Why is my granite turning orange?

Marble and granite rust stains occur from metal oxidation of objects left on the surface, repeated exposure to rusty water or from oxidation of metals within the stone itself (common with white marble). The yellow-orange-brown rust stains are embedded in the stone and cannot be scrubbed away.

Why is my granite turning blue?

Nearly any colored food or liquid can stain your granite. Common culprits include oil, coffee, tea, and fruit and vegetable juices. Even standing water discolors granite if it is allowed to penetrate, but the effect is temporary.

Why is my granite turning yellow?

While granite is somewhat resistant to staining, many substances can still manage to leave stains if the surface sealant has weakened over time. True discoloration is caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays or extreme heat.

How do you fix discolored stone?

An oil-based stain will darken the stone and normally must be chemically dissolved so the source of the stain can be flushed or rinsed away. Clean gently with a soft, liquid cleanser with bleach OR household detergent OR ammonia OR mineral spirits OR acetone.

What causes quartz discoloration?

Some might notice stains on their white quartz countertop as a result of using the wrong cleaning products. Anything with harsh chemicals, including oil soaps, detergents, paint thinners, and any cleanser containing bleach, could stain or discolor your countertop instead of getting it sparkling clean.

How do you fix a water stain on granite?

To remove water spots, wash the stain with a gentle detergent and water; use a soft bristled brush to scrub lightly. Rinse with clean water and dry. For slightly more stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, or talc with a diluted solution of ammonia, bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

Can granite be stained?

Granite surfaces feature tiny pores that can absorb liquids, staining the surface. Thankfully, granite is one of the least porous natural stones. When properly sealed, it won’t stain at all. But over time, the seal on your granite counter will start to deteriorate, leaving it open to stains.

Do granite counters need to be resealed?

No, not all granite countertops need a sealant. Sometimes, granite comes sealed from the manufacturer. For instance, here at Atlantic Granite & Marble, we use a 15-year lifetime sealer. Granite is an igneous rock that contains various natural stone materials that can be prone to stains and scratches.