Why Do Granite Countertops Stain

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.

Why do granite countertops stain.

Start by determining the source of the stain. 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. Etching is when a substance actually begins to eat away at the stone causing a dullness or discoloration. Stains in granite countertops are permanent.

More commonly granite countertops suffer from etching not staining. One of the reasons for this is that it is not as porous as other countertop materials such as marble. In general granite resists stains better than many other countertop options. Granite is one of the most durable and beautiful natural stones that you will find.

Removing stains from granite countertops can be both a challenge and a puzzle at the same time. If you re not certain what caused the stain consider its size shape and location to give you clues. In order to remove a stain you need to ensure that it is indeed a stain and not damage to the stone. Hence a granite countertop does not soak up as much spills or oils as other countertops do.

Jim says that a poultice is a common way to remove stains. However because it is porous like most natural stones granite can stain. Stains could come from anything like rust water chemicals oil paint or even ink. Dark water stains may appear close to the sink if the countertops are constantly wet.

But one thing about granite countertops is that if they are not sealed with a quality granite countertop sealer they become prone to staining. Industry secrets for removing stains. Make a paste mixture of hydrogen peroxide and diatomaceous earth and place it over the stain. 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.

Even a completely sealed granite countertop can stain if a spill is left to sit for long enough. Liquids that do not evaporate such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the stone. 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. Most stains can be removed from granite counters.

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. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.