Why Is My Granite Counter Top Rough In Texture?
Plucked this info off of the internet.
How can I protect my granite countertops? This is a common question for homeowners that plunk down thousands of dollars for expensive marble and granite. The first step is to apply a stone sealant - many times this is done initially when the counter is installed by the stone professional. Unsealed granite is semi-porous, and wine, grease, water and other liquids can be absorbed causing stains, especially on lighter colored stones. However, even the polished finish of black granite can show the marks of liquid absorption stains. Using a sealant, the pores of the stone are "sealed", shielding the counter from damage. Most professionals recommend sealing your granite and marble every year. You can test for yourself by placing a few water drops on the clean counter and seeing if they retain their perfect bubble shape after 15 or 20 minutes - if they have begun to spread out and diffuse, chance are your counter is absorbing some liquid. Most granite sealants come in spray form, but some also come in liquid. You either spray or wipe them liberally on the surface of the counter, allow to set in, and then apply a second coat (follow the directions on your specific sealant product) if needed, allow to stand, then wipe off and clean counter as normal. Where can I buy granite and counter top sealant? Try Marble-Cleaning-Products.com for a selection of granite and marble sealers - Granite Guard Protector ("Granite Guard Protector produces an invisible barrier, preventing staining from food, water, oil and dirt; because they stay on the granite’s surface, for easy cleaning") is $23 for a 16 oz. Size bottle, which seal up to 400 square feet of granite. They also sell the NeutraClean Cleanser for Granite - $9 for a 32 oz. Bottle. Also check out StoneCare.com - they offer a variety of granite cleaning products and sealant products. They have Stone Spray N Seal ($39 for a quart) and Marbamist Stone Counter Cleaner ($25 per gallon). They also offer Stoneglide wipes, which are becoming more popular as a cleaning alternative. Like a damp paper towel, you grab one and wipe down your counters, without spraying, without mess. Cost is $14 for 50 sheets, which could last you almost 2 months at 1 per day.
So plan on sealing your granite or marble counters every year, and plan on cleaning them with special marble and granite cleaning products. Avoid 409 and other generic cleaning products - choose granite and marble designed cleaners. With a little effort, you will keep your counters free of dirt, germs, and scratches for many years.
How can I protect my granite countertops? This is a common question for homeowners that plunk down thousands of dollars for expensive marble and granite. The first step is to apply a stone sealant - many times this is done initially when the counter is installed by the stone professional. Unsealed granite is semi-porous, and wine, grease, water and other liquids can be absorbed causing stains, especially on lighter colored stones. However, even the polished finish of black granite can show the marks of liquid absorption stains. Using a sealant, the pores of the stone are "sealed", shielding the counter from damage. Most professionals recommend sealing your granite and marble every year. You can test for yourself by placing a few water drops on the clean counter and seeing if they retain their perfect bubble shape after 15 or 20 minutes - if they have begun to spread out and diffuse, chance are your counter is absorbing some liquid. Most granite sealants come in spray form, but some also come in liquid. You either spray or wipe them liberally on the surface of the counter, allow to set in, and then apply a second coat (follow the directions on your specific sealant product) if needed, allow to stand, then wipe off and clean counter as normal. Where can I buy granite and counter top sealant? Try Marble-Cleaning-Products.com for a selection of granite and marble sealers - Granite Guard Protector ("Granite Guard Protector produces an invisible barrier, preventing staining from food, water, oil and dirt; because they stay on the granite’s surface, for easy cleaning") is $23 for a 16 oz. Size bottle, which seal up to 400 square feet of granite. They also sell the NeutraClean Cleanser for Granite - $9 for a 32 oz. Bottle. Also check out StoneCare.com - they offer a variety of granite cleaning products and sealant products. They have Stone Spray N Seal ($39 for a quart) and Marbamist Stone Counter Cleaner ($25 per gallon). They also offer Stoneglide wipes, which are becoming more popular as a cleaning alternative. Like a damp paper towel, you grab one and wipe down your counters, without spraying, without mess. Cost is $14 for 50 sheets, which could last you almost 2 months at 1 per day.
So plan on sealing your granite or marble counters every year, and plan on cleaning them with special marble and granite cleaning products. Avoid 409 and other generic cleaning products - choose granite and marble designed cleaners. With a little effort, you will keep your counters free of dirt, germs, and scratches for many years.
Because you have not applied a sealant to fill in and protect the porous surface.
