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Why is my granite Countertop Chipping?
As a general rule granite is sturdy and rigid but a granite countertop will chip if impacted with a hard object. Corners are especially susceptible and vulnerable to chipping when put under extreme pressure or because of misuse. The lifespan of a granite countertop is 100 years if properly maintained.
How to fix granite countertop chip
To fix a chipped granite countertop you can utilize a repair kit specially made for chipped countertops. The kit will contain a two-part epoxy gel that can be color matched and applied to the damaged area. . Follow these steps to fix a granite countertop chip.
1. Clean Chipped Area
The first thing you will want to do is clean the surrounding area and the chipped area. Make sure to use the proper cleaning solution, such as acetone or paint thinner, or to be safe if you don’t have the proper solutions, a mild detergent and water will work. Allow the repair area to dry completely. Remember, never use bleach to clean your granite countertop.
2. Mix Epoxy and Color
Put a small amount of the epoxy onto a flat surface such as a paper plate, this will make it easier to mix. If it’s necessary you can add a colored pigment and match the color of your countertop. In some kits, pigments are sold separately.
3. Add Hardener
The hardener can come as a hardening spray or as a second solution in a two-step epoxy or as an ultraviolet light that activates and hardens the epoxy. Follow the directions for the hardening process.
Apply Colored Epoxy
Fill the chipped area with the colored epoxy that matches your granite countertop, and allow it to dry. Depending on the size of the chip, you can use packing tape or masking tape to border the chipped area to help keep the epoxy where it’s needed.
After you have filled the chipped area with the colored epoxy and the hardening process has started, allow the epoxy to set. Cure time is generally 12- 24 hours.
Scrape and Sand
Once the epoxy and hardener have dried completely you can take a razor blade and gently scrape the chipped area, removing any excess epoxy. Use a wet/dry sandpaper starting with 600 grit and gently sand the area. Follow with 1000 grit and then 2000 grit wet sandpaper to achieve the final finish.
Polish
The final step is to use a granite countertop polish. Use only a recommended polish for this final step to bring your granite countertop back to its original luster. You can hand polish or use an electric buffer if you have one.
Side note: Different types of epoxy repair kits have different hardening methods, such as LCA (Light Cure Crylic), or a spray hardener. Some kits allow for rapid drying and curing.
What Cleaners Can I Use on My Granite Countertops?
How to fix the edge
Granite is one of the most durable materials used to make countertops but under extreme conditions, it can be broken. When a piece of your granite countertop has been broken off you can reattach it with an epoxy glue.
Clean the Pieces
Clean both pieces with a small amount of acetone on a paper towel. Make sure that the acetone has fully evaporated before proceeding to the next step.
Mix and Apply Epoxy
Follow the directions for mixing the epoxy compound and apply the mixture to both pieces. Make sure that both pieces are completely covered and stick the two pieces together. Hold the pieces together for a few minutes to make sure that the adhesive has had time to bond.
Some excess compound may ooze out but you can wipe it away with a paper towel that has been lightly moistened with acetone. Allow the two pieces to completely cure before going on to the next step. Curing time varies, 12-24 hours is recommended.
Scrape off Excess Epoxy
Once the epoxy has completely cured and set up you can use a razor blade to scrape off any excess epoxy.
Sand and Polish
Use a wet/dry sandpaper to smooth the surface starting with 600 grit and progressing up to 2000 grit until the desired smoothness is achieved. Once the level of smoothness is achieved you will want to seal and polish the area with a recommended granite polish.
It is well known that epoxy is the best adhesive for repairing granite due to its ability to withstand stress for long periods of time, its overall adhesiveness, and its durability. For chip repair, it is a superior compound.
What Items Can I Put on My Granite Countertop?
Best epoxy
The best epoxy would have everything you need to repair and match your granite countertop. An epoxy that is easy to color, and one that dries and cures quickly.
LamLock Rocket (Amazon) gel has everything you need to repair and match your granite countertop.
Repair kit
Repair kits come in different styles
- Part A and B Epoxy
- Syringe and Spray Hardener
- LCA Light Cure Acrylic
- Two Barrel Syringe A+B
- Color Match Kits
with super glue
Repairing a granite countertop with superglue
- Clean the surface with acetone and allow it to dry completely
- Apply the super glue in layers, allowing each thin layer to dry before adding another
- Once the layers have dried completely use a razor blade to remove any excess
- There are limitations when using superglue
One of the limitations of using super glue is its transparency. If you have deeper or larger chips, an epoxy that can be mixed with a colored pigment to match your countertop might be a better choice. In some cases, a black sharpie pen can be used to darken the super glue.
Best Adhesive for Granite Countertop to Wood & Metal
How easy is it to chip granite?
You might think because granite is a porous material it might chip easily, but that’s not the truth at all. It’s actually not very easy to chip a granite countertop. The reason a granite countertop might be chipped is from hitting the edge with a metal pan or another hard object.
Granite is a very durable, rigid, and sturdy material used for making countertops, and with proper care and maintenance, it won’t chip easily. Banging into the edge of the countertop with hard materials, such as metal pans, or other objects is possibly the only way to chip a granite countertop.
How much does it cost to repair a chip in a granite countertop?
The average price to repair a chipped granite countertop is $100-$500.The cost depends on the severity of the damage and if you’re DIY or hiring a professional countertop repair service. The cost will vary by size of the damage and if any resurfacing needs to be done.
