How to Polish Granite Benchtops and Restore That ‘Brand New’ Look

Are your granite benchtops looking a little tired, faded or worn down?

Thankfully, maintaining a granite surface won’t break the bank or require endless hard work (and we’ll show you how).

With the increasing popularity of granite in homes and commercial spaces across Perth, understanding the proper care and maintenance of this luxurious material is becoming more crucial than ever.

Granite is known for its toughness and resistance to heat. However, your benchtop can still benefit from a polish to allow it to look its absolute best.

In this article, we’ll delve into why this maintenance step is beneficial, the top considerations to keep in mind, and a step-by-step tutorial that will walk you through the process. 

So, let’s dive into the world of granite polishing and discover how to bring out the best in your benchtop.

Granite Polishing Overview

Granite polishing is more than a routine cleaning task; it’s an essential maintenance service that breathes life into your stone surfaces and helps restore the stone’s natural shine.

Some granite, despite its inherent toughness, can be prone to staining without proper care. Polishing adds a protective layer that makes the surface more resistant to these common issues, thereby extending its lifespan.

The process of granite polishing may also increase the value of your home. A well-maintained granite benchtop is a desirable feature for many homebuyers in Perth, reflecting well on the overall upkeep of the home.

By preventing serious damage and extending the lifespan of your benchtop, polishing saves money on potential heavy repairs or the need for premature replacement.

How to Match Polishing to Your Home’s Needs

Start by assessing your granite’s needs

Factors such as the age of the stone, the level of wear and tear, and the presence of any stains or scratches will determine the extent of polishing required.

A lightly used kitchen benchtop may only need a gentle polish with a buff on product such as MB Stonecare’s MB13 Stone Shine to revive its shine, while a more extensively used surface might require a thorough polish with their MB20 Granite Polish cream and power tools to bring its lustre back up to the desired level.

Choose the right tools and resources

The tools and products needed for granite polishing can vary based on the condition of your benchtop and the level of shine you desire.

For MB13 you will only need a microfibre to buff on the product and you are done. For an intensive buff you can use the white buff pad with an orbital polisher to polish on the MB13.

For a deeper polish, you will need a high-quality polishing compound designed specifically for granite such as MB Stonecare’s MB20, a spoon or scoop for application, and a buffing pad on a variable speed polisher to bring out the shine.

Decide between professional help vs. DIY

Consider your skills and experience when deciding whether to polish your granite benchtop yourself or to hire a professional. DIY can be a rewarding and cost-effective option if you’re confident in your abilities and have the time to dedicate to the project.

The application of a polish like MB20 Granite Polished Cream is a procedure that most confident DIY enthusiasts can tackle themselves. This will bring up the shine of your granite nicely.

However, for deeper scratches, diamond polishing pads may be necessary. If this is the case it is much safer to hire a professional to do the work as it is a very complex procedure to slowly go through all of the diamond grits to polish from scratch.

Professionals not only come equipped with the necessary tools and expertise but also understand how to handle unexpected issues that may arise during the polishing process. Each grit level has to be finished to absolute perfection before moving to the next grit or the final finish will never be even.

The Polishing Toolkit: Essentials for a Gleaming Granite Benchtop

Polishing Compound

This product is designed to smooth the granite surface, restoring the stone’s natural shine.

Look for a compound that is specifically formulated for granite, such as MB-20 Stone Granite Polishing Cream. MB Stonecare products are known for their effectiveness and are gentle on the stone.

Polishing Pads

Polishing pads are used in conjunction with the polishing compound to buff the granite surface. These pads come in various grit levels, allowing you to progressively smooth the stone.

For DIY enthusiasts applying a polish such as MB20, the GLOMESH WHITE REGULAR SPEED SUPER POLISH PAD is suitable. Professional-grade options like the GLOMESH HOGSHAIR PADS are also available for more intensive restoration work.

You can check our recommended polishing pads here. 

Handheld Polisher or Grinder

For the application of the polish, a handheld polisher or grinder is necessary. Ensure that the polisher you choose is compatible with wet polishing, as this method is most effective for granite.

Microfibre Cloths

After applying the polishing compound, a microfibre cloth is ideal for wiping away residue and buffing the surface to shine. These clothes are soft and will not scratch the granite.

Any high-quality microfibre cloth brand will do, but ensure they are clean and free of debris before use.

Safety Gear

Always wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a dust mask when polishing granite to protect against flying particles and chemical exposure.

By carefully selecting and assembling the right tools and products for your granite polishing project, you can ensure a professional-quality finish that restores the beauty of your benchtop.

Step-by-Step Granite Benchtop Polishing Guide

Step 1: Preparation

• Clear the benchtop of any appliances, utensils, and other items.
• Clean the surface thoroughly with a mild cleaner such as MB Stonecare MB5 Stone & More to remove any dirt or grime. Ensure the granite is dry before proceeding.
• Place protective coverings on surrounding areas to prevent damage from splashing or spillage during the wet polishing process. If you are using MB20, this is an acidic product so you must mask up any surfaces which will be damaged by acidity.

Safety Precautions: Wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a dust mask to shield yourself from granite dust and chemical exposure.

Step 2: Start with a White Glomesh Polishing Pad

• For most repolishing jobs the white glomesh polish pad is all you will need.  You should only need a hogshair pad if the surface needs extra attention.
• Start by targeting a half sqm area at a time. If using MB20, apply a teaspoon of polishing cream and a tablespoon of water to the middle of the area.

Step 3: Apply Even Pressure Over Polish Compound

• Use a variable speed orbital polisher on 3 or midway speed to start the polishing. Place the polisher over the top of the cream and water and slowly spread the product out, controlling the trigger whilst applying even pressure to dry the product out.

Step 4: Finishing Off

• Once the compound is almost dry then increase the speed of the polisher and decrease the pressure. At this point there should be no splatters. Pull the trigger for max speed and run the product dry whilst moving the machine swiftly over the target area.

Step 5: Final Check and Cleaning

• Check the results and repeat if needed.
• Clean the benchtop thoroughly to remove any remaining polishing compound.
• Consider applying a granite sealer to protect the surface from stains and spills, following the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

LEARN MORE: How to Clean Your Granite Benchtops (Safely!!!)

Best Practices:

• Always perform a patch test with the polishing compound and pads on a discreet area of the benchtop to ensure no damage occurs.
• Keep the surface wet during the polishing process if using wet polishing methods, to minimise dust and reduce friction heat.
• If you would prefer to see these instructions as a video then follow this link to see the MB20 application process.

When to Call a Professional:

• If at any stage you encounter deep scratches, cracks, or chips that cannot be easily removed with polishing pads, it’s time to call in a professional.
• If the granite does not reach the desired level of shine after following these steps, a professional polish may be necessary to achieve the best results.

How to Choose the Best Granite Benchtop Experts in Perth (Save Time and Money)

How Much Does Benchtop Polishing Cost?

How Much Do Granite Benchtops Cost? Perth Price Guide

Bringing It All Together: Key Takeaways

Here are the key takeaways:

• The Importance of Granite Polishing:
  • Enhances the benchtop’s durability and aesthetic appeal.
  • Increases home value through improved appearance and upkeep.

• Customising Your Approach:
  • Assess your granite’s condition to determine the extent of polishing needed.
  • Choose the right tools and products, considering eco-friendliness and granite compatibility.
  • Decide between DIY or professional polishing based on your skills and the project’s complexity.

• Essential Tools and Products:
  • Polishing compound, pads, handheld polisher or grinder, microfibre cloths, and safety gear are crucial.
  • Source quality components locally, prioritising reputable brands and eco-friendly options.

• Financial Considerations:
  • DIY polishing can range from $100 to $290, while professional services can cost between $500 and $1000.
  • Employ cost-saving measures like comparing quotes, DIY polishing, and regular maintenance to extend benchtop life.

Whether you choose to undertake this project yourself or hire professionals, the satisfaction of a beautifully polished granite surface is undeniable.

With the right approach and tools, your granite benchtop can remain a stunning feature of your home for years to come.

Ready to Elevate Your Granite? Granite Warehouse Can Help

Whether you’re considering the DIY route or leaning towards professional expertise, Granite Warehouse is here to guide you every step of the way.

With our wealth of knowledge and passion for stone, we’re dedicated to ensuring your granite surfaces look their best and last a lifetime.

• Need personalised advice tailored to your unique benchtop?
• Looking for a professional assessment to bring back that gleaming finish?
• Or perhaps you’re in search of a detailed quote to budget for your upcoming project?

At Granite Warehouse, we’re committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise.

Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can transform or upgrade your home’s benchtops.