If you accidentally chipped your granite countertop, then this short granite countertop chip repair guide can help you.
The unique beauty of granite adds a rustic appeal to your kitchen while offering a durable countertop that is easy to maintain. However, chips and cracks can’t always be prevented so we’ve compiled DIY methods you can follow to restore your countertop’s beauty here.
Things You’ll Need #
Here are the basic things you will be needing:
- Granite cleaner
- Super Glue or epoxy resin and hardener
- Razor blade
- Steel wool or sandpaper
- Granite sealant or polish
- Masking tape
First Things First: Clean the Area #
Before you start with your repair, make sure that the area is clean and dry to avoid trapping dirt and debris when filling in the chip.
Follow these steps when cleaning:
- Remove any appliance from the area to prevent the epoxy or Super Glue from accidentally sticking to them.
- Use soapy water to clean the area or better yet, use a granite cleaner with a sealer in it to strengthen the spot and help avoid future chipping. Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as those that contain bleach.
- Let the area dry thoroughly.
Granite Countertop Chip Repair Methods #
Once you’ve cleaned the area, it’s time to start repairing the chip by using epoxy, Super Glue, or a chip repair kit. These methods are also effective if you are looking for ways on how to repair chipped granite around sinks.
Method 1. Filling the Chip With an Epoxy #
Using epoxy is the most popular solution used even by professionals for fixing chipped granite. You can simply use translucent epoxy. But if you prefer using something with the same color as your countertop, you can add color additives to achieve your desired color.
Directions #
- Mark the area around the chip using the masking tape and leave a little space for blending later. This will prevent the epoxy from spreading to other areas aside from the chip.
- Mix the same amounts of epoxy resin and hardener. You can mix them on a tray or use an instant mix syringe for convenience.
- Get your epoxy mixture and start filling the chip. Fill in the chip until the epoxy slightly rises above the surface of the stone but it should not go outside the tape marking.
- Wait for the epoxy to dry. Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions for the epoxy curing process.
- Once the epoxy has cured, remove the tape and it’s time to smoothen and blend the surface through these steps:
- Cut out any excess epoxy using a razor blade to smoothen the filled-in chip and level it with the stone’s surface.
- If the epoxy doesn’t match the sheen of your countertop, use steel wool or sandpaper to buff the area.
- Add a finishing touch by polishing or sealing the blemish for a smoother finish and to prevent future chipping.
Check out this step-by-step video on how to fix chipped black granite around a sink which used a mixture of crushed stone and epoxy to fill the chip:
Method 2. Fix Granite Chip With Super Glue #
The next option is using Super Glue. However, it is not as strong as epoxy. You can read more about Super Glue vs epoxy here.
The process of using Super Glue is the same as when using epoxy:
Directions #
- Mark the area with masking tape.
- Fill the chip with Super Glue slowly and make sure not to overfill it.
- Leave the glue to dry for at least a day. Be careful not to touch the area during the drying process to avoid damaging it.
- Remove the masking tape, buff, and polish/seal the area.
Method 3. Using a Chip Repair Kit #
Lastly, you can make your life easier by buying a chip repair kit instead which usually includes everything you need to fill in minor chips and cracks. It comes with an applicator and a clear epoxy but you’ll also find colored epoxies to match your countertop’s color.
However, we recommend sticking to clear epoxy because it makes imperfections less noticeable.
Granite Chip Repair Tips #
- Chips left unrepaired are susceptible to staining and can lead to problems, especially if you are doing a lot of work in that area. So, better fix the chip as soon as possible.
- Epoxy can still take a long time to dry even when mixed with a hardener depending on the type of glue, how deep the chip is, and the level of humidity in your home. So if you want the epoxy (or Super Glue) to dry faster, you can use a hardener spray designed for granite countertops.
- If you have a dark-colored granite countertop and the area around the chip has lightened, you can restore its color by using a dark permanent marker.
How About Fissures and Cracks? #
You can fix small cracks using the same methods above to avoid compromising your countertop’s structural integrity. On the other hand, fissures are natural features that resemble a crack and don’t usually need any fixing, unlike cracks that are structural defects and can worsen through time. In fact, fissures add to the stone’s unique character.
Many granite fabricators and restoration companies often get concerns about “cracks” on their countertops which are actually fissures. So before you call your manufacturer or a restoration contractor about defects in your countertop, make sure that you know if it’s a crack or a fissure first.
Fixing Large Chips or Cracks on Granite Countertops: Calling a Professional #
Fixing defects in your granite countertop on your own has its benefits: you get to save a lot of money. But if you are dealing with severe fractures, there’s no point in doing the repairs yourself and risk damaging your expensive countertop.
Large chips and cracks should be left to the care of professionals, especially if you have a granite countertop with a speckled design or an unusual color. Contractors of granite in Jacksonville FL use a wide range of epoxy colors and shades and can get the right mix to match your countertop’s color. So, you can have your gorgeous countertop back looking like new!
Granite Chip Repair Cost #
According to Fixr.com, granite countertop repair costs (including chips and cracks) range from $200 to $1,000. But, the average for chip repairs on all kinds of countertop material is between $100 and $500.
Bonus Tips: How to Prevent Chips in Your Granite Countertop #
Lastly, here are helpful tips to prevent chips in your granite countertop:
- Keep your countertop clean.
- Remove any item that can lead to staining and etching.
- Seal your countertop regularly (at least once every two years).
- Avoid dropping heavy items on your countertop, especially on the edges.
- Don’t drag heavy objects across your countertop.
- Use potholders and trivets to avoid heat damage.
Aside from the above tips, the most important one is to have your countertop installed by an experienced granite fabricator to avoid any future problems. A1 Stone World is a reputable fabricator of granite countertops in the greater Jacksonville FL area. We offer various granite stone colors and designs to match the unique taste of different homeowners. A few of the areas we serve are:
Green Cove Springs | Jacksonville | Jacksonville Beach | Ponte Vedra Beach | Saint Johns | St. Augustine
FAQs #
Yes, you can. It’s not as hard as you think it is because all you need is epoxy or Super Glue. Repairing chips in granite countertops consists of these basic steps:
1. Cleaning the area.
2. Filling the chip with epoxy or Super Glue.
3. Sanding, polishing, and sealing the blemish.
Check out more detailed steps here.
Using Super Glue to fix chipped granite follows the same steps as when using epoxy. Cleaning the area is crucial to ensure that you won’t trap any dirt or debris before filling in the chip with Super Glue. Then, what’s left to do is to smoothen the area by sanding it and then polishing or sealing it after.
Final Thoughts #
Granite countertops are durable materials and can resist damage but when not cared for properly, chips can occur. So hopefully, this granite countertop chip repair guide was able to help you find the answer you’re looking for. In the case where the only option left is to replace your countertop due to severe damage, feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you!