Granite Countertop Restoration and Polishing — Bring Your Stone Back to Life

Rose Restoration restores granite countertops, floors, vanities, and commercial surfaces across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. Chips repaired. Dull finishes renewed. Stains removed. Sealer refreshed. All at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Granite is one of the hardest natural stones used in homes and commercial spaces — but it is not indestructible. Over time, heavy use, improper cleaning, failed sealer, and impact damage take their toll. Professional restoration brings it back.

Get a Free Granite Assessmentor call 703-327-7676

What Granite Restoration Actually Involves

Granite is an igneous rock — formed from cooled magma — and it is significantly harder than marble, limestone, or travertine. That hardness is an advantage in daily use (granite resists scratching far better than marble), but it also means restoration requires different equipment, different diamond tooling, and different techniques.

Granite does not etch from acid the way marble does. But it does develop problems over time:

  • Dull, worn finish — especially around sinks, stoves, and high-use areas where the factory polish has worn down
  • Chips and cracks — from impact damage, dropped pots, or stress fractures near cutouts
  • Staining — oil, wine, rust, and dye stains that penetrate when sealer fails
  • Failed sealer — water no longer beads on the surface, stains absorb quickly
  • Water rings and haze — mineral deposits from hard water, especially around faucets
  • Outdated finish — dark, heavily polished granite from the 2000s that the homeowner wants honed to a modern matte look

Granite restoration addresses all of these through diamond polishing, chip repair, stain treatment, and professional re-sealing. The result is a countertop or floor that looks and performs like it did when it was first installed — and in many cases better, because the original installation may not have been polished or sealed to professional standards.

Granite Restoration — Project Photos

Granite countertop after professional restoration showing polished finishGranite countertop after professional restoration showing polished finishGranite countertop after professional restoration showing polished finishDebord Guest Bath Granite Counter 13Bar-top-250x300 — Rose Restoration

Our Granite Restoration Services

Polishing and Finish Renewal

We restore the polish on worn granite using diamond abrasive pads designed for hard stone. Granite requires significantly more aggressive tooling than marble — standard marble polishing compounds will not produce results on granite.

We polish granite to the client’s preferred sheen level. Most residential granite was originally installed with a high-gloss factory polish, but we also offer honed (matte) and leather (textured) finishes for homeowners who want a more contemporary look. Changing from polished to honed — or vice versa — is a full re-finishing process, not a simple buff.

Chip and Crack Repair

Granite chips typically occur at edges, corners, and around sink cutouts. We repair them with color-matched epoxy that is built up in layers, cured, and then ground and polished flush with the surrounding surface.

On solid-color granites (absolute black, uba tuba), well-executed chip repairs can be nearly invisible. On multi-colored granites with complex patterns (giallo ornamental, typhoon bordeaux), repairs are clean and smooth but the pattern interruption is visible under close inspection. We show clients what to expect before proceeding.

Cracks — whether from impact, stress, or settling — are filled with flexible or rigid epoxy depending on whether the crack is still moving. Structural cracks that extend through the full thickness of the slab may require support reinforcement in addition to surface filling.

Stain Removal

Granite stains happen when the sealer has failed and liquids penetrate the stone’s pores. Common culprits are cooking oil, wine, coffee, rust from cast iron pans, and dye from packaging or berries.

We treat stains with professional poultice applications — chemical pastes that sit on the stone for 24-48 hours and draw the stain material out of the pores. Different stain types require different poultice chemistries:

  • Oil stains — solvent-based poultice (acetone or mineral spirits carrier)
  • Organic stains (coffee, wine, food) — hydrogen peroxide-based poultice
  • Rust stains — iron-specific chemical reducer (never use bleach on rust — it sets the stain permanently)
  • Hard water deposits — mild acid treatment (safe on granite, unlike marble)

Most stains can be fully removed or significantly reduced. Very old oil stains that have penetrated deeply may require multiple poultice applications.

Sealing and Re-sealing

Granite is less porous than marble, but most varieties still benefit from sealing — especially lighter-colored granites and those with more open crystal structures. We apply professional-grade impregnating sealers that penetrate below the surface to resist staining without changing the stone’s appearance.

How to test if your granite needs re-sealing: Place a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up and sits on top, the sealer is working. If the water absorbs into the stone within 1-2 minutes (you’ll see the spot darken), it’s time to re-seal.

Some very dense granites — absolute black, for example — are naturally non-porous and do not need sealer at all. We test porosity during evaluation and only seal what actually needs it.

Finish Conversion

Want to change your granite from the shiny polished look to a contemporary honed or leathered finish? We can convert the entire surface. This involves grinding the existing polish off with coarse diamond tooling and then finishing to the new texture. It’s a full re-surfacing process — more involved than a simple polish refresh — but it dramatically changes the look and feel of the stone.

Get a Free Granite Assessment

We evaluate your granite, show you what restoration can achieve, and provide a written proposal within 48 hours.

Get a Free Quoteor call 703-327-7676

Common Granite Types and Their Restoration Needs

GraniteCharacteristicsCommon Issues
Absolute BlackDense, non-porous, uniform colorShows every water spot, fingerprint, and scratch. Rarely needs sealing but is difficult to polish without visible swirl marks.
Giallo OrnamentalGold/cream with brown and gray movementMore porous than darker granites. Stains more easily if sealer fails. Popular in 2000s kitchens — many now showing age.
Santa CeciliaGold base with dark garnet and gray mineralsModerate porosity. Tends to develop dull spots around sinks. Responds well to re-polishing.
New Venetian GoldLight gold with brown, gray, and white veiningRelatively porous for granite. Oil stains are common. Needs quality sealer and timely re-sealing.
Uba TubaDark green/black with gold flecksDense, durable, shows wear less than light granites. Chip repairs blend well due to complex pattern.
Baltic BrownBrown with large circular feldspar crystalsDurable but the large crystal structure can make polishing uneven at edges. Chip repairs visible due to crystal pattern.
White/Light GranitesAlaska White, Colonial White, Kashmir WhiteMost porous granite category. Stains fastest when sealer fails. Requires more frequent sealing than dark varieties.

We have restored every major granite variety over 40 years. Each stone has different hardness, crystal structure, and porosity — our technicians adjust their tooling and technique based on the specific granite.

Granite Restoration Cost

Granite restoration typically costs $3 to $10 per square foot for countertops, which is 85-95% less than replacement.

ServiceTypical Cost
Bathroom vanity polish + seal (10-15 SF)$150-$250
Kitchen countertops polish + seal (30-60 SF)$250-$600
Kitchen island + perimeter (80-100 SF)$400-$900
Chip repair (per chip)$75-$200
Stain treatment (per stain, poultice method)$100-$300
Full finish conversion (polished to honed)$8-$15/SF
Sealing only (no polishing)$2-$4/SF

Compare that to granite replacement: $40-$100+ per square foot including demolition, template, fabrication, and installation — plus days of disruption. Restoration is typically completed in a single visit.

Read our complete granite countertop guide →

Surfaces We Restore

Kitchen countertops — The most common granite restoration project. Polish renewal, chip repair, stain treatment, and re-sealing. Most kitchen projects are completed in 2-4 hours.

Bathroom vanities — Water damage, hard water deposits, soap scum buildup, and worn finish around faucets. Quick restoration, typically 1-2 hours per vanity.

Floors — Granite tile floors in entryways, lobbies, and kitchens. Traffic pattern polishing, lippage removal between tiles, and full floor re-polishing.

Fireplace surrounds — Smoke discoloration, heat damage to sealer, and general dullness. Fireplace restoration details →

Commercial surfaces — Reception desks, conference tables, bar tops, elevator cabs, and lobby features. Overnight and weekend scheduling available.

Outdoor granite — Steps, pavers, and outdoor countertops. Weather-resistant sealing and finish restoration.

Why Rose Restoration for Granite

40+ years working with granite. We have restored every major granite variety — from the densest absolute black to the most porous white granites. Each stone requires different tooling, pressure, and technique.

Hard-stone diamond tooling. Granite requires specialized diamond pads rated for igneous rock. The standard tooling used on marble will not produce results on granite. We carry the full range.

Honest about what’s achievable. Not every chip repair is invisible. Not every stain comes out completely. We assess the damage, show you what to expect, and deliver on what we promise.

Residential and commercial. McLean kitchen countertops and Tysons office lobbies. Same company, same quality. See our residential services →

4.8 stars, 116+ Google reviews, BBB Accredited. Serving VA, MD & DC for over four decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is granite restoration worth it?

Almost always. Restoration costs $3-$10/SF vs $40-$100+/SF for replacement. The result is a surface that looks and performs like new granite. Unless the slab is structurally broken or you want a completely different stone, restoration is the better investment.

Can you fix chips in granite?

Yes. Chips are repaired with color-matched epoxy that is built up, cured, and polished flush with the surrounding surface. On solid-color granites, repairs are nearly invisible. On patterned granites, repairs are smooth and clean but the pattern interruption is visible.

Does granite need to be sealed?

Most granite benefits from sealing, but not all. Dense, dark granites like absolute black are naturally non-porous. Lighter, more open-grained granites need sealer to resist staining. We test porosity during evaluation and recommend accordingly. Most granite should be re-sealed every 1-3 years.

Can you change granite from polished to honed?

Yes. We can convert a polished granite surface to a honed (matte) or leathered (textured) finish. This is a full re-surfacing process — we grind off the existing polish and finish to the new texture. It changes the entire look and feel of the stone.

How long does granite restoration take?

Most residential countertop projects are completed in a single visit — 2-4 hours for a standard kitchen. Bathroom vanities take 1-2 hours. Large commercial projects or full finish conversions may take a full day.

Can you remove stains from granite?

Most stains can be fully removed or significantly reduced using professional poultice methods. Oil, organic, and rust stains each require different chemistry. Very old, deeply penetrated stains may need multiple treatments. We assess each stain and give honest expectations before proceeding.

How do I maintain granite after restoration?

Clean daily with a pH-neutral stone cleaner (not dish soap, Windex, or vinegar). Wipe up spills promptly. Re-seal every 1-3 years based on use and porosity. Avoid placing hot pots directly on granite — while granite handles heat better than most stones, thermal shock can cause cracks near edges and cutouts.

Do you work near me?

We serve Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC — within 100 miles of our Fairfax headquarters. We regularly work in McLean, Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Georgetown, Potomac, Tysons, Reston, and throughout the DMV metro area. Request a free estimate →

Ready to Restore Your Granite?

We evaluate your granite, show you what restoration can achieve, and provide a written proposal within 48 hours.

Get a Free Quoteor call 703-327-7676

Common Granite Problems We Solve

Chips and Edge Damage

Granite countertop chips are the most common repair request we receive. Chips typically occur at countertop edges, around sinks, and at seams. We repair chips using color-matched epoxy resin, shaped and polished to match the original profile. Most chip repairs are completed in under two hours and are virtually undetectable.

Dull or Worn Surfaces

Granite is harder than marble but still loses its polish over time, especially on floors with heavy foot traffic. Professional diamond polishing restores the original reflective finish without coatings or sealants. The result is a deep, natural shine that comes from the stone itself.

Stains and Discoloration

While granite is more stain-resistant than marble, unsealed or poorly sealed granite can absorb oil, wine, and other liquids. We treat granite stains with specialized poultice applications that draw the discoloration out of the stone. After stain removal, we apply professional-grade impregnating sealer to prevent future staining.

Seam Repair and Leveling

Countertop seams can separate, become uneven, or discolor over time. We repair and re-level seams using color-matched adhesives, then polish the seam area to blend with the surrounding surface. Properly repaired seams are smooth to the touch and visually minimal.

Scratch Removal

Granite scratches are less common than marble scratches but can occur from cutting directly on the surface, sliding heavy objects, or abrasive cleaning. Diamond honing and polishing removes scratches and restores a uniform finish across the entire surface.

Granite Restoration Cost

Service Cost Range
Chip repair (per chip) $150 – $500
Countertop polishing $300 – $1,500
Floor restoration (per sq ft) $5 – $15
Sealing $1 – $3 per sq ft
Stain removal (per area) $200 – $600

Granite restoration costs significantly less than replacement. A full countertop replacement runs $3,000–$15,000+ depending on stone selection and complexity. Restoration achieves the same visual result for a fraction of the cost with no construction disruption.

Get a Free Granite Assessment

Granite Restoration FAQ

Can chipped granite countertops be repaired?

Yes. Granite chips are repaired with color-matched epoxy resin that is shaped to match the original edge profile, then polished smooth. Most chip repairs take 1–2 hours and are virtually undetectable. The repair restores both appearance and structural integrity.

How often should granite be sealed?

Most granite countertops should be sealed every 1–3 years depending on usage and stone porosity. A simple water test reveals whether resealing is needed: if water droplets absorb into the stone within 5 minutes rather than beading on the surface, it is time to reseal. Professional-grade impregnating sealers provide longer-lasting protection than consumer products.

Can granite be re-polished?

Yes. Granite floors and countertops can be re-polished using diamond abrasives to restore the original shine. The process removes the dull, worn surface layer and exposes fresh stone underneath. Professional polishing produces a deeper, more durable shine than any topical product or DIY method.

Is granite restoration worth it vs. replacing the countertop?

In most cases, yes. Granite restoration costs $300–$1,500 for countertops compared to $3,000–$15,000+ for replacement. Restoration avoids demolition, plumbing disconnection, weeks of downtime, and the risk of not finding a matching slab. The restored result is visually indistinguishable from new granite.

Do you restore granite floors as well as countertops?

Yes. We restore granite floors, countertops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, tabletops, and any other granite surface. Commercial granite floor restoration is common in office lobbies, hotel entrances, and government buildings. We work on both residential and commercial granite throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.

Granite Restoration Service Areas

Rose Restoration provides granite countertop repair, floor polishing, and restoration services throughout the DC metro area including McLean, Great Falls, Arlington, Alexandria, Vienna, Tysons, Reston, Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Georgetown, and all of Fairfax County, Montgomery County, and Washington DC.

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