How to Lighten Granite Countertops? Easy Method 2023

Over time, even the strong and resilient granite countertops may darken, causing a mismatch with the remaining lighter areas. This darkening occurs when proper care is not taken to clean food, oil, and beverage residues properly, leading to the fading of granite’s original color and clarity.

Fortunately, there are two ways to address this issue. One option is to darken all the remaining lighter parts of the countertop to achieve a consistent appearance. The other option involves lightening the darker areas through a simple technique.

Let’s explore both methods to fix the darkening of granite countertops:

Fixing Granite Countertop by Darkening:

If you want to achieve an overall consistent appearance, you can darken the remaining lighter parts of your granite countertop. Follow these steps:

Things You Need:

• Stone Color Enhancer
• Baby Oil
• Clean White Rags

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clean the granite countertop thoroughly using an oven cleaner or any other suitable cleaner.
2. Apply a small amount of baby oil to a clean white rag. Ensure the rag is clean to avoid creating a mess.
3. Rub the rag containing oil onto the lighter parts of the countertop. If the countertop is not properly sealed, the oil may stain it.
4. Continue rubbing until the counter darkens, and you achieve the desired color, making sure all light parts become dark for consistency.
5. Ensure the surface is free of debris or dust before moving on to the next step.
6. Zpply a sound layer of Stone Color Enhancer with another clean rag to make the color permanent.
7. Zait for at least 15 minutes to allow the granite to absorb the enhancer before wiping off the excess.

How to Lighten Granite Countertops?

If you prefer to lighten the darker areas of your granite countertop, you can follow either of these methods:

Method 1: Using Oven Cleaner

Step 1:
Clean the granite countertop using an oven cleaner by spraying a small amount onto a clean cloth. Avoid sprinkling the cleaner directly onto the darkened granite stone.

Step 2:
Test the oven cleaner on a small hidden area of the countertop to see if the results are satisfactory. If the test goes well, proceed with the following steps.

Step 3:
Rub the cloth with the oven cleaner on smaller sections of the surface, focusing on darker areas.

Step 4:
Immediately wipe off the cleaner with a soap solution before moving on to the next part to prevent over-absorption.

Step 5:
Inspect the countertop to ensure no dark areas are left behind. If needed, reseal it and repeat the process.

Method 2: Using Soap Solution

Step 1:
Take a sponge and soak it in water. Add liquid dish soap into the center of the sponge and mix well.

Step 2:
Rub the sponge onto the darkened area gently to form suds over the surface.

Step 3:
Wipe off the countertop using a smaller circular motion until the darkened stains are removed. Dry the surface thoroughly.

Additional Tips to Lighten Granite Countertops:

• If you accidentally add too much stone color enhancer, you can remove the excess using mineral spirits.
• Apply a stone color enhancer before sealant for better results, and consider waiting for 24 hours before applying the sealant.
• If the above methods don’t work, consider spreading a dark-colored bedsheet onto the lighter area, matching the darkened parts. Shine it by lighting a UV light bulb on that area every night until it matches.

Final Word

In conclusion, preventing the darkening of granite countertops requires proper care and maintenance. However, if the darkening occurs, these methods, with a bit of effort, can help restore the countertop’s original color and shine.