If you have a cracked granite surface that needs to be repaired, you need to know what type of crack it is first.A fully broken piece is repaired differently than hairline cracks or chips.You can proceed with the repair once you have prepared the surface, supported and masked the area, and applied the fillers.
Step 1: Determine if the crack or chip needs to be fixed.
Small surface cracks and chips that don't go all the way through the granite are not a threat to the longevity of the surface.The fissures that go with the grain of the stone are normal.It is likely that the crack is harmless and can be left alone if you can only see it from a specific angle.If you want to make your granite look better, be sure to seal it once a year.
Step 2: Get matching granite dust.
To make the repair blend in with the rest of the slab, you will need to color the glue.The granite is used to color the glue.A grinder with a diamond grinding bit can be used to create granite dust.The fine dust is what you will use.You can repair most cracks under 1 foot (30 m) with no more than 2 cups of granite powder.You can use this if you have an extra piece of the counter top material.The underside of a counter top is an area where granite dust can be removed.A rated dust mask is required for this type of particulate.
Step 3: Put on a mask and go away from the area.
If you cover the area around the chip or crack, the filler won't get all over the surface.When you are done, use painter's tape or any other tape product that can hold up to epoxy or resin, and it will come off the granite easily.Clean up will be easier if the mask is around the whole crack or chip.
Step 4: The granite dust and the 2-part epoxy should be mixed together.
Follow the directions given to you, which typically include mixing a set amount of each part of the epoxy with each other.The granite dust will give the product a thick paste that is the same color as the granite.Pick a product that says on its packaging that it can be used for stone repair.Use a wooden paint mixer or other disposable tool with at least one flat side to mix the epoxy.For this job, tongue depressors work well.The tool will be used to apply the epoxy to the crack.
Step 5: Apply it.
If you want to fill the crack or chip, put the epoxy into it.This can be accomplished with the tool you used to mix it.As any bumps will need to be sanded down, smooth it out as much as you can.It's better to over-fill the crack than it is to under- fill it.
Step 6: The broken section should be supported.
The pieces that break off of granite counter tops are not supported well.During and after the repair, you need to find a way to support the broken piece.This will allow you to fix the problem that caused the break in the first place.If an overhanging piece of granite has snapped off, you will need to install a metal support under the overhang to hold it up.This can be a piece of iron or something similar that can hold the granite's weight during and after the repair.
Step 7: All surrounding surfaces should be Tape off.
It's important to mask off surrounding surfaces since you will be using a strong glue.The counter top surrounds the crack.To do the masking, use painter's tape or a similar product.The product needs to be able to stand up to the glue but still be easy to remove.If you need to remove the counter top in the future, you can mask it completely.Keeping the glue off the counter top will ensure that the sink can be removed in the future without damaging it.
Step 8: All the connecting surfaces should be cleaned.
You need to make sure that all of the surfaces are free of dirt and debris if you are going to put a piece of broken granite back together.When the piece broke off, granite dust may have been created.Use acetone or another cleaner to wipe down the surfaces after brushing off any loose pieces.The reattachment should be done before the surface is dry.
Step 9: Take the granite dust and mix it with the epoxy.
If you want to get a seam that blends in, you have to incorporate some of the granite.The packaging tells you to mix the epoxy.When the mixture becomes a thick paste, it is the same color as the existing granite.The granite dust can be created by grinding a section of the granite that is not normally visible or using a spare piece you have lying around.To mix the mixture, use a wood paint stick or other disposable tool.
Step 10: Put the first coat on.
Once the surfaces are clean and dry, you can apply the glue.To apply all the surfaces individually, use the tool you used to mix it.Stick the surfaces together.If there is a lot of epoxy in the crack, wipe it off with a rag.Follow the directions given to you.Most products require you to apply the glue on all surfaces before sticking them together.The coat is used to glue the broken surfaces together.The top surface of the crack will be smoothed out with another coat of epoxy.
Step 11: Attach the area.
When the broken piece is reapplied, you want to make sure it dries in the right spot.To make sure it is at the same level as the larger piece it broke off of, put shims under it.If it needs more support, tape it in place with more painter's tape.Everyone in your household should know not to touch the area for a day or two.A larger repair problem could be created if someone knocks into the repaired area before it is dry.
Step 12: Apply a second coat to something else.
To smooth out the top surface when repairing complete breaks, you will need to apply a second coat of epoxy.If you want to smooth it into the crack, mix up a new batches of epoxy and granite dust.With this coat, focus on getting the surface as smooth as possible, as any bumps or imperfections will take some effort to buff out.Your first coat will shrink as it dries.The second coat will fill the crack created by this shrinkage.
Step 13: Allow the paint to dry.
Depending on the brand and the type, the drying times are different.Follow the drying times on the package to make sure it is solid.The drying time is usually around 24 hours.
Step 14: To buff the surface, you have to.
If you want to assess the area, remove the masking.To clean the patch, use a razor blade.Use your buffing wheels to build up the shine on the repaired area.When buffing your repair, start with wet buffing pads and move through the grits.You should work on the area until it is smooth and then move on to the next pad.Start with the dry buffing pads after going through the wet pads.Start with a 400 grit pad and work your way up.
Step 15: Tin oxide can be used to shine a surface.
Tin oxide, also known as lapidary polish, can be used to buff out the area if you want it to be really shiny.Tin oxide can be put on a felt pad with a small amount of rubber or latex gloves.Rub the area by hand for 10 minutes.To see the whole area shine, wipe the area off with a paper towel and a surface cleaner.Tin oxide can be found online.Pick a tin oxide that matches the color of your granite.
Step 16: The underside of the counter top needs to be supported.
Solid supports should be installed underneath the granite when it is installed.This could be any type of solid, rigid base, such as plywood or concrete board.Specialty brackets can be made to support granite overhangs, such as those used to create eating areas at the end of counter tops.
Step 17: There are rods on the underside of the cutout edges.
Granite counter tops crack in narrow stretches that are not as strong as the rest of the slab.It's a good idea to apply a steel rod or metal strip to the areas in front or behind the sink.Granite fabrications can do this.They will cut a slot for the rod to sit in.Before having new counter tops cut to shape, talk to your fabricator about this option.
Step 18: A professional will install your granite.
Don't hire a general contractor or handyman to do the job.Hire someone whose entire job is installing granite, as they will have a deeper understanding of the material and how to install it correctly.If you want to install granite yourself, you need to talk to a professional.They may be able to give you key advice about your project.