granite counter looking dull, use special cleaners do i need to reseal??
Answers:
I know that my granite needs to be resealed when I use the granite polish and it doesn't shine. I use the TileLab products available at home depot. They make a cleaner, polisher and sealer. The sealer isn't as good as having it done professionally, however. Try using a polisher to see if it brings the shine back, it is an easy to use spray on application and if it doesn't you will need to reseal.
Other answers:
Go to target and buy granite cleaner by method, that you can use all the time it's great, try all there products, there furniture polish AND floor cleaner are the best
Go to target and buy granite cleaner by method, that you can use all the time it's great, try all there products, there furniture polish AND floor cleaner are the best
I actually know a guy who makes his living polishing granite. There are companies that do this for you using whatever specialty items are needed for this. From what I have heard it is pretty darn good. I would try home desperate too if you really need some help. They have Zep products which are really good. Ask an associate in the tile area for help with this.
Na nee ~ You most defintely want to clean the granite before resealing. If not, you trap the dirt in. As mentioned there are many cleaners available retail for that purpose. That being said, not all of them do what they claim. Actually, a good degreaser, even dish washing liquid and water can work wonders on granite. Just be absolutely certain that whatever product you use does NOT contain any sort of acid........ even citrus acid. Use a terry cloth rag to scrub and not anything that is abrasive. Also, if there is something that the degreaser won't quite bring up, use rubber gloves and try a solvent like Acetone. Try all of this in a small out of the way area first just to make sure of the results. It is possible that the granite has been treated with something else over the years.
Once you have it cleaned, I would suggest you apply a solvent based impregnator (instead of a water based sealer) to further protect the surface (Home Depot or a janitorial supply house). The topical sealers (and waxes) tend to build up over time, dulling the surface. Impregnators on the other hand, penetrate into the pores and protect without a buildup. Not a bad idea to reapply every 6 months to a year.
Granite is very much harder than marble. The way the factory finish is achieved is using high heat and pressure. In the field, when someone comes to your home to re-shine the granite, they can only simulate the factory shine. Maybe getting within 95% of that shine. They will be using certain acids, tin oxide in conjunction with natural fiber (hog's hair) pads, generating their own heat from the chemicals. Another trick is to spray WD - 40 onto a soft cloth and wipe the top evenly. It has a tendency to saturate the top making it look deeper and richer. Again, try on a smalll, inconspicuous spot. have fun!