If you can only see a hairline crack from a very specific angle and you can’t feel it when you run your hand across the surface, then it is likely that the crack is completely harmless and can be left alone. To ensure that these small imperfections do not become more unsightly, be sure to seal your granite regularly, usually once a year.
You will need no more than 2 teaspoons of granite powder to repair most cracks under 1 foot (0. 30 m) long. If you have an extra piece of the counter top material, you can use this. You can also remove a bit of granite dust from an area that is not visible, such as the underside of a counter top. Wear a dust mask that is rated for this type of particulate.
Mask off to within 1⁄8 inch (0. 32 cm) around the whole crack or chip so that cleaning up will be easier.
Pick an epoxy that states on its packaging that it can be used for granite or stone repair. Use a wooden paint mixer or other disposable tool with at least 1 flat side to mix the epoxy. Tongue depressors work exceptionally well for this job. This tool will then also be used for applying the epoxy to the crack.
The epoxy does tend to shrink a bit while drying, so it’s better to over-fill the crack than to under-fill it.
For example, if an overhanging piece of granite has snapped off, you will need to install a metal support under the overhang to hold the granite up. This can be a piece of angle iron or other L-shaped bracket that can hold the granite’s weight during and after the repair.
Use painter’s tape or a similar product to do the masking. The product should be able to stand up to the glue you are using but still be easily removed in the end. Masking completely will also help you if you need to remove the counter top or surfaces around it in the future. For example, keeping the glue off a sink in the counter top will ensure that the sink can be removed in the future without damaging the counter top.
Let this surface dry before proceeding with the reattachment.
Create the granite dust with a grinder, either by grinding a section of the granite that is not normally visible or grinding a spare piece you have lying around. Use a wood paint stick or other disposable tool, such as a disposable plastic knife, to mix the epoxy and dust mixture.
Follow the application directions supplied with the epoxy. However, most epoxy products require you to apply the adhesive on all surfaces before sticking them together. This coat is used strictly to glue the broken surfaces back together. Another coat of epoxy will be used to smooth out the top surface of the crack.
Also make sure that everyone in your household knows not to touch the area for the next day or so. Having someone knock into the repaired area before it is dry could create a larger repair problem.
This is necessary because your first coat will shrink as it dries. This shrinkage will create a slight dip at the crack that the second coat will fill.
The drying time for epoxy used to repair granite is typically around 24 hours.
When buffing your repair, start with wet buffing pads and move through the grits, from 100 grit to 3000 grit. With each pad you should work on the area until it is a consistent smoothness, and then move on to the next finer pad. After going through the wet buffing pads, start with the dry buffing pads. Start with a 400 grit pad and work your way through to a 3000 grit pad.
When buffing your repair, start with wet buffing pads and move through the grits, from 100 grit to 3000 grit. With each pad you should work on the area until it is a consistent smoothness, and then move on to the next finer pad. After going through the wet buffing pads, start with the dry buffing pads. Start with a 400 grit pad and work your way through to a 3000 grit pad.
Tin oxide is available online from lapidary suppliers. Tin oxide comes in a variety of colors, so pick one that closely matches the color of your granite.
There are specialty brackets available online that are made to support granite overhangs, such as those used to create eating areas at the end of counter tops.
Granite fabricators can do this in their shops. They will cut a slot for the rod to sit in and then epoxy it in place. Talk to your fabricator about this option before having new counter tops cut to shape.
If you want to install granite yourself, talk to a professional or 2 before moving forward with the project. They may be able to give you key advice about your specific project, including what pitfalls to avoid.
