This Damaged Kitchen Countertop Received a Complete Overhaul Thanks to Our Stone Honing Process in Chicago

January 10, 2019

Kitchen countertops are the work surface where homeowners prepare food, eat casually with family and friends, or gather together at the of the day to talk while making dinner. Due to the daily use kitchen countertops receive, the surface has to be able to withstand heavy wear and tear. Natural stone is one of the most popular and classic options for countertops. It offers durability, versatility, and a wide range of styles. However, popular stones like marble and granite have a porous composition and require proper maintenance and care. They absorb liquids easily and are vulnerable to staining and discoloration. Moreover, using acidic substances and harsh cleaning products can etch the stone and dull the natural finish of the surface. Professional stone honing is necessary to remove these damages safely and effectively. Experts like Sir Grout Chicago have the knowledge and the equipment to perform this task successfully.


The natural stone kitchen countertop of our next client was in poor condition. While preparing the house for the holidays, she noticed the damage. The surface was scratched and the stone looked dull and unappealing. She was hosting friends and family, so she tried to solve the problem before the event. The owner used some DIY cleaning routines she found online, but there were no improvements. She even used vinegar and ammonia, but this only produced negative results. After considering her options, she decided to look for professional assistance. Thanks to this decision, she found our stone honing service in Chicago, IL. Our experts were able to restore her countertop and give the stone a breath of new life.

She found us by searching online for the best hard surface restoration company in Chicago. The top results led her to Sir Grout Chicago. She decided to check out our site. As she browsed the homepage, she clicked on the picture gallery. The pictures displayed the results we provide our customers and the quality of our work. She was happy and relieved to see we had restored countless natural stone surfaces. After going through the gallery, she read testimonials from previous satisfied customers. The feedback was positive and certified us as leading experts in the industry. Everything she saw and read convinced her we could help her, so she called us and requested a free in-home consultation.

We arrived for the evaluation of the countertop and to offer the most effective solution for the problems. After a brief introduction, we entered the kitchen to perform the assessment. We noticed dull spots and stains on the surface. The stone suffered heavy damage from wear and tear and it had a lackluster appearance. We told the owner that using products with harsh chemicals and acidic properties only caused more harm because these substances react negatively with the composition of the stone. For this reason, the countertop had severe issues. When we finished the inspection, we concluded that it was necessary to perform proper maintenance and professional treatment for full restoration.

We proposed a stone honing service. With this process, we would remove all the blemishes and give the stone a new life. We assured the owner her kitchen countertop would have a completely revamped look when we were finished. After our assessment, she was convinced we were offering a reliable solution, so she decided to hire us.

We returned to her house a few days later to hone and polish the countertop. This is a professional process that requires our high-end equipment and the most effective techniques. We must follow a series of steps to ensure optimal results. We started by cleaning the surface using our stone-safe product and a high-speed scrubber. Unlike soap-based and acidic cleaners, our product doesn't leave residue and won't cause any damage. In addition, it has an improved formula that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi for an extended period of time after application. Once the countertop was spotless, we were ready to hone the stone. For this step we needed our high-grade diamond honing pads. We prepared the equipment and began the process.

We ran three sets, each with an increased level of grit. We grinded until all the scratches and blemishes were removed. Next, we moved to the polishing process. To polish the stone, we used a series of abrasive materials and powders and continued grinding until we achieved the desired finish. After that, the countertop looked amazing. It had a brand-new finish and no damages whatsoever.

We invited our client so see for herself what we accomplished. When the owner saw the countertop, she was amazed because it looked completely different. The stone had been revitalized. It had no stains, scratches, or dull spots. She couldn't believe how we achieved these results in just one day. The owner was happy with our job and said that our performance had gone beyond her expectations. After thanking us, she stated that she would recommend Sir Grout Chicago to all her friends, family, and neighbors. We had become her company of choice for hard surface restoration.

When we were about to leave, we gave the owner some suggestions to help her keep the surface in great condition. We recommended cleaning the countertop using only pH-neutral soap-free cleaners like Sir Grout's Natural Hard Surface Cleaner. Our product is safe for the stone and won't deteriorate the surface. It has ingredients that can help provide protection against bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, it is non-toxic and safe for everyone in the house, including pets. It is also important to keep the surface as dry as possible. Do not leave spills lingering for long periods of time. If spills occur, soak them up immediately with a paper towel. Do not wipe or spread them. We don't recommend using abrasive tools like steel wools because they can scratch the stone.

To prevent damages, always protect the countertop from hot pots, pans, and food dishes. Excessive heat can cause a thermal shock and may crack the stone. Use trivets that allow airflow under the hot item. These are particularly useful for slow cookers that expose the surface to heat for several hours. In addition, avoid chopping or slicing directly on the countertop. Always use a cutting board to prevent scratches.

As you can see, Sir Grout Chicago is the answer to your hard surface restoration problems. It is possible to restore your old natural stone countertop with our professional assistance. We have award-wining stone honing processes that can remove all the damage from your surface and give it a brand-new look. Our qualified services are cost-effective and reliable. As a leading company in the hard surface restoration industry, we have years of experience and certified technicians at your disposal. Don't hesitate to contact us by calling (773) 923-2084 or by filling out our "Request a Quote" form for a free in-home consultation. We will be happy to attend you. Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to receive our latest info and promotions.

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