Granite seam stain

[Nancyv]

Hi-hope I can get some help on this problem.

I have had my granite kitchen counters (red/grey/black) for 5-6 years. They appear to be sealed properly, except for the seams. On one seam I have a dark stain that extends about 1 inch on either side of the seam. I have tried a standard poultice that I left in place for a couple of days, but have seen no change. I don't know what the stain is, but my best guess is that it has an oily component. Other than this one stain, the granite is spotless.

Any suggestions on removing?

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[GraniteGirl]

Do you know what the seams were made of? It was not Liquid Nails :sick: by any chance?

If you post a picture, we might could get a better idea :D

[Steven Hauser]

Hi Nancy,
A picture would be great.

If you feel certain that the stain is oil based, then you will need an acetone based poultice. It may take several applications.

A) You can use white paper towels to lay over the stain. About an inch or so tall dry. about 2" wider than the stain.

B) Douse the paper towels with acetone. This is the type you buy at a home improvement store.

C) Cover with the plastic wrap that is self sticking.

D) Leave for 24 hours

E) Remove and let air dry for several hours (let's say 24 for consistency)

F) Inspect and repeat if necessary.

[Nancyv]

Here is a picture of the granite stain. The granite joint was caulked with standard caulk-this is the only seam which has this problem.

Thanks,

Nancyv

[Nancyv]

Here is a picture of the granite seam stain...there is only one seam (out of 5 )that has this problem. The seams were only caulked-there was no Liquid Nails.

Thanks

[doitright]

Hi Nancy, Welcome! :)

How long ago did the stain first appear? I have seen an improperly mixed polyester seam filler stain the joints. Since the stain exists only where filled with caulk, I would also remove the caulk.

This could be followed with the method Steven suggested.

[doitright]

Hi Nancy :)

I'm merging your threads. Let's try to keep the projects together. Thanks.

[Nancyv]

It's been awhile since I've posted, but I have been, when I have time, trying to get this stain out. I tried the acetone poultice, but it has not done anything. I'm considering getting a professional, however, I'm not comfortable with getting someone who may just screw the granite up. There don't seem to be a lot of companies in my area that do this sort of work (I live in the SF Bay Area)

Do you have any other suggestions for treating this spot? Once again, this is the only problem area in a very large countertop-all the other seams are fine. I am not sure what caused the stain, I though it was due to a turkey juice spill, but I am not sure. I have tried the acetone poultice, and a commercial poultice (Aquamix Poultice), but nothing seems to do any good.

Any suggestions?

[GraniteGirl]

Nancy

What kind of caulk did they use? Silicone or the latex caulk? Also - is the seam packed full or did the caulk pull away from the stone somewhat?

Another question - you mentioned turkey juice spill - did the juice sit there for a while before being cleaned?

Is there any way you could remove the caulk from the seam and then poultice?

I would also try a beauty shop strength hydrogen peroxide poultice. Guess it couldn't hurt - not after all you have tried already :idea: Might also want to leave the poultice a bit longer because of the age of the stain.

[doitright]

Hi Nancy :)

One slight twist to Adriannas suggestion.

Purchase the Stone Techs Oil Stain removing poultice.

Is the caulk stiff (but still pliable), rubbery, or rock hard? Either way the material will need to be removed, then poultice the entire area, including in the seam. Follow the label directions.