How to Fill in the Seam of Granite
Granite countertops are durable, and each piece of granite is unique in its color and natural design from a stone quarry. Granite has a smooth surface that allows easy cleanup of spills without penetrating the stone. The heat-resistant properties of granite allow you to place hot pots directly on the countertop without harming the beauty of your kitchen. Depending on the configuration of your kitchen countertops, you may have one or more seams between slabs of granite that need filling to retain the waterproof properties of granite.
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Cut the tip off a silicone caulk cartridge at a 45-degree angle with a utility knife. The cut will angle the tip to make a small opening in the cartridge.
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Pull a caulk gun plunger backwards and place the cartridge into a caulk gun with the tip pointing down on the end opposite the trigger. Insert a large nail into the cut tip of the caulk cartridge to pierce the protective inner seal. Turn the plunger clockwise to engage the trigger of the caulk gun. Squeeze the trigger to start pushing caulk out of the tip of the caulk gun. Wipe the caulk off the tip of the cartridge with a wet shop towel.
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Insert the tip of the caulk cartridge into the rear of the granite seam. Squeeze the caulk gun trigger slowly and move the tip from the rear to the front of the seam. Squeeze the trigger again when caulk stops flowing from the tip to form a continuous bead of caulk.
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Wet an index finger with water. Wipe the seam with your wet finger from the rear to the front of the granite to press the caulk into the seam at the same level as the countertop. Wipe any excess caulk off both sides of the seam with a wet shop towel. Allow the caulk to dry according to the package instructions before using the countertop.
References
Resources
Tips
- Place a large nail in the end of a partially used caulk cartridge to seal the opening and store the caulk for future uses.
- Silicone caulk dries clear and seals moisture out of granite countertop seams.
Writer Bio
Mary Lougee has been writing for over 10 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Management and a double minor in accounting and computer science. She loves writing about careers for busy families as well as family oriented planning, meals and activities for all ages.
Photo Credits
- Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
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