Dolomite
Favored for its subtle gray veining and softer, warmer feel than true quartzite, dolomite offers a stylish midpoint between marble and granite. But this calcium‑rich stone is still acid‑sensitive, lightly porous, and softer than many homeowners expect—meaning etches, stains, and scratches can appear sooner without proper care. Pellegrino Stone Countertop Services combines gentle chemistry, diamond tooling, and protective coatings to keep dolomite counters pristine in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
Common Granite Countertop Issues We Address:
Etching & Chalky Rings - Dolomite contains calcium, so even mild acids (lemon juice, vinegar, wine) can leave pale, dull spots.
Oil & Food Stains - Although denser than marble, dolomite is still porous. Without a quality sealer, cooking oils, coffee, or sauces can darken the stone.
Scratches & Surface Wear - Softer than granite or true quartzite, dolomite can show knife marks, utensil drag lines, and dull traffic lanes around prep zones.
Edge & Sink‑Cutout Chips - Impacts from heavy pots or accidental knocks can chip thin edges and corners, especially near sinks or dishwashers.
Seam Discoloration or Resin Haze - Age, moisture, or household chemicals can yellow the seam glue or leave a cloudy film on the surface.
Worn or Ineffective Sealer - Over time, the protective impregnator breaks down, causing water to darken the surface and raising the risk of staining.
Pellegrino Stone Countertop Services specializes in dolomite countertop restoration, blending artisan craftsmanship with modern stone science. Whether we’re reviving a high‑end dolomite waterfall island in Las Vegas or rescuing a family kitchen in San Diego, our team restores the stone’s crisp color, subtle veining, and silky finish. From deep cleaning and stain lifting to diamond honing, chip repair, and optional MORE® AntiEtch™ protection, we deliver a countertop that looks—and feels—fresh from the showroom.
Deep Cleaning
Even “wipe‑and‑go” dolomite collects grease and colored residues in its micro‑pores. Our pH‑neutral deep‑cleaning system loosens oils, food film, and hard‑water deposits with low‑pressure steam and stone‑safe detergents, leaving your countertop hygienic, bright, and ready for polishing or sealing.
Polishing
Knife marks, drag lines, and everyday wear can dull dolomite’s surface. Using fine resin‑bond diamonds made for softer stones, we refinish micro‑scratches and bring back a uniform satin or low‑gloss glow that highlights dolomite’s delicate veining—without over‑heating or burning the calcium matrix.
Sealing
Because dolomite is more absorbent than granite, an impregnating sealer is critical. We saturate the stone with a food‑safe, breathable protectant that blocks oils, coffee, and wine from darkening the surface, yet leaves the natural color untouched. Most kitchens benefit from resealing every 6–12 months.
Diamond Honing
When deeper etches, scratches, or uneven wear appear, our diamond‑honing process progressively grinds away the damaged layer, revealing a fresh, consistent face. We can stop at a matte finish or continue to a subtle polish—perfect for reviving well‑used islands or changing the sheen before resale.
Crack & Chip Repair
Edges near sinks and high‑traffic corners chip easily on dolomite. We rebuild missing pieces with UV‑cured, color‑matched fillers, then hone and polish the repair flush so it blends invisibly and restores structural strength—preventing moisture intrusion and further breakage.
Stain & Etch Removal
Acid splashes (citrus, vinegar) and deep oil stains need more than household cleaners. Tailored poultices lift pigment, and spot‑honing erases etched rings, followed by optional MORE® AntiEtch™ coating for long‑term acid defense. The countertop is left uniformly smooth, bright, and protected.
FAQ: Maintenance & Preventative Care
Q: How often should I seal my granite countertops?
A: We recommend sealing your granite countertops about once every 1 to 2 years in most cases. If your kitchen sees heavy daily use (lots of cooking, spills, and cleaning), an annual seal is a good idea. For bathrooms or areas you don’t use as much, you might stretch it to every other year. Keep in mind that some types of granite, especially light-colored or more porous varieties, can benefit from yearly sealing, whereas very dense dark granite might not absorb much and can go longer between treatments. The safest approach is to observe how water behaves on your granite: if you notice water no longer beads up and instead starts to soak in and darken the stone, that’s a sign it’s time to reseal. Our team can set up a maintenance plan for San Diego, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas clients to re-seal on a proper schedule, ensuring your counters stay protected.
By knowing the facts behind these myths, you can take better care of your granite countertops. In short: granite is tough and long-lasting, but not invincible. A little mindful care goes a long way. With proper sealing, gentle cleaning, and the occasional professional touch-up from Pellegrino Stone Countertop Services, your granite surfaces will stay gorgeous and glossy for decades, whether enduring the humid salt air of San Diego, the hustle of a Los Angeles kitchen, or the dry heat of a Las Vegas summer.
Q: Can granite countertops get stained or damaged by spills?
A: Granite is quite stain-resistant, especially when properly sealed, but it isn’t 100% stain-proof. If spills are left to sit for too long on an unsealed area, they can sometimes seep in. For example, cooking oil, wine, coffee, or fruit juice can leave a dark or colored spot if not wiped up. The key is having a good seal in place and cleaning spills quickly. A sealed granite counter will usually repel liquids, buying you time to clean up. In the rare event a stain does occur, it’s usually removable with professional poulticing (as we discussed above in our Stain Removal section). As for other types of damage: what about acids or etching? Generally, you don’t have to worry about acidic foods or drinks etching granite – unlike marble, granite won’t typically get dull spots from lemons, vinegar, or cola because it’s not composed of calcite. Most granite is impervious to mild acids. However, extremely strong chemicals (like paint strippers or drain cleaners) could potentially etch or discolor even granite, so those should be kept off your counters. In summary, normal kitchen acids won’t harm true granite, and stains are uncommon if you maintain the sealant and clean up messes. Granite’s durability is one of the reasons it’s so popular in kitchens from Los Angeles to Las Vegas – it can handle a busy household’s spills with ease.
Q: What’s the best way to clean granite countertops on a daily basis?
A: For everyday cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a gentle pH-neutral cleaner. A few drops of a mild dish soap in warm water works well for quick wipe downs. Better yet, use a cleanser specifically formulated for natural stone – these cleaners clean effectively without stripping the sealant or leaving residues. Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners on granite. Stay away from vinegar, bleach, ammonia-based products (like typical glass cleaners), or abrasive powders. These can degrade the sealant and in some cases cause a dull film or even slight etching on certain stones. Also skip rough scrub pads that might scratch. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth. For disinfecting, you can use a diluted isopropyl alcohol solution (50/50 with water) sprayed on the surface, then wiped clean – this will sanitize without harming the granite. By sticking to gentle cleaners, you’ll keep your granite countertop shiny and prevent any hazy buildup. And of course, wipe up spills promptly with a soft cloth, especially oils or acidic liquids, so they don’t have time to soak in.
Q: What if I want a more durable finish?
A: Ask us about our Anti-Etch coating, a revolutionary solution that helps protect marble against acids and staining. It’s especially popular for bar tops and high-traffic kitchen counters.
Q: What are some common myths about granite countertop maintenance?
A: There are a few misconceptions out there about granite. Let’s clear up the big ones:
“Granite is maintenance-free.” – Myth. While granite is certainly low maintenance compared to many other materials, it isn’t completely maintenance-free. It still benefits from periodic sealing and proper cleaning. Think of granite like your car: very durable, but you still change the oil. A little upkeep will keep it looking its best long-term.
“Granite doesn’t need sealing because it’s so hard.” – Myth. Hardness (resistance to scratching) is not the same as porosity. Granite’s hardness comes from its mineral composition (making it scratch-resistant and durable), but many granites do have tiny pores that can absorb liquids. That’s why even though your countertop is rock-hard, it still should be sealed to block stains. Some dense black granites might be almost non-porous, but most others will darken with water if unsealed, indicating they can take in moisture.
“Any cleaner is fine on granite.” – Myth. Many people assume since granite is a rock, you can use any cleaning product on it. In reality, acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage the stone’s finish or degrade the sealant. For example, using vinegar or bleach regularly can lead to a dull surface over time. It’s best to stick to pH-neutral cleaners as mentioned earlier.
“If my granite gets a chip or crack, it’s ruined.” – Myth. Chips and cracks in granite can almost always be repaired by professionals without needing to replace the whole countertop. As we described above, we can fill and fix chips so they virtually disappear. Granite is far from ruined just because of a small blemish – restoration techniques can make it like it never happened.
Ready to give your Dolomite countertops the care they deserve?
Contact Pellegrino Stone Countertop Services today for expert granite restoration, polishing, and repair in San Diego, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas.
Let us help you preserve the natural luxury of your granite and keep your countertops looking their absolute best!
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