Dark Spots on New Granite Countertop

Installation Adhesive Stains in New Granite Countertop

Installation Adhesive Stains in New Granite Countertop

QUESTION:

We just moved into our newly built house and we had installed the giallo venetiano granite for our kitchen countertops.


The granite countertop has a lot of similar dark spots all over that appeared after the installation.

I am pretty sure the counters are not sealed yet. I am hoping I could still do something about it before I seal it. What do you recommend?

ANSWER:


Water can cause dark spots, but when the water evaporates.... so do the spots.

Adhesives or glue used during the granite countertop installation can sometimes be a problem.

The wrong adhesive or sometimes an additive used with the adhesive will produce dark gray-blue-green spots that may resolve within a couple weeks.... but often can persist and are sometimes permanent.

Granite installers will sometimes add an accelerant to the glue to help it dry faster. This accelerant can react with some granites and leach through to the surface causing these "Green Bloom stains".

Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict which granite may react. The actual cause is unknown and no significant pattern has been discovered. In other words, it doesn't appear to happen only with certain colors, etc.

A consistent pattern is typically seen with these glue stains. Most are the same size and shape and evenly spaced over the countertop since the glue is applied evenly and in a similar fashion in each spot.

Green bloom glue stains are also often seen along the seams in the countertop slabs, around the sink, or along the edges.

You will probably want to seal the countertops eventually, but I would NOT seal them until you remove the glue stains.

FYI... sealing prior to installation would not have prevented this since the glue is leaching through from the underside. Maybe if the underside was sealed but it never is and again, this problem is impossible to predict.

Fortunately, most stains can be removed with a simple procedure for cleaning granite countertops.

Just follow the detailed instructions in the Removing Granite & Marble Stains e-book which includes info about green bloom installation glue stain removal.

Installation adhesive stains can be removed, but they tend to be difficult. It may take some time and you may need to repeat the stain-removal process many times.

Of course, your installer is responsible for the stains and removing them, so bring it to their attention. Certainly demand a re-install if the stains cannot be removed.

Comments for Dark Spots on New Granite Countertop

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Darken the Rest to Match
by: Anonymous

Our granite countertops are several years old and have darkened in the areas next to where we cook, so oil, and next to the sink, so water.

We actually prefer the darker look, and want to go in that direction to even all out.

I'm having a hard time getting everything else to darken. I've tried smearing butter all over, olive oil, and now soapy water to hold the water in place, leaving each overnight.

What's the easiest way to stain the rest of the tiles to match the darkened granite? Is there something I can leave on long enough, while we can still use the areas?

===== Countertop Specialty comment:

You need to use a product for darkening granite like this Color-Enhancing Sealer.

You'll need to leave it on for about 15 minutes and probably apply two coats, but darkening the color is exactly what this product is for.
Dark spots after new countertop install
by: jsl55

We had granite countertops installed 5 days ago in 2 bathrooms, laundry room and kitchen. Only the kitchen appears to have an issue with dark spots. They used an Alex product, but I'm not sure which one.

In the kitchen it is leeching up to the surface and they look terrible.

I questioned the color and the installer said they were still wet and would dry out. I was told they are sealed.

They were cut from 2 slabs that were supposedly from the same rock, but one counter looks especially greenish. That's not good since the tile backsplash is tan & brown subway tiles.

I wonder if these slabs are actually what we chose. They looked basically tan in the warehouse to my wife and I, and the consultant didn't indicate any issue with colors with the slab and tile. She actually seemed to be helpful in choosing.

The bathrooms were from the same remnant. They look good, but feel rough when wiping them off. Upon close inspection they appear to have small chips and what looks like small glazing cracks.

The laundry room was a different small remnant that looks and feels good.

So far I have only paid a deposit and intend to withhold full payment until this is resolved. I am not satisfied with the granite, but the floor and backsplash tile does look good.

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Yes, I'd reserve payment until all issues are resolved.

The surface should be smooth and without a lot of defects. However, note that it is normal for granite to pit, so a couple pits here and there is normal. Not ideal, but not the installers fault.

The color of each slab could be slightly different but usually slabs from the same block cut are used so generally will not see a color difference.

The stains are another matter. These could be glue stain leaching through the granite. Not good. They may go away, but can be permanent and/or difficult to remove.

Glue stains are usually gray-green-blue and pop up in the same pattern as the glue was applied which is often in a fairly uniform pattern.

Common to see same sized circle stains. And you'll notice them around seams.
Granite drying time question
by: Dianne & Family

Three years ago our salesman and installer said it was not necessary to seal our granite again. The company went out of business. Perhaps you can help us.

Water soaks into the granite around the sink and most places we clean. At first it was a little, but now it looks real dark.

Towel drying does not completely help. We are afraid water might be soaking down and destroying our new cabinets.

Is there a way we can remove all the sealer ourselves?

How long should we let it dry before we reseal it?

Should we use a fan to help it dry? All comments are appreciated.

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

The fact that your granite countertop readily absorbs water is THE sign that it does need sealing again.

Some granites don't need sealing at all, however, if you are seeing dark spots from water then it needs to be sealed.

And unless you use a permanent sealer like Senguard Sealer a sealer will have to be periodically reapplied.

All sealers (except Senguard) will wear out and need reapplication.

But you don't need to remove the current sealer. It is no longer effective and a non-issue.

Your granite will dry out eventually unless water is continually absorbing on the surface (i.e. from daily use of the sink).

Fans will help, but mostly just quit using the sink for a day or two or three and let it dry out. Then re-seal it.
Granite is not what it's cracked up to be
by: Anonymous

I thought now I have this wonderful home improvement with granite countertops. No one told me if water gets around the sink and doesn't dry up or stains, you are out of luck.

I have to replace my entire kitchen due to stains that will not go away with all the poultices.

I am broken-hearted and it's going to cause a serious financial loss to me. I just got the bad news today when a fabricator said... Nothing can be done... no hope... need to replace... I am sick to my heart about this.

I would keep it and abuse it more except I am such a perfectionist, I can't. So, waiting for a quote on how much this mess is going to cost. I am not sure I will go with granite anymore may try a solid surface.

I hate granite, even though it's beautiful... If it gets damaged and it does your out a pretty penny.

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Well, I can understand your frustration. This or something similar could happen with any and every type of countertop material.

No countertop material is without potential problems. None are perfect. But all factors considered, granite is the all-around best bet or at least in the top 2.

I'd get a second opinion if I was you. I gather this is a newly installed granite countertop.

Without knowing exactly what caused the stains I can't speak directly to your specific problem, however, I can say that it is rare that stains (especially if recent) cannot be removed.

In fact, it is rare that any damage to granite countertops or any natural stone is permanent. Most often a repair is possible in the hands of an experienced restoration professional.

A couple exceptions here are rust stains and stun marks on marble. Rust stains can be deep enough that there is just no way to remove them and replacement is the only option.

Same with stun marks. These are not common, but when they occur there isn't really any good repair method.

And green stains that sometimes occur from the adhesive used when installing granite countertops can be very difficult to remove, but it is possible.

Most stone fabricators / installers are not truly skilled in repairs. They can make some small repairs effectively, but complex problems like granite cracks, for example, demand a person highly knowledgeable and experienced repairing cracks.

It may be that your fabricator simply hasn't properly diagnosed your issue or doesn't have the experience to know how to resolve your particular problem.

And if this is the same fabricator that installed the granite countertops, why didn't he seal the surface to guard against stains?

Again, I'd bet the problem you are having with your granite countertops can be repaired or resolved with the correct diagnosis and cure.
Granite dark green stains
by: Cy

I just had my granite countertop installed yesterday. Looked beautiful until a few hours later dark spots have appeared.

From everything thing I read sounds like green stains from the adhesive. Waiting to hear from company to see what they say.

Wondering how much time to give to see if it will go away on its own?? looking bad. I hate to live with that after a complete kitchen remodel. Is this common?

=== Countertop Specialty comment:

Yeah, likely green bloom stains from adhesive. Tricky issue. It's a low percentage of installs, but it does happen and often cannot be predicted. Some stones react with the glues leading to stains and others don't.

If the stains are going away, then you'll see continuous improvement over the next 2-3 weeks. But the installers should take responsibility and ensure they do go away or are removed.
Round bluish-green stains after install
by: Anonymous

I was told this is perfectly normal and that the 30 or so perfectly round dark spots on my granite would go away on their own??

=== Countertop Specialty comment:

Well it is "normal" in the sense that these glue stains happen sometimes with new countertop installs, but it's not common.

Yes, sometimes they will disappear on their own, but often must be removed and it is a simple, but sort of drawn out process.
Water that doesn't evaporate
by: Anonymous

My granite countertop in the bathroom is over a year old. I noticed it left a dark spot under the soap pump now and then, and it would dry in a day.

We don't use that bathroom a lot. My mother-in law stayed with us for a week and she would use this bathroom to wash up in. The day after she left we noticed a dark area on the granite countertop all around the sink.

Half of it dried and the other half lightened up some, but is still there and it's been 4 days now.

I don't know what to do? In some cases does it take longer to dry and how long should I wait? Can I do something to help dry it?

=== Admin comment: The dark area around the sink is likely due to water absorption. With constant use and contact with water over a week, the water probably absorbed deep into the stone and is taking longer to evaporate in some places.


dark spots on new granite countertop
by: Kathy

I have the same issue. Light colored granite countertop installed 2 days ago, looked beautiful.

Today I see gray blotches, mostly around the corners of the sink area. There are similar marks in the exact same areas when you look from underneath the sink cabinet.

Can anything be done? We had tile backsplash/wall installed and the tile is discontinued so if the countertop is taken out and the tile is ruined, it can't be replaced.

We've already paid in full because everything looked perfect upon installation. Help!

==== ADMIN COMMENT:

As indicated in the article above your only option is to try and remove the stains following procedures in the recommended "Removing Stains" e-book. And then hope more adhesive doesn't leach to the surface.

You'll also find more information on the marble stains page.
dark greyish spots on empress gold granite after installation
by: Anonymous

We installed Empress gold granite in our newly remodeled kitchen. I am seeing dark grayish-green spots everywhere. It looks really ugly.

The installer said it will go away in a week. It has just been 3 days... Seeing other posts, this seems like a big problem:( Last resort is to remove it.

Can the granite be removed without damaging the new cabinets? very worried!
Dark spots after granite countertop installation
by: Anonymous

I went to dinner after my installation of salt and pepper granite and came home to spots. Should I panic?

===ANSWER:

The spots are likely from the adhesive. Could go away after a few days to a couple weeks, but may not.

I'd contact your installer, have them take a look and do not pay any remaining balance until the spots go away. You may have to remove them like removing a stain.

Sometimes though even this is not entirely successful since the glue is usually absorbed through the full thickness of the granite.
it's already been 1.5 months since the counter was installed
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your response. It's been about almost two months since the counter was installed and the problem still persists.

First the contractor said it will take two months, but now he says it may take up to 4 months. This just doesn't sound right to me.

Can it really take up to 4 months or more to dry. I haven't given him the final payment yet, so I can definitely hold it until it's gone. It's just a pain in the butt to have to have work done after I've moved in the house.

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

The longer it goes on the more permanent it's likely to be. And you should see some changes. If it looks the same as day one... not good. It won't just one day disappear.

If it's going to go away, it usually does it pretty quick... within a couple/three weeks.

I'd start talking about replacement with your installer and/or (unfortunately) thinking about small claims or legal action (depending on the cost of the job).
Dark Adhesive Spots
by: Ryan

Yes, adhesive can be a problem is incorrectly applied or an improper type is used.

The adhesive can leach through causing dark spots. Sometimes these will go away as the glue evaporate and cures.

However, they can remain permanent. When this happens the only solution is complete replacement.

Sometimes applying a poultice can be helpful, but the glue may just bleed back to the surface again.

If you haven't already, then I'd hold final payment until they do go away and/or require replacement.
I have the same issue....
by: Anonymous

I have similar granite counters installed about a month and a half ago and dark spots started appearing about 1 week after the initial installation. The spots got progressively darker as the days went by. The contractor said it is the consistency of the adhesive that has seeped through the granite and that it will disappear in time. He told me it may take up to 3 months. That sounds like a bunch of B.S. to me. Is this normal? He said he tried putting a torch to it and it went away for a day or so, but eventually the spots came back. Is there any hope for this piece of granite? or should I have the whole thing replaced. If it needs to be replaced, then the back splash and or cabinets may be damaged in the process. I'm at a lost, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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