Matching Different Granite Slab Colors

QUESTION:

I recently got 3 slabs of tropical brown prefabbed granite for kitchen countertops. We didn't notice that one slab was actually lighter in color until they were installed.

The store where we purchased it sold us a "color enhancer/sealer" and said that would bring the colors closer together, and seal it. Well, after I applied it I read the label and it said "not for polished" granite.

So, I called him back, he wasn't aware it wasn't for polished granite. He called the maker of the sealer, and they said it wouldn't hurt the granite, but it wouldn't seal it either. I needed a different type of sealer. When the product was first applied, it appeared that the color was going to match up, but after several days it is back to the original lighter shade.

Do you know if I can do anything to bring the colors closer to matching and what sealer will actually penetrate polished granite? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

ANSWER:

My recommendation is to have them rip it out and do a better job matching the slabs.

Now, since granite is natural every slab is unique and as you've seen even the exact same variety can vary in color.

Usually it is not a problem to find and match two or three slabs.

The rub is if you personally chose these exact three slabs prior to installation. If you did and didn't notice the difference in color, then of course it's on you except your salesperson should have pointed this out.

So honestly, the more I think about it...I'd raise hell with them. First, they don't make sure you have matching slabs and then they make you buy a product that has no effect so you can try and cover their mistake for them. No way.

Unless there are some weird extenuating circumstances here that make it unlikely for you to protest, I think they have to take some responsibility.

You spent way to much on this job to have to patch it up from the get go.

You said you had them "pre-fabbed." Not sure what you mean. All slabs are fabricated before they arrive at your house.

Anyway, as for "enhancers".. they are designed to darken and give that "wet look" to UN-polished stones.

Raw stone is dull. Look at your slab under the edges and you'll see. You can see colors, but they often look dusty or drab. Polishing changes the reflectivity of the stone so what once looked dull suddenly is very vibrant and shiny.

And that is what enhancers do too.

In other words, polished granite already has the "wet look" so applying an "enhancer" really has no effect.

Now some companies make topical coatings (not impregnating sealers) that can change the look, or increase the gloss, but they can be unpredictable and may not change the color.

The only one I'd recommend is Dry Treat who makes a product that I believe can be used effectively on polished granite.

You should contact them with your issue to get specifics though.

But really, if you are in a position to do so, you should get the job re-done. Helping you pick out and match slabs is their job.

At the very least they can take the left overs from the two slabs that match and use those to find a better candidate for the third slab. Rip out and replace the third/non-matching slab.

Plus Tropical Brown is not real absorbent and could be difficult to seal or use get an enhancer to absorb enough.

I know this is not an entirely satisfying answer if you are stuck with the enhancer route, however that situation doesn't really have a good or proven solution. If you can't get a slab replaced then, hopefully Dry Treat can help.

I'd be curious to know if it works or what happens. Let me know via the comments link at the bottom.

Good Luck,
Ryan