Bayside Granite

How to Polish a Granite Countertop?

Granite countertops are expensive, so the last thing you want to see on your countertops are scratches and scuffs. However, you shouldn't worry. Granite is actually one of the easiest stones to polish. With the aid of a few household tools and some time, you can polish your countertop to be smooth again in no time.

Step 1 – Clean Your Countertop

Before polishing your granite countertop, you should throughly clean it to remove any caked-on grime. Spray the surface with a granite cleaner and wipe down the countertop with a soft sponge or non-abrasive washcloth. Dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
Making Your Own Cleaner

Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning solution to use by combining an all-natural liquid soap and warm water. Put a few squirts of soap in an empty spray bottle, and fill the rest with water. Then, seal and shake the bottle, and use this mixture to clean your countertop by following the directions above.

Step 2 – Use a Polish

Using a Store-Bought Polish

Purchase a granite-polishing product to use on your countertop. Make sure that your product is granite-safe, as some stone polishes are too acidic or abrasive for granite. Apply the polish to your countertop by using the directions provided on the packaging. Then, use a clean, non-abrasive cloth to buff your countertop, using broad, circular motions. Rinse the polish off according to the directions.

Making and Using Your Own Polish

Make your own polish with baking soda and warm water. In a small bowl, combine 3 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup baking soda. Lightly stir the ingredients. Then, use a paper towel or cloth to spread the polish across the countertop. Use a clean cloth to buff the surface, and then rinse off any remaining traces of polish with a clean, damp cloth and warm water.

In addition to polishing your countertop, ensure your granite stays looking new by taking good care of it. For instance, always using cutting boards, coasters, and hot pads on your countertop.

How To: Clean Granite Countertops

In many people’s minds, granite means strength and resilience. But to clean granite countertops successfully, a homeowner must act with caution. The stone can actually be damaged by many of the products and techniques that are perfectly safe to use on other kitchen surfaces. You don’t have to be a genius to clean granite countertops; the job just requires a bit of extra care and attention. Follow the steps outlined here, and you’re bound to be satisfied with the result of your efforts.

REGULAR CLEANING-
Your best bet is nothing more sophisticated than mild dish soap that’s been diluted with water. Bear in mind, however, that because granite scratches easily, the solution ought to be applied with a cotton cloth or soft sponge—that is, not with an abrasive scrubber. Before gently wiping down the counter, wring out the cloth or sponge so as not to compromise the highly absorbent stone (it can become discolored under standing water). Dry off the countertop as a final stage in this routine, not only to protect the granite from water damage but also to eliminate streaks and leave the surface with an eye-catching, irresistible shine.

STAIN REMOVAL-
Don’t panic! Most of the time, stained granite countertops can be cleaned with household items so common that you probably already have them in your pantry. No matter the source of the stain, start with baking soda. If you wish to clean a water stain, mix the baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. For an oil-based stain, mix the baking soda with water. In either case, the mixture should generate a thick paste. Generously spread that over the stain, then cover the area with plastic wrap, taping down its edges. Leave the stain remover overnight (or even for a couple of days), before rinsing and wiping down the granite.

ADDING PROTECTION-
Most installations of granite are protected by a layer of sealant. If you’ve repeatedly tried and failed to remove stains from your counters, chances are that the sealant has ceased to function as it should. In situations where the sealant is to blame, stained granite becomes difficult or impossible to clean, at least for the average do-it-yourselfer. Your best bet is to hire a professional to completely clean and then properly reseal the stone, thereby preventing future problems.

Products

Whether you are remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or your business, let Bayside Granite turn your dreams into reality. Some of our residential work includes tabletops, fireplace surrounds, tub surrounds, outdoor kitchens, or anything you can dream of.
You design it and we can fabricate it. Do you have an RV, party bus or boat you would like to spruce up? Let Bayside Granite turn your toy into everyone’s envy. Bayside Granite also works with contractors on commercial jobs such as restaurant bars and tables, church alters, school entryways, reception desks. Make your business look beautiful by giving it the extra touch of new bathroom countertops or a new stone reception desk. We service all of the Tampa Bay area including Clearwater, Largo, Belleair Beach, St. Petersburg, Tierra Verde, Treasure Island, Pass-a-Grill, Safety Harbor, Indian Rocks, Seminole, and any points in between.

Natural Stones

With our huge variety of natural stone, you’re sure to find the perfect piece to fit what you are looking for.

Granite
Marble
Travertine
Onyx
Soapstone

We have a wide range of colors and finishes: polished, leather, and honed (matte). Every slab is unique. We have all kinds of slabs to fit your budget and the look you want. Stop by and look at our selection today.

Quartz Surfaces

Quartz surfaces are products made up of natural quartz. Quartz is one of the strongest minerals on earth. While quartz is not indestructible, it does provide superior performance qualities over other natural stone that you may want to consider when selecting a product. It is stain, scratch and scorch resistant and antimicrobial at the same time. There is very little maintenance with these products and they are all backed with a manufacturer’s warranty for your peace of mind. We have four different Quartz companies Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria and HanStone and each company has many different colors, patterns and texture.

Granite Cleaners & Sealers

We carry a full line of granite cleaners as well as granite sealers to keep your natural stone
pieces looking brand new for years to come. We’ve learned over the years which work the
best and only recommend those to our clients.

Sinks & Tubs

We carry wide range of 18 gauge stainless steel sinks for kitchens. In addition, we also carry granite composite sinks which are scratch resistant, stain resistant, and heat resistant. For your bathroom we have porcelain, stainless, and stone sinks.

About Us

Bayside Granite is owned and operated by Lori and Steve Ross. We have 13 years experience working with granite and are dedicated in providing our customers with the best stone and service in St Petersburg and all of Tampa Bay. Everyone at Bayside takes pride in every job we do. We stand behind each job and are not satisfied until our customers are.

Below are some details about our operation:

We are licensed and insured. (C-10557)
All work is completed by our own installers & craftsmen.
We are family owned and operated.
Our knowledgeable staff will help you choose from a huge selection of styles and colors.
Our products are always fabricated with the utmost precision and quality.
We have a state of the art fabrication facility.
Bayside Granite’s owners, are on the premises constantly. They want to make sure you are fully satisfied so if you have questions or need help, they are always available.
We have an extremely quick turn-around time for design AND installation.
You can choose your own slab and layout out on the slab. Get the look you want out of the slab.
We value your time. We provide prompt and courteous service.

Stop by and see why everyone loves Bayside Granite for all their natural stone and quartz needs. We are conveniently located just west of I-275 (Exit 41A) near the intersection of 22 Ave N. and 33rd St N. St Petersburg.

Our Services

In addition to fabricating and installing natural stone and quartz surfaces. We offer the following specialty services:

Design

Let our trained natural stone craftsmen help you take your dream and bring it to life. We can help you design everything from table tops, bars, kitchen / bathroom counter tops and practically anything else you can imagine. We work with you to make sure the final product is what you want it to be. We offer the option for pick up or delivery and installation by our skilled granite and marble installation experts whether you live in St Petersburg, Clearwater, Belleair Beach or anywhere in our Tampa Bay delivery area.
At Bayside Granite you can help us design the layout of your slab on the granite. If there is a particular vein that you love, we will work with you to lay out your templates on the stone. This way you can get what you want out of it and put it in the area you want it.

Chip Repair

Chips around sinks or counter tops? Our craftsmen can repair chips, cracks, and damage to restore it to it’s original condition.

Drill Holes

Needing to install water purifiers, garbage disposer buttons, or holes for computer wires? Our craftsmen’s precision drilling can prepare your granite or quartz for installation.

Clean, Seal & Restore

This service will make your counter tops look like new! Our craftsmen will clean, seal and restore your granite to its original beauty.

Sink Remounting

We are one of the only companies in Tampa Bay that takes pride in sink remounting. Our metal clip mounting system guarantees a solid sealed solution.
If you have an existing granite or quartz counter top with the sink pulling away from the top, our service technician can reattach it and give it a strong, solid hold. Call us today! We service all of the Tampa Bay area including Clearwater, Largo, Belleair Beach, St. Petersburg, Tierra Verde, Treasure Island, Pass-a-Grill, Safety Harbor, Indian Rocks, Seminole, and any points in between.

Bayside Granite & Tiles Receives 2013 Best of St. Petersburg Award

St. Petersburg Award Program Honors the Achievement

ST. PETERSBURG October 2, 2013 — Bayside Granite & Tiles has been selected for the 2013 Best of St. Petersburg Award in the Granite category by the St. Petersburg Award Program.

Each year, the St. Petersburg Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the St. Petersburg area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2013 St. Petersburg Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the St. Petersburg Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About St. Petersburg Award Program

The St. Petersburg Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the St. Petersburg area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The St. Petersburg Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

Hours & Location

We are located at 3199 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 besides the Animal Emergency Clinic.

Our Store Hours are M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm & closed on Sun.

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