Seam Granite Countertops
If you have a small kitchen countertop or just need a straight slab it might be possible to cut it in one continuous piece.
Seam granite countertops. The seam was filled with some substance during installation. Since granite countertops are expensive you want to take care when joining seams in order to make them as unnoticeable as possible. Some installers use silicone so the countertop pieces can move. Let s go over why seams are often necessary and how good stone fabricators can minimize their appearance.
The void between the tops should be filled with epoxy or polyester glue colored with pigment to match your granite tops. A seam is the transition line that forms when two granite tops come together. I think they mixed granite dust with caulking material to. For starters natural stone particularly granite is quarried in 10 foot blocks.
Carefully fill in the seam again moving back to front and wipe off any excess as you go. Somewhere inconspicuous like in a corner of the counter put a few drops of water on top and a few inches away put a few drops of oil. Countertop seams should be bonded with an epoxy that is a similar colour to the material you ve chosen that way the seam will not be as noticeable. Although you may find that many countertops do not require being sealed applying a sealer is common practice.
A special clamping system known as a seam puller uses a vacuum pump to attach blocks to each half of the countertop. Seams in granite countertops are glued together using two part epoxy. I find silicone seams to be impractical and a poor choice. Determine if the countertop requires sealing.
The two sections are then pulled together with lever operated clamps until the glue sets. Seam quality in picture to right is unacceptable color and pattern the color and pattern selected can make a difference as to the appearance of the seam. If you work carefully you can seam granite in a way that is durable and nearly unnoticeable. Mix the epoxy according to the package instructions and select a color that will closely match your granite so it is less visible once dry.
To test your surface leave a few drops of water or a wet paper towel on the granite for 10 to 15 minutes doing this in an inconspicuous area. Finding the right color epoxy and mixing it well are just as important as a smooth final seam. Test whether the granite needs sealing. Don t be afraid of seams when the installation is done right a seam will hardly be visible.