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Should you paint over granite? If you’ve ever stared at your granite countertops and thought, “These would look so much better white,” you’re not alone. With modern design trends favoring light, minimalist surfaces, the darker, speckled granite popular in the 2000s can feel out of place.

So the big question: Should you paint over granite?
Short answer: Probably not. Here’s why.

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Granite Is Built to Last—Paint Isn’t

Granite is one of the most durable natural materials you can have in your home. It’s heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and incredibly long-lasting. Painting over it may give you a new look, but it sacrifices what makes granite so valuable in the first place: its durability.

Painted granite is far more prone to:

• Chipping

• Scratching

• Peeling

• Fading over time

In high-traffic areas like kitchen counters or bathroom vanities, the finish just won’t hold up well—even with primers, sealers, and special countertop paint.

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Prepping Granite for Paint Is a Pain

Granite isn’t porous like wood or concrete. That shiny, sealed surface doesn’t take paint easily. To even have a chance at adhesion, you’d have to:

• Thoroughly clean and degrease the surface

• Sand down the finish (which creates dust and mess)

• Apply a specialty bonding primer

• Use multiple coats of durable paint

• Seal it with a topcoat and let it cure completely

Even with all that effort, you’re not guaranteed a professional-looking or long-lasting result. One hot pan or dropped utensil, and the paint may crack or chip.

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It Can Hurt Resale Value

Buyers love granite—for its quality, longevity, and luxury appeal. Painted granite, though? That can raise red flags.
It often gives off a DIY vibe, and not in a good way. Even if you love the new look, future buyers may see it as a downgrade or a project they’ll need to undo—often meaning full countertop replacement.

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There Are Better Alternatives

If your granite feels outdated but you don’t want to rip it out, consider these instead:

• Accessorize around it: Change your cabinet hardware, lighting, or backsplash to modernize the space.

• Refinish or re-seal it: This can bring back shine and enhance its natural tones.

• Decorate with contrast: Use bright accessories or light-colored rugs to balance darker granite tones.

• Live with it—for now: Trends come and go. In a few years, your granite may feel classic again.

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Final Thoughts

So should you paint over granite? Painting over granite might seem like a clever, cost-saving trick, but in reality, it’s a temporary solution that often leads to long-term regret. Between the prep work, lack of durability, and potential impact on resale, it’s usually not worth the risk.

If you’re craving a fresh look, put down the paintbrush and explore other design updates. Your granite—and your future self—will thank you.

If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, you’ve likely asked yourself (or your contractor) the classic chicken-and-egg question of renovations: Should the countertop or the backsplash be installed first? It may seem like a small detail, but the order of installation can make a big difference in the final look and functionality of your space.

Let’s break it down.

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Why Countertops Typically Go First

In most cases, the countertop is installed before the backsplash—and for good reason.

1. Precise Measurements

Once the countertop is installed, it creates a fixed edge for measuring the backsplash. Walls are rarely perfectly level, and countertop installation can highlight or correct those irregularities. Installing the backsplash after allows for adjustments based on the exact dimensions and placement of the countertop.

2. Fitting and Finish

Backsplashes are typically designed to sit directly above the countertop, sometimes with a very small gap sealed with caulk or grout. Installing the backsplash first could result in gaps or misalignment once the countertop is in, leading to a messy or unprofessional finish.

3. Material Considerations

Countertops are heavy and can be challenging to maneuver. If a backsplash is already in place—especially if it’s tile—it’s more prone to chipping or cracking during the countertop installation. Doing the countertop first avoids that risk.

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Are There Exceptions?

Yes, in rare situations.

1. Full-Height Backsplashes

If you’re doing a full-height backsplash that extends from the counter to the cabinets or ceiling (common with slab backsplashes), your contractor might want to coordinate installation of both at the same time. Still, even in these cases, countertop installation often starts first to ensure stability and alignment.

2. Prefab Countertops

If you’re using a prefabricated top with a built-in backsplash “lip” that attaches to the wall, the order can be reversed—but these are typically used in bathrooms rather than kitchens.

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Tips for a Seamless Install

• Work with a designer or contractor to ensure all measurements are accurate and all materials are on-site before installation begins.

• Pick your backsplash tile after the countertop, since the countertop often serves as the visual anchor for the kitchen design.

• Always allow for caulking or sealing between the backsplash and the countertop to prevent water damage.

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The Verdict

Countertop first, backsplash second. That’s the golden rule in most kitchen and bathroom renovations. It ensures a cleaner fit, protects your tile investment, and helps create a cohesive, polished look.

If you’re planning your remodel, remember: sequencing matters. And when in doubt, consult your installer—they’ve likely seen every combination and can guide you based on your specific space and materials.

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What is the easiest countertop to maintain? Natural stone countertops bring beauty, elegance, and durability into your home—but they’re not all created equal when it comes to maintenance. If you’re considering natural stone and want the look without the hassle, it’s important to know which materials are the most low-maintenance.

Let’s break down the top contenders—quartz, granite, marble, and soapstone—to see which stone wins the title of “easiest to maintain.”

1. Quartz – The Maintenance MVP

Even though quartz is technically engineered stone (not quarried in slabs like granite or marble), it’s made mostly from natural quartz crystals, so it fits the natural stone family.

Why it’s so easy to maintain:

• Non-porous surface: No sealing required. Quartz naturally resists stains, bacteria, and moisture.

• Scratch and chip resistant: Great for busy kitchens with heavy use.

• Simple to clean: Just soap, water, and a soft cloth will do.

If low effort is the goal, quartz is the clear winner. It offers the look of natural stone with the ease of something much more forgiving.

2. Granite – Durable but Needs a Little Love

Granite is incredibly tough and resistant to heat, which makes it a popular choice. However, it’s porous, so it does need to be sealed regularly to prevent stains and bacteria buildup.

Maintenance snapshot:

• Needs sealing: Typically once a year (though some sealers last longer).

• Stain-resistant when sealed: But leave oil or wine too long, and it may soak in.

• Easy to clean: Mild soap and water work fine—just avoid harsh chemicals.

Granite isn’t high-maintenance by any means, but it’s not “set it and forget it” either.

3. Marble – Beautiful but High-Maintenance

Marble is undeniably stunning with its soft veining and classic look, but it comes with a bit of a diva personality.

Why it’s tricky:

• Very porous: Absorbs liquids quickly, leading to stains.

• Prone to etching: Acids like lemon juice or vinegar can dull the surface.

• Requires sealing: Often more than once a year, depending on usage.

If you’re someone who’s okay with a bit of patina or loves the charm of “lived-in luxury,” marble could work—but it’s definitely not the easiest to maintain.

4. Soapstone – Underrated and Low-Fuss

Soapstone has a soft, matte appearance and a naturally dense, non-porous surface.

Why it’s low-maintenance:

• No sealing needed: It doesn’t absorb stains.

• Easy to clean: Just water or mild soap.

• Minor scratches can be sanded out: And oiling the surface deepens the color and camouflages wear.

It’s softer than granite or quartz, so it can dent or scratch more easily—but if you’re into that cozy, rustic vibe, it wears beautifully over time.

The Bottom Line

What is the easiest countertop to maintain? If you want the easiest natural stone countertop to maintain, quartz is your best bet. It’s low-fuss, stain-resistant, and doesn’t require sealing—perfect for anyone who loves the look of stone but not the extra chores.

Runner-up? Soapstone, for its natural resistance to stains and mellow aging process.

Granite is a solid middle ground if you don’t mind sealing now and then, while marble is best for those who don’t mind a little extra TLC in exchange for timeless beauty.