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Every time we wash dishes in the sink water splashes and sprays in all directions, even if we are careful to minimize that.  Of course we wipe it dry once done.  Still, I became concerned with thin strip of caulk between counter-top and backsplash right next to the sink gradually becoming darker and darker.  I'm guessing, because of it being damp too often, bacteria favors that location (note that same strip of caulk to the right of sink is of normal color): 1

Had an idea for some time, and recent stumble on several related questions last week nudged me, so

Q:  Is it be possible to grind two shallow incline areas on the counter-top to allow water to drain naturally?

Kinda, like this: 5

Concerns that I have:

  1. Can it be a DIY job?  Thinking of using grinding wheels and tools like these.
    How to keep the incline perfectly level - esp. using handheld angle grinder?
  2. Would the resulting surface need to be polished?
    I tried grinding a throw-away piece of granite and the rough result looks like it's actually going to absorb water quite readily - that will defeat the purpose.
  3. Would this actually help - as I hope?

Edit 2024-01-08:
Guys, thank you all for your comments, they all have been very helpful to re-asses the situation.  Upvoted the ones with most caution or advice.  I agree that even if this worked, it would be too messy and complicated for DIY, esp. with no experience working with granite.
I'm glad i asked! :)

P.S. If anyone of you puts it as answer, i'll accept it.

Astrogator
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  • Can it be done DIY, yes. I would like to practice a lot on throw away stuff quite a bit before doing it where it needs to look good. I think it is a multi step process, with grinding being the first step. Sanding/polishing and maybe sealing following. – crip659 Jan 06 '24 at 19:12
  • Would this actually help - as I hope? Unless the water is pooling at the backsplash due to negative slope it's doubtful! It might help minimally but I think it would be a 'long run for a short slide'. It would still leave that area damp until it air dries. I'll let the countertop guys answer whether it can be done.
    • – HoneyDo Jan 06 '24 at 19:13
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    This is not an easy job to do well; and it's a very expensive mistake when done wrong. Call a few granite fabrication shops and ask about it. You will have to pay for it but their specialized tooling and practiced skill is worth it here – Matthew Jan 06 '24 at 19:31
  • Yeah, the more i think about it, the more i'm inclined to agree with all of you guys. Thank you! – Astrogator Jan 06 '24 at 19:35
  • I suspect that I would use a die grinder to get a nice channel shape. Something like a box of 12×24 tile would make a nice stable, elevated surface next to the work for stabilizing your hand. – popham Jan 06 '24 at 20:14
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    Various locales are forbidding installation of "engineered stone" (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-14/engineered-stone-ban-australia-kitchen-benchtops-alternatives/103218014, https://attilasnaturalstone.com.au/the-dark-side-of-engineered-stone-why-its-being-banned-and-what-you-can-use-instead) because the fine particles released in cutting damage lungs. Check the counter top material before grinding! – DrMoishe Pippik Jan 07 '24 at 02:59
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    #3 = no. So forget about the whole thing except putting an actual fillet of caulk where the backsplash meets the top. "because of it being damp too often" -no it's because the bead of caulk has delaminated from one or both, which they always do after a year or so on a new install, as the splash is attached to the wall and the cab settles on the floor. Do the under-mount sink again while you're at it. - 100% clear silicone. – Mazura Jan 07 '24 at 12:56
  • Don't do it. Even if you are successful (and you won't be) you'll still get water back there. Clean it and re-caulk it. – Steve Wellens Jan 09 '24 at 06:04