Knowledge Centre
Stone is a product of nature and every tile and slab is distinctive and unique. Variations in color, markings and minerals will give every project a unique character. Choosing natural stone means opting for the elegance and sophistication of an incomparable material.
Natural stone is produced by nature regardless of its geographic origin; it is the finishing and manufacturing process that reveals the remarkable beauty of the natural stone. Natural stone is imported to Canada from the world’s most respected and quality-minded manufacturers.
TYPE OF FINISHES
POLISHED (HP): Glossy finish enhancing colors and markings.
HONED (HN): Satin-smooth finish with little or no gloss.
LEATHER (LF): Subtly textured finish retaining stone’s color and attributes.
BRUSHED (BR): Textured finish simulating natural wear over time.
FLAMMED (FL): Coarse, irregular finish with an exposed pore structure.
TUMBLED (TB): Antique and textured finish with smooth rounded edges.
NATURAL CLEFT (NT): Irregular surface texture obtained by splitting a stone along its natural line of division.
BASIC CARE + MAINTENANCE
Countertops and Vanities
Use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner, specially formulated for stone, on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills, as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Be careful with common foods and drinks that contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (i.e., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.
Floor Surfaces
Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean, non-treated, dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the potential damage from these particles. In addition, be careful when using a vacuum cleaner as the metal or plastic attachments or wheels may scratch the surface. Damp mop the stone floor with a diluted solution of a neutral cleaner designed for stone. Keep off the floor until completely dry, as wet stone floors may be slippery.
What to Do When a Spill Occurs?
No matter how careful you are, spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or degrading the sealer.
Etch Marks
Highly acidic substances such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine. Sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, but it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull mark.
General cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish.
BASIC DO’S AND DON’TS
- DO use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
- DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes or cookware.
- DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone’s surface.
- DO place a small rug or mat at entryways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.
- DO dust countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.
- DO blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone.
- DO clean surfaces regularly with neutral cleaners designed for stone.
- DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, other general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.
- DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
- DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.
Note: Above instructions are for reference purposes only. Please follow label directions on the back of actual product.
Recommended Products
- 24 Oz.Revitalizer
- 24 Oz. Stone and Tile cleaner
- 24 Oz. Natural Stone Countertop Cleaner
- 3 Oz. Oil Stain Remover
*All information is from Marble & Granite Inc.
FAQ
A: Using coasters under glasses and placing hot items on trivets or pot holders will help to keep your natural stone looking like it did the day it was installed. Many food items and drinks may contain acids that could etch or dull your stone. Countertops should be cleaned with a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Do not use any household cleaning products, as this may break down the sealer on granite and may actually damage the surface of marble, limestone, or travertine.
A: Not necessarily, as pricing is based on supply and demand. A stone's price depends on the quarry's location, production capacity and other variables. The higher the production the less expensive the stone. In fact, some of the world's most beautiful stones are inexpensive because they are found in abundance
A: A sealer is like a coat of armor for your countertop. Natural stone can be dense or porous, and is absorbent to some degree. Stones that have more swirls or veins tend to be more porous and absorbent. Sealer will decrease the opportunity for something to stain or harm your surface. A protected stone will be easier to clean, resist staining, and provide a safer and healthier environment. By sealing your stone, you will more easily retain the natural beauty of the surface.To test your countertop’s sealant, apply a drop of water at least ½-inch in diameter to the stone and let stand for at least 15 minutes. Cover with a glass to reduce evaporation. If the stone does not darken then it is probably sealed against water-based stains. To ensure the beauty and longevity of your stone, we recommend sealing your stone yearly.
A: Most of the time, marble and granite can be identified by visible particles at the surface of the stone. Marble has veining, and granite has a flecked or granular appearance. Natural stone is categorized into two general categories according to its composition: Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica- or quartz-like particles and tends to be very durable and easy to clean. Included in this category are granite, slate, and sandstone. Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and frequently requires different cleaning procedures than siliceous stone. These types of stones include marble, travertine, limestone, & onyx.
A: Granite is an igneous rock found more abundantly than quartzite, deep in the earth’s crust, providing the base for the many continents’ sedimentary rock. Quartzite consists of a larger volume of quartz than granite—under heat and pressure combined, quartzite is formed from sandstone and quartz, and depending on the amount of pressure to which it is subjected, empty grains of sandstone are stuffed with quartz. This means quartzite is actually harder than granites—on the Mohs scale of hardness from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest, granite measures in at around 6-6.5, and quartzite measures in at approximately 7.
A: It is possible there is a staining problem on granite countertops that you may be experiencing: One is an issue between the reaction of epoxy or resin on granite slabs (applied at the factory) with solvents in Acetone (used to clean granite prior to sealing). The other occurs when sealers react with a super-glue’s (used to smooth out rougher, chipped spots) activator or accelerator spray which can result in a green/blue-green stain.
Granites with higher levels of quartzitae are especially at risk for the “green bloom” effect. If activator spray is applied too heavily a green coloration will appear within a couple of days. Activators react with iron or copper minerals in the stone which creates the green color. Fabricators use epoxy glue and a hardener/activator spray which reacts with sealer, causing a color change to occur more commonly found on white and yellow granite countertops. The staining appears on the edges for the most part, however the staining can also appear on the surface. The best solution for this seems to be (remove Mangia Macchia) Mangia Macchia (repace with TeBloom) from (remove Bellanzoni) Bellanzoni (replace with Tenax), which effectively removes the stains with a few applications.
A: Most stone installations will require a seam. During design & layout, you can work with your fabricator to try to minimize the number of seams and to locate them in a less conspicuous area.
