Tips & Warnings
- Ask a professional to remove or repair a scratch in granite
- Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acid that could etch or dull the stone surface
- Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Strong detergents or corrosive liquids can dull the polished marble/granite surface and should not be used
- Do not mix cleaning products such as ammonia and bleach together, the result is toxic
- Granite and marble surfaces should be cleaned regularly
- Granite and marble differ in their strength and makeup. In general granite is generally stronger and more scratch , stain and chip resistant.
- As stone is natural, each piece will vary, it is important to understand that each sample does not exactly resemble the piece of granite you may get. However the exact piece of granite you want can be chosen by visiting our factory.
- Before fitting it is important you consider the weight of the granite. You should check your kitchen cabinets or your chosen cabinets will support the weight of the granite you choose.
Tips on Stain removal
Marble, granite and natural stones are not adverse to staining. They are porous materials, this porosity is why it can stain but it is also why stains can be removed. Simply reverse the staining process. This can be done by introducing something else that will absorb the stain. A poultice, which contains whiting and hydrogen peroxide can do this.
First classify what type of stain:
- Oil based stains-grease, tar, cooking oil and food stains.
- Organic stains-coffee, tea, fruit, tobacco, cosmetics etc.
- Metal stains-iron (rust), copper, bronze, etc.
- Biological Stains-algae, mildew, lichens etc.
- Ink stains-marker, pen, ink etc.
Once the stain has been identified and classified the following steps can be taken:
- Wet the stained area with distilled water. Pre wetting fills the pores of the stone with water isolating the stain and accelerating the removal by the chemical
- Prepare the poultice, and apply it to the stain being careful not to spill any on the non stained areas (approximately 1/4 inch thick overlapping the stain area by 1 inch)
- Cover the poultice with plastic (cling film works)
- Tape the plastic down to seal the edges, it also helps to poke several holes in the plastic so that the powder will dry out)
- Allow the poultice to dry thoroughly, this usually takes about 24-48 hours. The drying of the poultice is what pulls the stain out of the stone and into the poultice.
- Remove the poultice from the stain.
- Rinse with distilled water
- Buff dry with a soft cloth
- If the stain is still evident apply the poultice again (it may take up to five applications for difficult stains)
