Advice From The Pro
Why Would I Seal?
Most natural stone that is porous enough to absorb water or oil born stains is benefited with a protective sealer.
The reason for using sealers is to prevent staining and damage in freeze and thaw areas.
Most sealers called "impregnating sealers" have a carrier that delivers the protective molecules into the stone and do not change the stones appearance.
These sealers have water, alcohol, or petroleum based products as a carrier to deliver the water/oil resistant sealer into the stones surface.
Some sealers have a warranty that is given by an 'accredited applicator' or just the product itself.
Nobody complains if there aren't any problems.
It's called insurance!
The main reason to seal natural stone is to make cleaning easier and to prevent stains.
Otherwise!…………."Don't Seal your Stone".
Granite is expensive
Myth
Granite cost more than synthetic countertop materials
Fact
Granite prices have dropped significantly in recent years. Today it's often priced lower than many synthetics, such as SileStone, Corian and other brands of engineered stone. Considering its durability and beauty, granite is today's best value among countertop choices.
Granite will stain
Myth
Granite absorbs liquids, oils and stains easily
Fact
Granite is exceptionally stain resistant, more so than many synthetic materials, including laminates and solid surface plastics.
Granite must be re-sealed often
Myth
Granite must be re-sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining.
Fact
Some granites do not need sealing to prevent stains (many dark colored granites), and the granites that do need sealing (lighter colored granites), may be sealed one time and never take on stains when proper care is given.
If a stain develops, it usually can be removed with household cleaners most people have in their home.
Granite will loose its shine
Myth
Granite will loose is shine and become dull
Fact
Granite is an extremely dense natural stone. Diamond is one of the few materials harder than granite, which is why diamond pads are used to polish it. Normal household activities simply do not introduce sufficient abrasion to the surface of granite to dull it. A granite countertop will maintain its new shine and never need to be polished when proper care is given.
Granite is Difficult to care for
Myth
Granite is hard to clean and leave streaks
Fact
Maintenance for granite requires either plain water or a stone soap (neutral Ph stone cleaner). Routine cleaning with a stone soap or water is all that is needed.
Heat will crack granite
Myth
Granite will be damaged from hot pots and pans
Fact
Granite is able to withstand exceptionally high levels of heat, allowing you to move dishes straight from your oven to the countertop without a problem. The normal heat from pots and pans will not cause any damage to a granite countertop as synthetic solid surfaces, which offer heat resistance only up to a temperature around 400°.
Granite contains harmful radon gases
Myth
I might get cancer if granite is in my home
Fact
BuildClean, a supposed nonprofit that claims to educate consumers about safe and healthy building materials, announced that its pilot project would provide free in-home radon testing of 300 homes in Houston to determine whether granite countertops emit harmful levels of radon.
Radon gas emissions are more harmful from surfaces such as concrete, cement and gypsum which surround us on a daily basis. It is an unstable gas that quickly breaks down and dissipates in the air.
Granite has bacteria
Myth
Granite contains harmful bacteria and is unsafe
Fact
Granite would have to absorb water or oil born materials into the stone to grow bacteria. If granite is sealed or is too dense to be sealed, bacteria can’t live in the stone.Granite surfaces can be sterilized and will present no health related problems.
Granite can’t be repaired if damaged
Myth
Granite damage such as chips, cracks, and scratches are permanent
Fact
All chips, cracks and scratches that may occur can be repaired to be inconceivable by a Natural Stone Restoration Professional and polished to match the factory finish as though it never happened.
ACNE CREAMS
Type
Most of acne creams on the market today contain Benzol Peroxide which is a bleaching agent.
Problem
Acne creams which contain dyes can cause staining. These dyes are usually flesh to brown in color.
Solution
1. Thoroughly clean the area with water and a soap (a mild detergent).
2. Once the area has dried, take some acetone on a clean white rag and rub the stained area.
3. If the acetone doesn't work poultice the area with a poultice powder and 30-50% hydrogen Peroxide.