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Frequently Asked Questions
Stone is a natural product quarried from many places around the world. Because if this, colors and textures of stone vary depending on where it was quarried, its depth in the quarry and the location of the quarry. Variations can even occur from one end of a slab to the other. For design purposes, its important to see an actual sample of the stone to make a final choice. Depending on the size of the quarry, and the availability of the stone, a specific color may become rare or impossible to find. your stone specialist for more information.
While stone will last a lifetime, it does require some special care. Here are some basic care instructions that will help you keep it in its best condition.
Stone Cleaning Do’s:
All stone is porous in nature so specific care should be used when it is cleaned. Anything applied to the surface will soak in so it’s important to avoid using cleaning solutions that can harm the stone. We recommend cleaning stone with a mild detergent solution of Ivory© brand dishwashing detergent. Unlike other brands, it is made without animal fats and is free of dies and scents which will damage the stone.
Stone Cleaning Don’ts: Top of Page
Because all stone is porous, it is vulnerable to damage from acids, strong alkali solutions, stain, oils, wax and alcohol. Spills of acidic liquids like fruit juice or vinegar, highly colored liquids like wine or colored fruit drinks need to be wiped up quickly to preserve the color and polish of your stone surfaces. Waxes should never be used.
Substances that can damage stone include:
- Toilet bowl cleaner -- many contain lye, which is very alkaline and can etch the surface of the stone
- Anything that contains oil – lemon oil or orange oil cleansers, paints, stains or any other petroleum products. They will soak into the stone marring the color.
- All waxes -- wax penetrates the surface of the stone and in time will yellow, changing the color of the stone.
- Alcohol -- will thin oils, pigments and waxes and carry them deep into the stone.
- Anything that contains acid -- lemon juice and cleansers with ammonia (including window cleaners)
- Any bleaching agent -- peroxide (including benzoil peroxide), bleach, etc. these will mar the color.
To seal out unwanted dirt, oil, grime and chemicals, all stone surfaces should be periodically sealed.
To seal your stone surfaces yourself, lightly spread liquid sealer over the surface with a clean lint free cloth and let the sealer penetrate into the stone for about 5 minutes. Repeat until a film or haze appears on the stone, then buff haze off with #0000 Steel Wool. Splash a small amount of water on the stone. If it doesn’t bead up, repeat the above procedure. This test should be done periodically to test the sealed surface. Sealers will eventually wear off and need to be reapplied.
If you don’t feel comfortable sealing the stone yourself, or would like more information, your stone specialist for more details or information on recommended sealing agents.
Don’t Damage Your Stone by Accident Top of Page
Stone is a crystalline structure and is therefore subject to being broken. this is especially true of stone countertops. Unlike stone flooring, countertops span the top of the cabinet and are subject to being broken if enough weight is applied to one spot. Never stand directly on a stone countertop. Stone is also subject to shattering if hard objects are dropped directly on the stone.
Stone can also be damaged by sliding heavy objects across it. When moving furniture, support heavy items with pads or dollies to prevent the feet from gouging the surface as the furniture is moved.
If your stone should become damaged, there are remedies. your stone specialist for more details.
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