Installing Countertops throughout New England Write a Review Home Countertops Euro Bath Gallery Testimonials Contact Get a Quote 888-267-4269 Granite Countertops Granite kitchen countertops make for the most durable type of stone countertop. It is an incredibly hard material and is not affected by heat. It also has an appearance of depth that cannot be matched by any man made product. Because stone is porous, each stone does require special sealants. But granite absorbs the least and only requires resealing about once a year. You can cut, roll dough, and place hot pots directly on the granite kitchen countertop. Elite Granite White-Spring-Granite sky blue Kashmir-Gold-Granite Fantasy Brown Marble Absolute Black Granite See All Available Colors Standard Granite Crema Perla Giallo Napolean Ivory Fantasy River White See All Available Colors Caring for your Granite Countertop Sealing Your Stone Natural Stone has been formed over millions of years but improper care can ruin nature’s beauty. Although we usually think of stone as “hard”, it is a porous material that can absorb spills and stains if left untreated. Sealing your stone with a quality impregnating sealer will prevent most spills from damaging your investment. There are a wide variety of sealers available, so you need to select one for your specific needs and natural stone type. Impregnating sealers, with new, advanced fluoropolymer technology, penetrate the stone and help protect it against water and oil-based stains. Industry professionals now recognize that natural stone is best protected with a fluoropolymer-based sealer. We recommend sealing your new stone every 6-12 months. Natural stone sealer can be found at any hardware store. Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations Keeping your stone free of dust and dry, sandy soil will minimize the scratches and wear patterns that can develop from everyday use of some natural stone, such as marble, limestone, and sandstone. Sweep or dust all natural stone surfaces regularly to remove loose soil and dust. Clean your natural stone on a regular basis with warm water and a clean, non-abrasive cloth, sponge, or mop. In addition, using a nuetral cleaner specially formulated for natural stone and tile care. Its blend of neutral cleaning agents make it gentle on your stone while leaving behind an impregnating protective shield every time you clean. Do not use general purpose cleaners or you may damage your stone or the sealer applied. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids as they may etch the stone surface and damage the polish. Do not use scouring powers or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface 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 the sealer. StoneTech Professional recommends that you only use the cleaning products recommended in this care guide. Etch Marks – Substances that are highly acidic, such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks, will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine – whether the stone is sealed or unsealed. Although sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull area or etch mark on the stone. In addition, Cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not reccomended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone, or degrade the sealer. That’s why selecting the correct cleaning products is so important to the lifetime beauty of your natural stone. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish Food Spills– Scoop up the food with a plastic spoon. Blot with dry, white cloth. Spray the area with a natural stone cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth Liquid Spills- Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth; turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a natural stone cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth Mud- Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray the affected area with a natural stone cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains contact a professional cleaner Oily Stains- If you identify the stain as having an oil base ( from foods like salad and cooking oils, butter, or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. We recommend a natural stone extract. You can also try baby powder or corn starch, leave on the stain overnight and it will absorb the oil or grease. Protect Your Investment With These Daily 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 placemats under china, ceramics, silver, or other objects that may scratch your stone’s surface. DO dust countertops, islands, and vanities frequently DO blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone DO clean surfaces by wiping with clean water or spraying with natural stone cleaner, then wiping dry with a clean cloth DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general purpose cleaners DON’T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout 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 natural stone Bill Shea's Countertops 2021 | Contact | Write a Review | Sitemap | Privacy Policy Site by BWG