Category: Fabrication

Natural stone is a popular material used in many applications such as flooring, countertops, and monuments. However, most natural stones are porous and if not protected, can become stained. Stains can make stone look unsightly and can sometimes be challenging to remove. Fortunately, there is an effective way to remove most stains from hard porous surfaces.

Stains on natural stone and other hard porous surfaces can be effectively removed by using a poultice. A poultice is a paste-like mixture that is applied to the surface of the stain to break down the stain and draw it out of the stone. A poultice is made by mixing a dry/powdered material with a liquid cleaning agent to form a thick paste. Common powdered materials used in making poultice include baking soda, talc, chalk, and diatomaceous earth. The cleaning agent is determined by the type of stain.

Refer to our STAIN MANAGEMENT APP for a list of the types of stains and the chemicals to use to break down the stain, and a how-to video.

The first step in removing a stain from stone using a poultice is to identify the type of stain. This is important because the type of stain will determine the type of poultice to use. For example, oil-based stains require a different poultice than water-based stains. Once you have identified the type of stain, you can proceed with making the poultice.

To make the poultice, mix the powdered material with the liquid until you get a thick paste. The consistency of the paste should be similar to peanut butter. The amount of powder and liquid to use depends on the size of the stain. For small stains, you will need a small amount of poultice, while larger stains will require more poultice.

Apply the poultice to the stain and cover it with plastic wrap or a plastic bag. This will help to keep the poultice moist and prevent it from drying out. Leave the poultice on the stain for 24 to 48 hours. The longer you leave the poultice on the stain, the more effective it will be at drawing out the stain from the stone.

After 24 to 48 hours, remove the plastic wrap or bag and scrape off the poultice with a plastic spatula. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth. You may need to repeat the process several times to completely remove the stain from the stone.

• For most organic stains use peroxide as the liquid. But not the peroxide you find at the drug store. You will want to use the same strength of peroxide that you can find at beauty supply stores (sold as developer for hair coloring).
• For ink you will need to use a solvent such as acetone or mineral spirits.
• For rust you can use a commercial iron remover such as Iron Out.

Removing stains from stone using a poultice is an effective and easy way to restore the appearance of stone surfaces. The key to success is identifying the type of stain and using the right poultice. With a little patience and persistence, you can remove even many of the toughest stains. Remember though, a properly sealed surface will be protected from staining, so make sure your stone is properly sealed. Call us if you have any questions.

By Fred Hueston. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

When was the first known stone polishing done?

Stone polishing has been done since the beginning of civilization. Egyptian workers used sand and other rough materials to polish the surfaces of statues and monuments made of stone. This is the first time that polishing stone is known to have been done. Ancient Greeks and Romans also used this method. They used a variety of tools and materials to make smooth, shiny surfaces on marble statues and building parts.

When were improvements made to the techniques of stone polishing?

During the Middle Ages, ways to polish stones kept getting better. Buildings made of limestone and sandstone in Europe were polished by skilled workers who used tools they could hold in their hands. They also used grinding wheels powered by water to make stone floors and countertops smooth and even.

When were substantial changes made to the way we polish stone?

During the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s, there were substantial changes in how stone was polished. When the steam-powered grinding wheel was invented, it made polishing large surfaces faster and more effective. This made it possible to polish whole floors and building facades in a short amount of time.

How is stone polishing done today?

Today, polishing stone is a very specialized job that uses a wide range of modern tools and methods. Professional stone polishers use tools like electric and pneumatic grinders, polishing pads with diamond tips, and chemical polishing compounds. In short, polishing stone is an old skill that has changed over time into a highly specialized field that uses modern tools and methods. From the time when ancient Egyptians used rough materials to polish the surfaces of stone monuments to the 19th century, when a grinding wheel powered by steam was invented, technology has been a big part of how stone polishing has changed.

The mechanics of polishing stone have not changed much over hundreds of years. Yes, the tools and abrasives might have changed but the processes remain the same.

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

Staining vs Etching on Natural Stone

Sometimes, things may look the same, but in reality, they are 2 completely different things. This can sometimes be the case with staining and etching on natural stone. These 2 things are the most common issues that can damage your natural stone projects.

What is staining?

Natural stone (with the possible exception of soapstone) is considered a porous material. This means that it can absorb moisture and liquid. Any absorbed moisture can cause discoloration in the stone. This discoloration is a stain. Stains normally do not affect the surface of the stone and if you rub your fingers over the affected area, there should be no change to the feel of the surface.

What can cause a stain on stone?

There are a lot of different things that can stain your natural stone. Tea, wine, cooking oil, fruit juice, and cleaning agents are just a few of the things that can cause stains on natural stone surfaces.

What can be done to prevent stains?

• Make sure your stone is sealed with a quality impregnating sealer. A sealer will not prevent staining by itself. What it will do is slow down absorption to give you more time to deal with the spill.
• Always make sure to use a cutting board on kitchen countertops.
• Wipe up any liquid or debris as soon as possible.

What if my stone does stain?

If you do happen to get a stain, there are things you can do.

• Click on the resources tab on our website and then click on the Stain Management App. Enter the kind of stain it is in the stain database and follow the instructions on how to remove the stain.
• If you aren’t comfortable with a DIY approach, please feel free to call us for assistance. Or send us a message on our contact page.

What is etching?

Many times, etching is confused with staining, when in fact they are two different issues. Etching happens when an acidic substance comes in contact with the stone and “eats” away at the surface of the stone. The etch mark will look dull and possibly whitish. Etches change the smooth surface of the stone. If you run your fingers over the affected area, it can feel rough. Etches are also often mistaken for water spots.

What can cause etching on natural stone?

There are many different things that can etch your natural stone. Vinegar, coffee, and soda are just a few of the things that can leave etch marks on your stone.

What can be done to prevent etching?

• Always make sure you use a cutting board on kitchen countertops.
• Don’t spread the spill. Blot it up with a sponge or paper towel. Then rinse and dry the area.
• Don’t use acidic cleaners on your stone projects.

What if my stone does etch?

If you do happen to get etches in your stone, it is best to contact a professional for help. There are removers on the market and a professional fabricator or restoration contractor will know how best to deal with the product and the stone you have.

While staining and etching are two different things, they are not mutually exclusive. It is entirely possible for a stain to appear in an etched area of stone and vice versa. That being said, one of the best reasons to use natural stone for your projects is that it is a renewable and restorable material. If it is damaged, you don’t have to replace it. It can be fixed and restored.

(A tip for someone who has not purchased their stone yet: Think about getting a honed finish instead of a polished finish. A honed finish is a matte finish and not shiny. One of the reasons etch marks are so noticeable is because they create a dull area on a polished finish. If your surface is not shiny, the etch will show much less.)

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

We may need to change how we think about natural stone

Most of the time, when people think about natural stone, what comes to mind is building facades, countertops, shower surrounds, floors, and other “big” projects. That doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Natural stone is great for smaller projects outside as well as inside.

Why is natural stone great for smaller outdoor projects?

Since natural stone is created by nature in combination with the environment, it contains the natural elements of the earth. It doesn’t need to be protected from environmental issues such as rain, snow, heat, or cold. It will age with the weather, remaining beautiful and strong for years to come. However, if somehow it does become damaged, natural stone is renewable and repairable. A simple call to a natural stone restoration contractor can get your outside stone restored.

What are some smaller outdoor projects for natural stone?

• Firepits – Natural stone can be cut into rectangular and sometimes curved blocks to create a firepit.
• Walkways – Natural stone pavers are an excellent choice for walkways and sidewalks.
• Tabletops – There is no better way to accessorize your outdoor look than with natural stone tabletops for your outdoor coffee or end tables. Fabricators usually have an assortment of smaller pieces left over from installed projects.
• Garden edging – Add color and charm to your garden by using natural stone for garden edging and dividers. Showcase or spotlight those special areas of interest in your garden.

Why is natural stone great for smaller indoor projects?

Natural stone comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and stone types. With all this variety, there are so many smaller projects that can be done with natural stone. Natural stone is renewable and repairable so if it does become dull or damaged, it can be repaired.

• Shelves – Keeping in mind that natural stone can be heavy, 2 cm might be better for shelf projects. However, with proper support, natural stone does make unique, beautiful shelves.
• Windowsills – Wooden windowsills can be affected by several things, including weather (sometimes we forget to close the windows when it rains), in home humidity, and age. You can replace aging wooden windowsills with natural stone windowsills that will add beauty to any room and will last indefinitely. This is especially nice if you are getting a new countertop and you get a matching windowsill in your kitchen or bath.
• Curbs and thresholds – If you are getting a new natural stone vanity top, or tub surround, consider getting a shower curb to match. You can also replace the dirty, worn thresholds in your home with natural stone. Natural stone will clean easily and hold up well. If it does become damaged, a simple call to a natural stone restoration contractor can get your inside stone restored.
• Raised feeding platform for pets – If you have a large dog, vets recommend that you raise their feeding dishes off the floor. The trouble is that large dogs are strong, and they can push those feeding platforms around, causing a mess. A natural stone platform is heavy and difficult to push around, but very easy to clean.

Can smaller natural stone projects be used around food and drink?

Absolutely. Natural stone has many uses in these areas. Pastry chefs love marble countertops and pastry boards for making great desserts. Soapstone whiskey stones stay cold, don’t dilute drinks, and are a great conversation starter. A natural stone mortar and pestle can be used for grinding spices AND think about how stunning a natural stone charcuterie board would be!

Natural stone can be used in so many ways, big or small. It can add style and pop inside and out. It seems a shame to only think about it in terms of “big” projects.

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

In all phases of life, different products come and go. Some are good, some are not. The one thing they all have in common is that every product, no matter what it is, has some sort of “misconception” or mistruth told about it. Carrots improve night vision, canned vegetables are not healthy, coffee stunts growth, etc. Stone is no different. There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding natural stone and natural stone projects.

Let’s take a look at some of the more common stone misconceptions:

#1 – Natural Stone is High Maintenance: Natural stone does require maintenance but it is not necessarily “high maintenance.” Cutting boards are recommended on stone, but they are for other types of countertops as well. Regular cleaning is recommended, but again, for other types of countertop material also, not just stone. The biggest difference is sealing. Most stone does require sealing but that doesn’t have to be a big deal. Fabricators will seal it before installation. If it ever needs resealing, your stone pro can help with that.

#2 – Natural Stone is Expensive: Granted, some natural stone can be expensive BUT natural stone comes in a wide variety of price ranges. It is inexpensive enough that homeowners, home builders, and contractors use it for their projects every day. It is also expensive enough to go into high-end projects. The price of stone depends on a lot of different things, but stone can fit into almost any budget.

#3 – Natural Stone Cannot be Repaired: Restoration contractors repair stone every day, fabricators and installers as well. All sorts of damage to stone can be fixed. Chips, pits, cracks, and stains are among some of the things that can be successfully corrected by stone professionals. In fact, stone can be repaired to like new, unlike many other materials.

#4 – Stone is Out of Style: Trends have come and gone throughout time. Quartz, laminate, butcher block, porcelain, etc. have all shared the market with natural stone. However, natural stone has been, and still is, a wise choice for projects, inside and out. Natural stone has a lasting style. It has been the center of projects, big and small for centuries. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Mount Rushmore, and Angkor Wat are but a few testaments to its lasting durability. The millions of kitchen countertops, fireplace surrounds, and floor and wall projects are a tribute to its beauty and sustainability.

#5 – Natural Stone Stains Quickly and Easily: Yes, natural stone can stain. However, a properly sealed surface can buy you time to deal with a spill before it becomes a stain. Sealers slow down the absorption of the potential stain. You would naturally wipe up any spills on any other material, stone is just the same. On the off chance that it does stain, you can consult our stain guide under the resources tab on our website or call us for help.

Natural stone, like everything else out there, has misconceptions and and mistruths. When shopping for material for a project, make sure you get the truth of the material and not the “misconceptions” connected to it.

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

Times change, trends change. In the recent past, laminate was the countertop of choice. Over time, that trend gave way to natural stone, like granite, soapstone, or marble. Then quartz came along and became popular. Now, porcelain has entered the countertop market. Not as tile (although that is an option), but as full-size slabs for countertops. The question is: How does porcelain stack up against granite for countertops?

What is Granite?

Granite is a 100% natural stone product, created by the ongoing processes of mother nature and the earth. Man finds it and mines it but has nothing to do with its creation.

What is Porcelain?

Porcelain is a man-made product, created by engineers. It contains soft, white clay and various other materials such as feldspar, quartz, ash, sand, and other ingredients. Once mixed, these materials are shaped and then heated to over 2,200 degrees.

Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops:

Pros:

• 100% natural
• Stain resistant – When properly sealed, granite is stain resistant.
• Unique – Not only is each color unique but no two slabs in a color are the same.
• LEED points – Granite can contribute to LEED points in projects.
• Variety – Granite comes in hundreds of assorted colors.
• Readily available – Granite is mined throughout the world.
• Heat resistant – Hot pots and pans can be placed on granite surfaces. (Although trivets are recommended.)
• Repairs – If granite is damaged, it can be normally be repaired by a qualified stone restoration technician.
• Longevity – Granite has been around for thousands of years. It has shown itself to be a stable, beautiful, versatile product we can use for countertops and various other projects.

Cons:

• Seams – Depending on the size of the project there may be visible seams.
• Expense – Granite comes in a wide range of price points, but depending on the look and color you want, it may be costly.
• Damage – Granite is a very durable product but it can be damaged. Chips and cracks can happen if something is dropped on the stone.
• Maintenance – Granite is not maintenance free. To avoid stains, wipe up spills as soon as possible, and clean with a stone safe cleaner as needed.
• Sealing – Granite sealer is not permanent. Occasionally, resealing your granite may be necessary. This should be done by a qualified stone technician that understands the qualities of your specific granite.

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Countertops:

Pros:

• Heat proof – Porcelain is created with extremely high heat, so the normal heat of hot pots and pans won’t normally harm it.
• Low maintenance – Clean with soap and water. Sealing is not needed.
• UV resistant – Porcelain won’t fade in the sunlight, making it great for outdoor projects.
• Chemical resistant – Acidic foods or harsh chemicals won’t etch, fade, or dull the surface.

Cons:

• Edges – Porcelain is a thinner material than granite, so the edge options are limited.
• Variety – Porcelain does offer a variety of colors and patterns but because the countertop aspect of porcelain is still new, it does not have the wide variety of granite.
• Longevity – Porcelain for countertops is relatively new to the market so there are not a lot of statistics or information about the long-term stability of porcelain as a countertop material.
• Expense – While porcelain may not be more expensive than granite, because it is a thinner material, edges may have to be laminated or the countertop may need a backer board, adding to fabrication costs.
• Depth of color – Unless you specifically request through body porcelain (a product where the pattern of the porcelain goes all the way through the slab), you may end up with a color body product. A color body porcelain only has the pattern on top of the slab. It does not go all the way through, so when cut, the edges will not be the same as the top of the slab.
• Cracking – Porcelain, while very durable, can be prone to cracking. Porcelain is a rigid, thinner material making it much more susceptible to cracking during fabrication, installation, and everyday use.

No one product is 100% perfect for every project. It’s best to do the research, and talk to professionals, weigh the pros and cons of each surface and decide which one best suits your needs. Taking these steps will ensure you choose the surface that is best for you.

This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

[This article was originally published in October of 2018]

Kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, bar tops, and the like can be prone to staining because they are exposed to oily or dye-containing substances on a daily, or sometimes, even an hourly basis. Consequently, a sealer should be applied to help prevent staining. Choosing the correct type of sealer can be very important for how the sealer performs. An experienced, professional stone restoration contractor will know which sealer is best, taking into consideration the characteristics of the particular type of stone to which it will be applied and the location where the stone is installed.

Impregnating Sealers

Impregnating sealers, also known as penetrating sealers, are the most commonly used sealers. They are applied to natural stone to inhibit staining. Impregnating sealers penetrate below the surface and protect the stone from within. They are formulated with water-repellent and oil-repellent substances. Topical sealers are available, but can be problematic, and are very seldom recommended.

Misconceptions About Sealers

There are many misconceptions about what a sealer does and doesn’t do. It is important to note that sealers do not prevent traffic patterns or etching. The surface of the stone is still vulnerable to acidic substances, scratches, dullness, and other damage. In addition, natural stone, even when it is properly sealed, is not stain proof, it is merely stain resistant. In other words, it buys some time so that spills can be cleaned before they penetrate into the stone and become stains. After natural stone is sealed, it still needs to be regularly cleaned with pH neutral stone care products and periodically refinished or resealed.

New High Performance Protective Treatments

There are new protective treatments that, unlike impregnating sealers, offer both etch and stain protection.

Ask us about how we can help protect your natural stone.

This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.

Are cultured marble and real marble the same thing?

Cultured marble and real marble sound the same, but they are two completely different things. Each one is created differently. They are fabricated differently, and they are installed, cared for, and repaired differently. The only real similarity is that they both have marble in their name.

What is cultured marble?

Cultured marble is a man-made product that contains dyes, marble dust and resin. After it’s made, it gets coated with a high-shine, clear gel to protect it. Because of the way it’s made, cultured marble is more closely related to Corian or Hi-Macs solid surfaces. It is often called faux marble.

What is real marble?

Real marble is created by mother nature. Man has nothing to do with it. What man does is quarry it out of the earth, cut it, polish it, and install it in different projects.

How can I tell the difference between cultured and real marble?

• Cultured marble projects have integrated sinks and backsplashes. (All one-piece design). Real marble projects have separate backsplash pieces and separate sinks.
• Cultured marble can be manipulated to mimic real marble but will have a flat appearance that lacks depth. The protective gloss can even make it appear like plastic. Real marble will have depth to its look.
• Cultured marble, made in a factory with a formula, has a consistent look, piece after piece. No two pieces of real marble are identical.
• Cultured marble is considered more of a budget friendly product while real marble is considered more of a luxury item.
• Cultured marble never needs sealing. Real marble does.
• The protective coating on cultured marble gives it a high shine. Marble may have a high shine, but it can also have a dull, matte finish, giving it a softer look.

While cultured marble and real marble have vast differences, they can both be cleaned and maintained in basically the same way, with non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaners. Look for cleaners that specifically state they are for cleaning cultured marble or real marble, depending on what you have. Both materials can be etched by harsh, abrasive chemicals and cleaning products. Both can also sustain chips, scratches, and cracks. Even though they can both be damaged in similar ways, the tools and processes used to fix them are different.

Can cultured marble be repaired?

Most damage on cultured marble can be repaired if the gel coat has not been penetrated or removed.

• Light scratches can be addressed with automotive buffing compound.
• Cracks and chips can be repaired with a retail repair kit specifically designed for cultured marble. It may be best, however, to let a professional stone restoration contractor handle such damage for the best possible results.
• Since the gel coat on cultured marble is non-porous, deep stains don’t normally happen. Usually, stains can be dealt with by using a cultured marble cleaner or denatured alcohol and a non-abrasive pad.
• Deep scratches or large chips and cracks may require a professional restoration technician or may require replacement altogether.
• If the gel coat has been worn off, damaged or removed, it is also best to call a professional restoration contractor.

Can real marble be repaired?

Under most circumstances, real marble can be repaired to new or almost new condition.

• Light scratches can be minimized by using a dry, soft buffing cloth in a circular motion after cleaning the area with warm, soapy water.
• Cracks and chips can be repaired with a retail repair kit specifically designed for real marble or natural stone. It may be best, however, to let a professional stone restoration contractor handle such damage for the best possible results.
• Stains can usually be drawn out with a poultice. Once you identify the stain, look at the Stain Care App on our website under the Resources tab to see what sort of poultice you need.
• Deep scratches, set-in stains, etch marks or large chips and cracks may require a professional restoration technician.
• If your marble needs to be resealed, it is best to call a professional.

While cultured marble and real marble are vastly different surfaces, they each have the potential to enhance the look of different projects in your home. The key is to realize which one you have so you can properly clean and maintain it, keeping it beautiful for years to come.

By Sharon Koehler. This article is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PROS Partners.