Category: Articles

Can you use limestone in a shower?

Natural stone showers, whether tub-surround or walk-in, play an important role in bathroom design and function. Stone selections vary by color, markings, and finishes, but most importantly, by stone type. If you have been considering limestone for your new shower installation, you may be better off with quartzite. Keep reading to learn why.

About Limestone

Formed in shell beds and composed primarily of sedimentary calcite, limestone may contain small marine fossils. It is a beautiful stone, but it is also soft and prone to etching and staining. The success of a limestone shower installation depends on its density and porosity, which can be difficult to determine at the time of purchase. While some installations may be trouble-free, others can present difficulties.

Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director for Stone and Tile PROS, warns, “People use limestone in showers all the time, but it can be very high maintenance, and sometimes it can be problematic, especially light colored stone. Iron oxidation rusting can be a major issue. I have seen all kinds of problems with limestone in showers, from spalling and flaking to discoloration due to moisture intrusion.”

Can you use quartzite in a shower?

A metamorphosed and slightly iridescent sandstone, quartzite is often used in outdoor areas, but is perfectly suitable for interior use, as well. According to Hueston, quartzite is a more reliable substitute for people who have been eyeing limestone for a shower installation. There are a few pro quos, however. He says, “I would recommend quartzite for a shower installation, assuming it is properly installed, and assuming it is pure quartzite, not marble being sold as quartzite, a common shady practice in the market today.”

Obviously, one should be careful to choose a reputable fabricator when having quartzite, or any stone for that matter, installed in a shower. Feel free to contact us with any specific questions you may have about selecting natural stone for your shower installation.

Sealing Stone in Wet Conditions

There are no pat answers to sealing natural stone, which is why we recommend that an informed professional always be called on for determining the best solutions for your stone. Not only are there are many types of sealers that perform differently and accomplish different things, as you will see in the following article from Fred M. Hueston, Chief Technical Director for Surface Care and troubleshooting expert, sometimes sealing may not be appropriate at all…

I receive several calls a week with questions about the use of impregnating-type sealers for use on outdoor stone as well as interior stone, such as showers, water fountains, and other wet areas. The questions are all basically the same: Should I seal my stone in wet conditions? Let me explain why stone in wet areas should not be sealed.

But first, there are a couple of definitions you’ll need to know…

Impregnators or penetrating sealers: Impregnators are designed to penetrate below the surface of the stone and deposit solid particles in the pores of the stone or to coat the individual minerals below the surface of the stone. These sealers restrict water, oil, and dirt from entering the stone. Impregnators can be solvent or water based. Most impregnators are vapor permeable.

Vapor permeable: Vapor permeability describes a stones breathability, or the ability to allow water vapor to pass through it.

The Case for Not Sealing Stone in Wet Environments

Most of the impregnators on the market today are breathable. This simple means that the stone will be protected from water entering the pores of the stone in liquid form but will allow water vapor to pass. Sometimes, stone is exposed to unregulated humidity and temperature fluctuations, and the result is condensation. Impregnators are breathable. Therefore, vapor can easily penetrate into the stone. One would think that this is positive, but once the vapor enters the stone it can condense and become a liquid. Since impregnators protect against water in its liquid phase, the moisture becomes trapped within the stones pores and will not escape until it turns into vapor and evaporates.

Trapped moisture can result in all kinds of problems. For example, stones with iron content can oxidize. If there are natural salts within the stone, the salt can dissolve and cause pitting and spalling in the surface of the stone. Aesthetically, the stone will appear darker since it is constantly wet.

More Research Will Be Necessary

There are currently several people in the natural stone industry doing experiments to demonstrate that sealer in wet environments can cause these issues and to discover in what circumstances, if any, sealers in wet environments may be appropriate. For example, sealed shower walls may be fine, while sealing the shower floor may pose problems. Although their findings are not yet published, I strongly believe that care should be taken when sealing stone in wet environments.

What is resined natural stone?

Resined natural stone is stone that is treated to improve minor naturally occurring flaws. Resining is achieved by drying unpolished slabs, spraying them with polyester, and placing the slabs in a vacuum chamber that sucks the resin deep into the stone. Once the stone has cured, it can be polished to any type of finish, from soft matte to a highly reflective polish.

What are the pros and cons of resining natural stone?

Natural stone has inherent imperfections, such as porosity, fissures, pitting, and the like. Resin fills, reinforces, and strengthens the durability of natural stone. According to Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director for Stone and Tile PROS, some granites probably would not make it into the United States if it were not for the resining process, because the stone is so brittle, it would break during shipping. However, Hueston warns, “Resin strengthens the stone temporarily, but any time we introduce a man-made process into a natural material, things can go wrong. It might not be cured properly. It might not be dried properly. Polyester can become discolored when exposed to UV light.”

Resolving Resined Stone Problems

Fortunately, problems with resined stone can be resolved. For example, polyester resin can darken on the surface of a slab (which might not be noticeable, if it were not for polished edges revealing the true color of the stone). A trained, reputable natural stone restoration contractor can apply a high-quality color enhancer to achieve a uniform color, as well as repair and restore the like-new finish to unsightly stone.

Here’s a consumer question regarding their concern about a poultice leaving behind a bigger stain on marble.

A homeowner submitted the following question recently: “I had an oil stain on a marble surface and used a poultice of water and baking soda and left it on the stain for 24 hours. The result is that I now have a much darker stain which is now the size of where the paste was laid out. What would you suggest to remove what now appears to be a large water stain and etched surface? Blow dryer?”

The inquirer inaccurately named the problem a “stain,” but he understood correctly that what he was seeing was darkness from moisture that had wicked out beyond the original stained area, suggested by his question about using a blow dryer. This problem is normal and easy to resolve.

He also thought the marble had become etched from the poultice mixture. This so-called “etching” is another matter. Baking soda will not etch marble. It’s probable that what he was seeing was white residue left over from the baking soda. (If it were not, our first concern would be that he had scrubbed the baking soda and scratched the finish. If he had, then we would have needed to re-polish the area.)

Unsealed Stone Is Absorbent

Natural stone that is not sealed will not only allow a staining agent to penetrate, but it will absorb and stay wet for a while from the poultice application. This will cause the stone to appear darker. The effect can be likened to a pair of denim blue jeans. Any area on jeans that gets wet with water will appear darker than dry denim. It’s not a stain, and it will return to normal once it dries. Likewise, the darker stone technically is not stained, and will eventually dry out on its own, but there are ways to speed up the drying time.

Removing the Discoloration

We instructed our inquirer to spread cooking flour over the discoloration and allow it to dwell overnight. The flour would absorb the moisture, restoring the proper appearance to the stone underneath.

Does your stone need to be sealed?

There is a bigger issue here that needs to be addressed. If your natural stone needs to be sealed, it will absorb staining agents and moisture. In fact, a simple way to know if your stone is adequately sealed is to put a few drops of water on any areas that are used most often. Wait for a few minutes, then wipe the areas dry. If the surface of the stone does not darken, that means the stone is adequately sealed.

If your stone does need to be sealed, contact us to have it professionally cleaned and sealed.

Cloudy Countertops

Have you noticed a haze or cloudiness on the surface of your natural stone countertops? Natural stone countertops provide an elegant focal point for kitchens and bathrooms. But when the clarity of the finish is diminished by a haze or cloudiness, countertops quickly become an eyesore. There are a number of reasons why the problem develops. Here are the details about what causes this problem and what can be done to resolve it.

Improper Cleaning Products

People are often incorrectly advised to use window cleaner or soap water on countertops. Over time, a buildup of improper cleaning products can cause a haze or cloudiness to develop on the surface of the stone. Abrasive cleaners, such as scouring powder, can also damage the finish of a countertop. We always recommend pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaning products. If these products are not effective in removing the haze or cloudiness, it’s probably time to have your stone professionally cleaned and sealed or refinished.

Improper Cleaning Methods

Abrasive cleaning tools, just like abrasive cleaners, can destroy or damage the finish of natural stone countertops.

Oil-Based Spills

Oil-based spills that are not cleaned up right away can seep into the porous surface of the stone, causing the stone to develop a haze or cloudiness. Oil can be very difficult to remove on most stone. If it has dried on the surface, carefully use a sharp razor to scrape off the excess. Sprinkle a generous portion of poultice powder on the spill and let stand for 12-24 hours. Remove the dry poultice and prepare a solution of degreaser and water. Apply this solution to the spill and keep it wet for 30 minutes. Vacuum the solution up and blot the remainder with a clean white cloth. If the haze or cloudiness is still present, poultice with a solvent (commercial paint remover works well) and poultice powder.

Improper Sealer Application

Ideally, stone sealer is absorbed into the porous surface of the stone and does not affect the appearance of the finish at all. A haze or cloudiness can be caused by a stone sealer for a number of reasons. It may be because the wrong sealer is used. Sometimes a highly polished top doesn’t need to be sealed at all, therefore the sealer doesn’t absorb into the stone. Even if the stone does need to be sealed and the appropriate sealer is used, a haze or cloudiness can still develop if the sealer is improperly applied. A professional stone restoration contractor will need to resolve this situation.

Hard Water Deposits

Hard water deposits can cause a haze or cloudiness on the surface of natural stone. Sometimes, if the buildup is not too severe, it can be safely removed using pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaner. If not, a professional restoration contractor can restore the finish.

Feel free to contact us with questions or concerns about removing a haze or cloudiness from the surface of your natural stone countertops.

Kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, bar tops, and the like are especially 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 inhibit 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 used.

Impregnating Sealers

Impregnating sealers, also known as penetrating sealers, are the most commonly used sealers. 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 in most cases, they are not 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.

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 protect your natural stone.

Granite is a popular countertop material because it is durable, resistant to scratches, chips, and heat, and relatively easy to maintain compared to other types of natural stone. However, some stones that are definitely not granite are being sold as if they were. Here are some ways you may be able to tell.

Faux Granite

Vinyl countertop films and laminates are often printed with a granite pattern, and quartz or solid surfaces are created to look like granite. These materials cannot duplicate the true appearance and durability of a natural granite slab.

If your countertops are already installed…

Perhaps you purchased a home with stone countertops already installed. An inspection of the color, pattern, and the appearance of the seams, as well as the porosity, may help you determine whether the material is granite.

Color & Pattern

If there is very little variation in the color and pattern, or if there are no natural imperfections, you may be looking at something other than true granite. If you see repeated patterns, then this is a strong indication of a man-made material.

Inspect the seams in the countertop. You should be able to see a change in the pattern. If you don’t, then the material is most likely not granite.

Porosity

You can check the porosity of material by putting a few drops of water on the surface. If it is granite, it should darken as the water is absorbed, unless, of course, the granite has been sealed.

If your countertops are not yet installed…

There are a couple of observations you can make in a fabricator slab yard that may help you determine whether a slab is genuine granite.

Sound

First, bring a small hammer or piece of metal with you. Gently tap the back end of the slab. If it is true natural stone, it will produce a ringing sound. Engineered stone contains synthetic resins and a tap on it will sound dull in comparison. Disclaimer: The only problem with this method is that the slab may be a real natural stone that is not actually granite. It may contain acid-sensitive minerals that will etch like marble.

Price

Second, pay attention to price. Real, quality granite is rarely ever inexpensive. If the cost per square foot is suspiciously lower than other dealers in your area, the material probably isn’t granite. And if it is granite, it probably isn’t a very good quality granite. You get what you pay for.

An Expert Opinion

We asked Fred Hueston, world-renowned natural stone expert, author of many books, instructional videos, and articles on stone installation, care, and restoration in the U.S. and abroad, and Chief Technical Director for surpHaces if there is any sure way to know whether a stone is really granite. He explains,

It can be hard to tell but there are some clues. If it does not scratch with a knife and it doesn’t etch with a mild acid it could be granite. However, there are other stones that react the same, like quartzite, for example. Any stone restoration contractor worth their weight in salt, or should I say, marble dust, should be able to tell the difference.

If It’s Not Granite

If you already have stone tops that are not holding up the way granite should or that prove to be something other than granite, you may not need to replace the stone. We can resolve a host of natural stone countertop problems and restore your countertops to a like new condition, as well as provide cost-effective protective solutions to keep them looking great.

New Trend: Saying Goodbye to Bar Height Tops

Many kitchen islands include a convenient place for casual dining, elevated six inches above the work/prep area, that is, a bar height countertop. The recent buzz among fabricators and installers is that they are noticing that more and more of their customers are opting to do away with bar height tops.

How Bar Height Tops Became Popular

As a result of homes with open floor plans, the bar height counter installation became popular, acting as a screen for the clutter and mess that often accompanies meal preparation and clean up, as well as a way to visually separate the kitchen from the living space in leu of an old-fashioned wall.

Diminishing Popularity of Bar Height Tops

Customers who choose to do away with bar height countertops usually cite reasons such as children having a hard time using the bar height seating, increased difficulty with clean up, and the tendency for bar tops to become a catch-all for mail, keys, and other clutter.

Pros and Cons of Bar Height Tops

If you are having new tops installed or considering altering your current set up, consider your options carefully. There are pros and cons for either option. Think about what matters most to you. Appearance? Functionality? If you need guidance in your decision, we are always here to help you weigh the pros and cons. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

People may love hearing and seeing birds, but nobody loves bird droppings, especially on their outdoor kitchen countertops or other exterior natural stone surfaces. Sometimes we get calls from frustrated customers about stains from “bird poop” (or other creative expletives). This article explains how to clean up bird droppings on natural stone, remove the stains that may persist after cleaning, and avoid having to do the same thing again next week.

How to Clean Bird Droppings on Natural Stone

First, remove any solid material. If it is dried on, use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape it away. Do not use metal, as it may leave scratch marks on your stone finish.

Next, wash the area with a stone-safe, pH-neutral cleaner and a clean rag. (You may need to allow the cleaner to dwell for a few minutes to soften and loosen dried-on solid material that would not come off with the plastic putty knife.)

If you see any remaining discoloration on the stone, give the stone time to dry before proceeding to the next step. The discoloration you see may actually be moisture absorbed into porous stone and not an actual stain.

How to Remove Bird Dropping Stains on Natural Stone

To remove stains from bird droppings, make a poultice with an absorbent material, such as diatomaceous earth, flour, or a paper towel, and 40 volume hydrogen peroxide (12%). You will need to purchase this kind of peroxide online or at a beauty supply store, because the peroxide at your local drug store isn’t strong enough.

For more information on creating and applying a poultice, including a how-to video, use our Stain Management App.

IMPORTANT

• Always read the label on the chemical bottle.
• Always follow the directions and precautions listed on the label.
• Never use a chemical if you are unsure what it is or how to protect yourself.
• Always take the time to protect yourself and those working around you.
• Always dispose of a chemical properly. Every municipality has a household hazardous waste drop-off location. For safe disposal of chemical products at work, contact your health and safety representative.

What to Do If the Poultice Doesn’t Work…

Sometimes it takes several poultice applications to remove a stain. If you notice some improvement after the first application, keep trying. It’s very likely that the stain will come out with some persistence and patience.

If you do not see any improvement after your poultice application, remember the stone may just need time to dry.

If the discoloration remains after the stone is dry, then the discoloration may not actually be a stain. Bird droppings contain uric acid and may result in etching on some stones. Etching is chemical damage to the finish. But don’t worry, the finish can be restored by a professional stone restoration contractor.

How to Avoid Bird Droppings on Natural Stone

Some people recommend buying plastic owls with big scary eyes or rubber snakes to keep birds away, but birds eventually catch on and adapt.

If you have bird feeders or bird baths, move them to an area in your yard far away from your natural stone or remove them from your yard altogether.

Movement and sound will discourage birds from getting too close. Try using wind chimes, flags, wind spinners, and the like. If all else fails, cover outdoor kitchen countertops when not in use.

Do you have streaking —cloudy, uneven patterns —on the surface of your natural stone floors? This article explains the causes of streaking and what you can do to get rid of it.

Dirty Mop Water

Sometimes, in an effort to be efficient, homeowners or cleaning and janitorial service workers fail to change mop water often enough. The result is that dirt, grime, and contaminants get spread around rather than eliminated. The solution? Damp mop (rather than wet mop) and change the mop water as soon as it no longer looks clear for streak free floors. If the streaks still appear, try buffing the floor with a white nylon pad.

Improper or Too Much Cleaner

When it comes to floor cleaning solutions, there are many cleaners to choose from, but only a few of them are safe and effective for cleaning natural stone floors. Sometimes when floors are very dirty, it is tempting to use more than the recommended amount of cleaner. Using the wrong cleaners or the right cleaners in the wrong amounts can result in streaks. The solution? Be sure to select a stone safe cleaner or stone soap and use the recommended ratio of cleaning solution to water for streak free floors. Again, if you re-mop the floor and the streaks still appear, try buffing the floor with a white nylon pad.

Waxes or Coatings

Although there may be certain circumstances where waxes or coatings are necessary, it is best to have your natural stone floors honed and/or polished to a beautiful, natural shine. However, if waxes and coatings are necessary, they must be applied properly. If your marble, limestone, granite, travertine, or other natural stone floor is streaked because of a build up of waxes or coatings, then the floors must be stripped. We highly recommend you have a professional stone restoration contractor perform this service for you, however, if you must do it yourself, be sure to use a commercial wax stripper.

Sometimes etching, scratches, or dullness from foot traffic can be mistaken for streaking. If you are unable to get rid of streaking on your natural stone floor, perhaps it isn’t streaking at all. A clear, beautiful, reflective finish can be achieved with professional stone restoration services.