Stupid Question

[Anonymous]

Stupid question, how do I take care of my marble countertops.

	Marble MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems associated with the material. INTRODUCTION Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite (CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed, is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds react differently with marble and produce various by-products, which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration. Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red, yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition. TYPICAL USES Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage to which marble is susceptible.

The first step in stone maintenance is the sealing of the stone. Generally, all granite should be sealed for easier cleaning and maintenance. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for the product you choose.

View Product Cleaner
Every Day Care
Immediately wipe up spills and messes. Use pH balanced cleaners for daily cleaning. Mild dishwashing liquid works quite well on granite surfaces.

Most stones, once protected, only require occasional cleaning to remove surface build-up of dirt and grime. A sealed
granite will be very easy to clean and you may want to just try warm water at first to give you the results you need;
towel dry to remove streaks.

Do not use Windex or 409 because these products will slowly wear away your pentitrated sealer. These product will not immediately
harm granite, but again, you don't want your sealer to wear away!

Do not use pledge or other wax products because these will leave a buildup and eventual dull your shine. If you have
already done this, we suggest remove the built-up wax. Once you are satisfied that the wax is gone and the granite is looking polished again, just simply applied a stone sealer product according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

If you wish to tell us where you are located, it may be possible that someone in our trade lounge may be able to further assist you.

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.

Hi Mike,

Along with the points that Josiveek made I wanted to point out one other thing. At first it might seem like I’m splitting hairs but give me just a minute.

You asked how to take care of your “marble� countertops. Did you mean to say granite?

If they are granite go ahead and do what Josiveek suggested. Go ahead and do the same things if they are marble also; just make extra certain that you don’t get any acid of any kind on it, i.e. most sodas, fruit juice, wine, vinegar, etc.

No penetrating sealer will protect marble (Actually the calcium in the marble) from acid etching. I know the sealer we apply will reduce it and it won’t let the offending product penetrate. That way we can come back in and fix the damage/etch mark and blend it in seamlessly.

David Gelinas
Marbleguy

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.

	Marble MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems associated with the material. INTRODUCTION Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite (CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed, is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds react differently with marble and produce various by-products, which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration. Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red, yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition. TYPICAL USES Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage to which marble is susceptible.

Originally Posted by huligar

Don't use Windex or 409 because these products will slowly wear away your pentitrated sealer. These product will not immediately
harm granite, but again, you don't want your sealer to wear away!

Jo, I read in one of the post. It said to apply impregnator once every 6 to 8 months. whats up. If thats all it does whats the big deal when people recommend impregnating twice a year.

This topic is something I've been trying to figure out for some time now. I have even posted this question before on stone power house and recieved 50/50 results. Some said that windex would harm the granite, some said They have been using this for some time now. I myself use windex and have never had a problem. For about the last 5 years my inlaws have also been using windex and soft scrub, Still not one stain and when tested water will bead on the surface, I impregnated it when I installed 5 years ago.

This would be a good time to figure this out. How would one run test to prove some of the data sheets right or wrong.

Every body is always talking about standards: Well this question has been around for a while now, and you can find information on this topic all over. BUT was it tested, was it proven to fail, how do we know. One article say do and the other says don't, how do we go with.



D,amn I have never type this much.

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.

Every six to eight months is a save bet, but that all depends on the type of stone, stone application and the customer’s life style. The very best way to determine when and if the stone needs to be seal is to do a simple water test. Most stone owners have a maintains plan in place that may include a daily cleaner that can pro-long the ability of the sealer, and further the repellent capabilities of the stone.

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.

[Lou Noble]

Hello everone, I was just sitting here re-reading this post. Since i have been doing alot of testing, ill let you know one of the ways that i test my sealer.

I have taken a few different sealers and apply them all the same way on the same stone. ( I use a spray bottle to apply the sealer, and i apply it on a 220grit honed piece of concrete. Dwell time is about 3 mins per coat and wipe in each coat)

Note: Since sealer is not a magic potion, i put things that the sealer can protect the stone from(oil, water, mustard etc) no acids or things like that.

I let the food stuffs sit on the stone for a 24hr time.

Not only do i rate the penatration time but i rate the ease of application and smell.

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.

[Bubba]

Hey Lou what's the best one that you have found during your tests?

[Anonymous]

there are a couple that i have found I will give you the top 3 and the pros and cons of each

Impregnator pro(Stone Tech Pro) This product is superior when i comes to stain protection and ease of application. One of the big problems that i have with this product is the way it effects your lungs after just one day of sealing in an enclosed area( after one day i felt like i had been punched in the chest, i have never had that happen with any of the other products, i called stone tech and they said that the whole experiance never happened and that i must have been imagining these pains). Also, Stone Tech is not longer a company that supports the "little guy" with an online store that any homeowner can bypass us with and classes that are geared to putting more carpet cleaners in our field they are hardly a favorite with me.

314P (GranQuartz) This product in terms of stain protection is second to none. For anyone that is a fan of PROSOCOs SLX100 you will love this stuff!! It offers the same protection as SLX100 without the sickening smell (it does have a solventy smell, nothing too bad though). It does take a guy who is farmiliar with sealing to put this stuff on as it will tend to haze up if not done right. It is a little expensive but it is not an everyday application product unless you only work on granite. For your more dense granites that dont take most impregnators it is a must!!!

Safe Guard (My Own Mix) Now i know what you are thinking, he is trying to push his products and that is the reason for these tests... The thing is that i sell all of these products Stone Tech, Gran Quartz and my own product as well. The reason i tested all of these products is because i wanted to have a product that out preformed the rest!!! For months i have been working on this stuff that would take all of the best elements of each sealer and make it into one product. Safe Guard is easy to apply and has no harsh smell( it smells like a light soap) It gives the best seal of all marbles, limestones, travertines, slate, concrete and other porous stones. The only problem is that it does not preform as well on some of the darker granites like the 314P. It is cheaper than the impregnator pro which is an indoor product, and is also able to be used indoor as well as out door.

If you have any more questions let me know.

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.

[Anonymous]

Sorry Bubba,

That post was from me, forgot to sign in...


Lou

Hey Lou I would like to get my hands on your sealer. I am running a test in a few weeks on all types of sealers.

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.