Nothing adds luxury to a kitchen like granite countertops. But in today’s busy kitchens, these surfaces are often the center of activity. That’s why many homeowners have questions on proper care for their granite countertops.
To learn the answers, Urban Home talked with stone care expert Filippo Emanuel, whose company TENAX USA manufactures the Lustro Italiano™ stone care products designed specifically for granite and
marble.
UH: Is sealing necessary for granite countertops?
Filippo: Granite is a natural product that is porous and can absorb liquids. Sealing is necessary to prevent stains, which can ruin the beauty of your countertops.
UH: Are all sealers the same?
Filippo: An impregnator
sealer is best, because it gets inside the stone and seals pores while still allowing the stone to breathe. This is important, so moisture won’t get trapped in the stone.
UH: How often should we seal our countertops?
Filippo: In most cases, you should seal your countertops every year. But some granite is more porous than others and will need to be sealed more often. Some cleaning products strip the seal, so depending on the cleaner you’re using, you may need to seal your countertops more often.
UH: What kind of cleaner is best?
Filippo: Most granite and
marble fabricators recommend something engineered specifically for granite. Harsh cleaners, including those with ammonia or vinegar, will break down the
sealer. Cleaners containing acid can etch the stone. And cleaners with bleach can leave streaks and ruin the surface. Look for a product that is slightly
alkaline, containing no ammonia or bleach.
UH: What is your company’s cleaning solution?
Filippo: We specialize in granite and
marble. Our parent company TENAX out of Verona, Italy, has been supplying sealers to stone professionals for 50 years, so there are very few people who know stone the way we do. Our Lustro Italiano kit contains a daily cleaner designed for granite, and a stone polish that can be used every two to three weeks to bring out the luster of the stone. This polish has a side benefit: It seals the granite as well. So when you use the kit, you are getting a triple effect– cleaning, sealing and
polishing. The purpose of granite is to make a kitchen look beautiful. To ensure your granite stays as beautiful as the day it was installed, it’s important to maintain it with the right products.
Lustro Italiano products are available net, and from local granite and
marble fabricators.
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 | | 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. | |  |
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