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Caring
for Stone
Stone sealers:
All stone should be sealed. It does not matter
what the composition of the stone is, all stone has a porosity
level.
| The first and foremost sealer to apply is
a silicone impregnator such as HMK S-34.
This sealer actually penetrates the stone providing a below-surface
barrier preventing water, oil, and chemical penetration. |
|
| Other sealers such as HMK S-35,
S-37, and S-39 provide additional abrasion protection and
at the same time enhance the natural stones color. |
|
Care and maintenance:
After proper installation and sealing natural stone becomes
a permanent surface.
| Stones should be cleaned with a PH balanced
cleaner such as HMK P-24
(liquid stone soap). It will clean without streaking the
surface and also will condition the stone while building
the natural patina. |
|
A marble and granite polish can be applied
periodically to clean and shine polished surfaces, and protect
against cosmetics, vinegar, colas and citric acids. The silicone
impregnator should be reapplied at least once per year whether
it looks like it needs it or not.
Call a pro:
When a stone surface becomes scratched, chipped,
stained or dull it becomes a job for a pro.
If your stone has become dull or stained there
are many companies that specialize in stone renovation. They
are usually found under "Marble & Terazzo Cleaning & Service" in
your local telephone directory. It is amazing what they can
do to bring your stone to a like new appearance.
Here is an excerpt I found about the cleanliness
of granite which dispels the myth that granite can trap bacteria:
For counter cleanliness granite is the way to
go.
If you are concerned about bacterial contamination
of your kitchen countertop, it looks like stainless steel and
granite are the way to go.
That's what a recent study by the Hospitality
Institute of Technology and Management, a St Paul,
Minnesota-based organization that develops educational materials
and reseach for the retail food industry shows.
The study measured the bacteria resistance capacity of six commercial countertop
materials. Each surface was contaminated with E.coli (nearly
2 billion of the microorganisms), washed and rinsed with soap and water and
then sanitized with a vinegar-and-water solution.
The results are as shown in this
table:
Surface microorganisms eliminated by
cleaning:
| Stainless Steel |
85,113,804 |
| Granite |
79,432,823 |
| Plastic Laminate |
498,884 |
| Tile |
293,765 |
| Concrete |
32,810 |
| Wood |
2,080 |
Source: Today's Homeowner Magazine
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How-To-Tile
Articles
Grout:
Problems and Solutions
Trowels & Thinset
Surface
Preparation
Transitions
Cutting
Tools
Tile
Design Guidelines
Caring
for stone
Applying
Grout
Porcelain
or Ceramic?
Granite
Tiles
What
is Tile Bullnosing?
Bullnosing
Ceramic Tile
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