| |
Granite Care
To help you keep your granite countertops like brand new there
are a few tips on how to take care of it.
Homeowners are updating and transforming their kitchens with
stunning granite that is both durable and beautiful whilst
putting an increase of value to their homes. Of all the stones
in the world Granite is the second most durable, first being
diamonds. Granite can withstand the heat from hot pans or any
other hot utensil in the kitchen as it is created from molten
rock. Granite has a very hard surface, resistant to most forms
of damage and is low maintenance to look after.
|
Two pieces of
granite, from the same part of the world, in the same colors
are never identical. Each slab has different mineral
properties and require different kinds of attention. The
supplier that you received your granite from should give you
personalized after care instructions for each of the
different slabs. |
 |
|
A correctly
installed granite kitchen countertop should last a life
time, this is why granite comes across as expensive material
to have, but comes with a life time guarantee. |
For granite kitchen countertops it is preferred that you have
a polished finished to the surface. This is to make it easier
for the purchaser to clean and maintain its beauty. There are
sealants to prevent staining that can be used regularly as part
of cleaning. Properly cared for polished granite ensures
continuation and refinement of the material being used. There is
also a finish called a 'honed' or flat finish, this can be very
engaging to the eye however it is not recommended for kitchen
use. Over periods of time there will be areas that need giving
attention to and can divert from the beauty of the natural
stone. |
|
Even though granite is a hard-wearing material, the polished
finished does need to be looked after properly. This can be done
with giving attention daily to what is being placed on the
surface. You should never use granite as a surface for cutting
or slicing, make sure you use a cutting/chopping board to
prevent scratching. Also avoid placing acidic foods, for example
lemon juice, carbonated beverages and vinegar directly to the
surface for a period of time as they can corrode the surface. It
will only damage the polish as it is more delicate than the
actual granite. Use a small amount of warm water with PH
balanced washing up liquid to clean the surface instead of using
abrasive cleaning products.
To avoid any other damages to the polished surface it is
advisable not to drag pots, pans and any other kitchen utensils
or appliances across the surface because, even if there is a
grain of salt underneath them, it may result in a scratch. Even
though the granite is very hard, the minerals that is is made up
of can be very soft and delicate, this is how the granite
becomes easily scratched, chipped or broken along the grain.
Diamond polishing tools are used by the stonemasons to create
the glossy, shiny finish that you get with a polished finished.
It is not a coating on the surface that is applied to create
this effect, therefore for some granites once a year a
penetrating sealant should be applied recommended by your
supplier. Never use a harsh or abrasive solvent or a stone
sealer as this will just damage the surface and strip the
countertop. You can however polish the surface to keep it
gleaming.
Not all damages to the polished granite have to be corrected
by a professional, it can easily be done by the home owner
themselves. If a hot pan leaves a dark grey-black mark all you
have to do is use a fine steel wool or if its a glue like
texture that is the problem on the surface, then getting a
credit card or a single side razor blade will soon scrape it
off. However if the problem is more severe get a professional to
carry out the repairs.
Granite is classy, attractive and appealing. It has strength
and beauty and if correctly looked after it will last a life
time which is why it is the preferred stone for kitchens, giving
warmth and character in the different colors available.
|
|
