Porosity of stone
All stones are porous. The more porous is the stone, the more it is subject to the environmental influence (various liquids - water, fatty substances; dust, etc.) Granite belongs to less porous stones. In order to decrease the ability to absorb liquids, the surface is treated with special substance, which gets into the surface and fills microscopic cavities between crystals. This process is performed both at the plant, during the surface production, and right after the assembly of the surface. We advise to treat the surface again on a yearly basis.
Stains
You have certainly observed dark spots on brighter stones in places, where water is left for longer periods of time, as well as the fact, that a spot disappears, as soon as the stone surface dries out. Although granite is stain-proof, such substances as oil, fats and products, which contain such fatty substances, can leave dark strains, whenever they are not wiped away quickly. Other stone materials absorb fatty substances more quickly, which is why we advise to wipe away the stains as quickly as possible.
Acids and alcohol
Marble and limestone are susceptible to acids and alcohol. Stains left by fruit juices, lemon, wine, vinegar, beet juice, as well as similar stains should be wiped away as quickly as possible. Nail polish remover and other solvents, as well as oil-based products will leave blotches. These are the materials, which should not be used on granite: formic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid. In order to decrease the influence of the aforementioned substances, the stone can be additionally treated with special substances for stone care and protection
Everyday maintenance
Special everyday maintenance of the stone surface is unnecessary. However, it is advised to keep the surface clean by using light soapy water and clean sponge.
Scratching
It is possible to scratch almost any stone surface with various abrasive materials (abrasive kitchen sponges, sand etc.) Scratches can be seen particularly well on polished surfaces. We advise to select stone with suitable hardness for the corresponding usage places and requirements.
Fire resistance
One may put the pots and pans, which have just been taken from a hot stove or an oven, on work surfaces made from granite and quartz - such surfaces will not be damaged. It is not recommended to use marble, travertine, onyx, limestone, as well as other porous materials, for the production of surfaces for kitchens. |
