Stone Care: Cleaning and Maintenance Needs of Marble and Granite

Marble, granite and other natural stones have been extensively used from floor to ceiling in building construction in many European countries from the olden days. Soapstone, travertine, sandstone, slate, terrazzo and onyx are some of the other popular stones available in the market these days.

Natural stone can be said to be a timeless attraction as it lasts for generations without losing its beauty. There are centuries old monuments, forts, and cathedrals etc. still in good shape in the world, which were made mainly out of natural stone.

Stone has a unique inherent beauty which lasts almost forever! It can be very effectively used in a variety of ways in all areas of your home. Because of its durability, stone is also utilised in commercial applications. Stone is mainly used on floors, walls and steps. 

Marble is typically used for room flooring, bathroom vanity tops, Jacuzzi tops and fireplaces. It is not generally used in kitchen countertops or worktops because it is easy to scratch and is acidic sensitive – we can’t think of a kitchen without ketchups, mustards, vinegars, etc. Also, the high gloss of marble countertop can get dimmed as many chemicals tend to etch its surface. In this scenario, granite, which is the 2nd hardest stone next to diamonds, is a better option for use in the kitchen. The advantages of granite countertops are that its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, scratching by knives, and could take a hot pots and pans.

However, as time passes, the marble or natural stone surfaces can get damaged in some way. Stains, cracks, and etch marks etc. can gradually spoil the beauty of your stone, if not periodically maintained. The Marble Man has a highly qualified professional team to repair and maintain your Marble and Stone Benchtops, Floors and Bathrooms. Our Services include: Polishing, Sealing, Cleaning and Repairs.

If you would like The Marble Man to inspect your stone and advise on its repair or restoration, an experienced team member will visit at a time convenient to you and provide a no obligation, free quote. Call our office today on 1300 627 626 or Email us to book your onsite evaluation.

The Marble Man has a team of experienced technicians who receive hands on, practical training on stone care processes and are kept up to date with the latest techniques and technology. We provide service at: BRISBANE| GOLD COAST | SUNSHINE COAST | NORTHERN NSW | and TOOWOOMBA |

Know Your Natural Stone - Commercial Care & Cleaning

Basalt Paving

The most popular igneous stones used in building construction are granite and basalt, which means that they are cooled from the magma stage of molten rock, minerals and gases. Both contain large quantities of quartz and silica, but it is the heavy metals such as iron and magnesium that give the stones their dark colour.

Granite

Granite is great stuff. It's coarse-textured rock in which individual mineral grains are easily visible. Granite is strong and extremely durable. It mainly contains the minerals potassium, feldspar and quartz with small amounts of mica. Most of the continent is made of granite.

Granite is one of the hardest, most popular building materials used in the world and is commonly used indoors for kitchen benchtops, bathroom vanities, floors and furniture. Outdoors it is used in large structures such as bridges, monuments, retaining walls and steps and in large public floor areas due to its solid character and ability to withstand deterioration. Granite is usually used as a slab rather than a tile, so its weight must be considered when choosing an application.

Polished granite is hard wearing, easily maintained, heat, chip, bacteria, fire and scratch resistant and is not affected by acidic liquids such as juice, coffee, tea and wine when treated with a good quality penetrating sealer. Granite has an ageless beauty, is longer wearing than manmade stones and will retain its colour and finish longer than other stones.

Colours are usually shades of black, grey, brown, red, pink and yellow, which are determined by the minerals trapped when the stone is forming.

Basalt

Because the magma comes out of the earth and cools very quickly, the minerals have very little opportunity to grow. Basalt is thus extrusive and very fine grained.Basalt is also known as bluestone. It was traditionally used for cobbled roads and laneways due to its durability and because water drained away from the surface efficiently allowing it to dry quickly. It was also popular due to its texture, which made it a non-slip surface. It is now commonly used in outdoor areas for paving, stairs, exterior wall cladding, ponds, landscaping, pathways and indoors for countertops, walls and floors. 

Colours are usually blue-grey, green-grey, grey and black.

Formation & Characteristics of Igneous Stones

Igneous stones are exposed to extreme heat, hence the name ‘igneous’, which comes from the Latin word ‘ignius’ meaning fire. Igneous stone is either ‘intrusive’ or ‘extrusive’. ‘Intrusive’ stone is formed underground where rock located up to 40km under the earth’s surface melts at temperatures of up to 900 Degree C and becomes magma. The magma rises and cools slowly, trapping gases and minerals, and eventually solidifying into stone that has large crystals and a coarse texture. Granite is ‘intrusive’ stone.

‘Extrusive’ stone such as Basalt develops above the earth’s surface. It is formed from lava that flows from volcanos on to the earth’s surface and into the sea, or from volcanos under the sea. The lava settles on the earth or on the ocean floor and cools. The faster cooling process, due to the lower temperature at the earth’s surface and under the ocean, encourages smaller crystals to form.

Stone Restoration Service by The Marble Man 

It is a common mistake to think that granite and basalt stones are pretty easy to maintain as they are made of strong natural stone quarried from the mountain ranges. But the real thing is that even though they have a strong surface and are highly resistant, it needs regular maintenance that includes cleaning, sealing and polishing as per the usage. These stone surfaces can be maintained to look as new for six months to one year by protecting against moisture and harmful spills.  

We have a team of experienced technicians who receive hands on, practical training on stone care processes and are kept up to date with the latest techniques and technology. We provide service at: Gold Coast|Brisbane|Sunshine Coast|Byron Bay|Sydney|Canberra|Newcastle|Central Coast.

If you would like us to inspect your stone and get advice on its repair or restoration, an experienced team member will visit at a time convenient to you and provide a no obligation, FREE Quote. Call our office today on 1300 627 626 or Email us to book your onsite evaluation.

Making the Right Colour Choice with Granite Benchtops

Making the choice of colour for granite tabletops is a big decision since it will not only define your taste in style and lavishness but will also be a reflection of the creativity that you display in your home decor. Broadly classifying, there are two wide choices – the light coloured and the dark coloured granites.

The Range of Light Coloured Granite Benchtops

The biggest advantage with light coloured granite benchtops is that they can go well with any kind of colour setting. The inclusions in this set are:

Beige: When it comes to blending subtlety with a rich appeal, beige is an ultimate choice. The similar kind of colour pattern of furniture, walls and lighting and granite tabletops can just light up the grace of your home manifolds.

Yellow: Though this colour is not that common, yet this is a nice pick if you wish to blend in some trendiness to make your home decor stand out. This bright and vibrant look can fill in great radiance.

White: Luxury in simplicity is what white defines. For a classy and distinguished aura to highlight your home's appeal, white granite tabletops can be just the perfect fit. Besides, white is the vogue of all times.

Gold: No colour can be a better definition of lavishness. Lending a generous yet sparkling look to your home, this colour is miss-me-not for lovers of elegance.

Grey: The shades of grey have always been an interesting choice for individuals who are focusing on establishing a simple setting while clubbing the same with exclusive glass and lights to add new vigor to the look and feel of your home.

The Range of Dark Coloured Granite Benchtops

The advantage with making choice of dark colours is that these colours display uniqueness in style and instil a sense of excitement. The inclusions in this set are:

Green: Perhaps the most widely chosen and one of the best looking colours of granite, green gives your home a wildly beautiful look. A display of spontaneity is what this colour offers.

Blue: This colour is a little uncommon but the vein-like pattern running all over this vibrant colour gives it an awe-striking look. This colour choice lies on the higher side of trendy thereby matching the steel-look of chests and steel appliances in your kitchen.

Black: Black is a trend-setter when it comes to defining a class in home decoration. White appliances and an overall white look can add to the grace of your kitchen and other parts of home decorated with black granite bench tops.

Red: Romance and enthusiasm is draws in with red. This colour has been the oldest in line and amongst the most chosen decorative inclusions.

Burgundy: This colour bears a close match in appearance with brown granite. However, the slightly different tinge of burgundy makes it quite a perfection that looks flawless with stainless steel kitchen appliances.                        

Brown: If you have a wooden setting in the room, especially that with the regular teak wood, this colour will form the perfect combo. Dressed in lightly veined pattern, a brown kitchen bench top lends the ultimate classic look.

While making a choice, it is obvious to strike you that the dark coloured granite will be a little easier to maintain but that’s not entirely true. Every kind of granite surface needs specific type of care and even if you don’t have the expertise in cleaning of granite or maintaining its sparkling look, you can always seek help from natural stone restoration specialists! Professional Cleaning, Polishing, Sealing and Repairing are some of the stone restoration works done by those specialists. 

The Marble Man Tips for Natural Stone Care & Maintenance- Removing Granite Stains & Dull Spots

Granite is one of the most widely sought after natural stones used in the kitchen and floors of your home. It is durable and tougher than marble. However, like everything else, it is important for you to ensure granite is taken care of.

There is a common misconception that stains and dull spots do not appear on granite surfaces. This is wrong. Just like marble, your granite countertop or floor also has the tendency to get stained and lose its shine.

The Marble Man- a leading marble and natural stone maintenance, restoration and repairing company on the Gold Coast servicing most part of QLD and NSW- gives you some insights about the granite stone and how you effectively can keep away stains and dull surfaces at bay. Let us take a look at them below-

Granite – How to Keep Stains & Dull Surfaces at Bay:

• Though granite is a tough stone, it has the tendency to suffer from scratches. When you find a scratch on your granite stone, it is recommended to contact a professional to have it repaired.
• It is advised to use coasters under all your glass items to stop stains and dull spots on your granite surfaces.
• If you have a granite countertop at home, it is very important for you to avoid having citrus and other alcoholic products sitting on the surface. This leads to etching and subsequent dullness.
• It is very important for you to keep hot items away and off the granite surface. In case you need to place something hot on the granite countertop or surface, use a trivet or a hot pad. This will protect the granite surface from stains and dull spots.
• It is important for you to reseal the granite countertop in order to preserve and maintain its sheen. It is important for you to do this after an interval of every two years or as advised by a stone care specialist.
• If you wish to clean the granite countertop on your own, you can make your own cleaner. This is a pH balanced cleaner and you can mix one part water with one part alcohol to get the best effects. If you wish you may use less alcohol and more water.
• If you have a floor made of granite, you should clean it with the help of granite cleaner. You may call in a professional to do the stone cleaning for you. If you want to clean the granite stone on a regular basis, you may do so with regular dusting and sweeping.

It is thus evident that the task to keep stains and dull spots on granite at bay is an easy one. You just have to be little more careful and ensure the tips above are followed. If you are based in the QLD and NSW region and looking for skilled and experienced experts to take professional care of your granite stone, feel free to call in the friendly professionals at The Marble Man. 

Some Simple Guidelines on Granite Care and Maintenance Sydney, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast etc.

Granite is a popular natural stone that people use in their homes. It is a strong and durable stone that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Research and studies have shown that granite is not affected by bacteria thanks to being high in density. Another great advantage of granite is its non-responsiveness towards acids. This makes it the first choice for sanitary and bathroom ware.

The Marble Man- a popular marble maintenance, restoration and polishing company in Australia, suggests immediately after installation, the granite stone should be applied with a penetrative sealant. This will enhance the lifespan of the stone.

                               

There is a test to check on whether your new granite countertop or slab needs to be sealed-

Sprinkle water on the granite stone. If the water beads up, it is sealed. If the water does not make round beads, follow the instructions given below- 

• Ask experts on the ideal sealant to used on your granite stone. The sealers for honed or textured granite are different.
• Experts generally recommend neutral cleaners for daily wiping and cleaning of granite countertops, tables and vanities. When natural stone and marble cleaning and maintenance professionals arrive at your home for sealing, ask them on how to follow up with daily care.
• The best part of granite is it is resistant to staining. In case a stain occurs, do remove it with a good quality stain cleaner. It is wise to take suggestions from experts and follow the directions of use precisely. When the stain is removed completely, ensure the whole area is clean and reseal as above.
• Granite stone polish is available in the market. You can use them safely for retaining the shine and sheen of the natural stone. With them, you are able to get a nice finishing touch to the granite stone. You just have to apply a thin coat to the stone and allow it to dry. Once it is done, you can wipe it off. 
• Please note that if you have a granite floor, then stone polish is not recommended. Since the floor is large, it is more economical for you to opt for concentrates available in the market. They are also good for textured and honed floors. They are strong cleaners and help in the maintenance of shine and sheen of your floor with success. In case, you are not sure on what concentrate to buy, you can ask granite and marble cleaning experts for the same.

For more valuable granite and marble cleaning & maintenance tips, please visit The Marble Man.

Granite and Marble Benchtop- Useful Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

There are so many reasons to choose marble and granite flooring for your home. They are hard and durable as well as look stunning and can completely transform your rooms into amazing spaces. However, being natural materials, they demand special attention. The major issue with granite and marble cleaning is that these stones do not have similar properties as those of a ceramic tile and hence can be damaged by conventional cleaning methods. Knowing how to clean marble and granite is important and requires an extra little effort.

Prevention is far better than cure. Natural stone cleaning experts always recommend use of floor mat at the entrance of the house so that dirt, dust and small stone particles are trapped and prevented from entering the house and damaging the floor. Cleaning marble or granite floor and protecting them from probable stains comprise few easy steps:

• Take a soft cloth and put small amount of recommended stone cleaner or mild dishwashing soap and cold water on it.
• Gently rub the stain in the direction of the grain in straight line. Always test the product by applying it on a small area first.
• When the stain disappears, use a clean and dry cloth to buff the area and bring back the shine. 

If your stone benchtop shows some marks or is stained, what can you do?

Read on:

• When benchtops are badly stained, there's no better cure than drastic action. So cleaning up spills immediately protects the bench top from further deterioration.
• Anything acidic should not be used for cleaning. Do not use abrasive cleaners to clean stone bench tops. Always clean up wine spills as it is also acidic.
• Remember to read the manufacturer's instructions before using a product.
• Use mild detergent or soupy water to clean the stain on bench top and then dry it using a soft dry cloth.

The most common mistake we do while cleaning natural stone is using cleaners or other products not suited to the type of stone. This can be very harmful. Let's find out the things that we should never use while cleaning marble or granite:

• Conventional floor cleaning products. Instead use specialized marble cleaning product.
• Ceramic tile cleaners. They are unsuitable for marble or granite.
• Anything that’s either very acidic or very alkaline such as vinegar.
• Rough cloths or pads.
• Vacuum cleaners. The wheels and hoses can scratch the stone surfaces. 

Dealing with Natural stone repair and maintenance is an easy job now with the efficient assistance and trustworthy services of TheMarble Man, Australia's best natural stone restoration company. Its trained technicians offer expert advice on maintenance tactics and when exactly your stone needs repair and restoration. For more information on natural stone restoration in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney etc., give them a call now: 1300 627 626.