Intrepid Stone Specialties seals all natural stone with a protectant to help insure the durability of your new counter tops at no extra charge to our customers. For continued maintenance ask your sales representative about products that can be purchased to continue the care of your tops.
Article from Cold Spring Granite
Section VII
Maintenance of Granite Surfaces
THE ENDURING PERFORMANCE OF GRANITE
Many of the world’s most interesting structures built from marble, limestone or sandstone are currently suffering from modern air pollution and acid rain. These newer environmental forces, coupled with normal freeze/thaw cycles, are eroding and staining the stone, impairing the natural beauty of the structures and, in some cases, actually threatening their structural integrity. Granite, as the hardest and most moisture-resistant of building stones, is nearly impervious to these destructive forces. However, even granite can lose its luster to dirt and other normal forces in high-traffic areas and where subjected to staining agents. Note that these conditions, from staining to surface cracking, are far less likely to happen with granite than with any other building stone.
Protecting Granite Surfaces
In most situations, granite surfaces are best left untreated with no impregnating or sealing agents. Granite’s naturally high density resists absorption of staining materials. Dirt and grime can generally be cleaned from the surface with a mild solution of soap and water. Polished surfaces are even more resistant to stain than Thermal, Diamond 10, Honed or Diamond 8 surfaces. If a granite surface, particularly a Thermal-finished surface, is expected to be in frequent contact with staining agents, its stain resistance can be strengthened with an appropriate impregnator. Impregnators should not alter the surface texture or color of the granite. However, it is recommended that any impregnator be pre-tested with a given granite color and finish prior to general application. Sealers may also be used to increase stain resistance, but they bring their own set of maintenance problems. Sealers can alter the surface texture and finish, particularly of Thermal-finished stone. Sealers can also build up on the surface, creating a layer that is less durable than the granite. Sealers are not recommended in exterior applications, because they can trap moisture within the top layer of stone which may lead to surface cracks during freeze/thaw cycles. It is strongly recommended that any sealer be pre-tested on the stone in a variety of conditions prior to its general application.
Regular Maintenance of Granite Surfaces
The regular maintenance recommended for granite surfaces is a simple cleaning with neutral detergent or stone soap and water. Occasionally, high-traffic areas or locations subjected to tracking of outside dirt and grime require a more intensive cleaner. For Polished and Honed floors subject to heave commercial traffic, a polish preserver/restorer may be used.
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The files listed below may help assist with your stone care and maintenance. Please contact our office if you have additional questions regarding care and maintenance.
Care Procedures for natural stone