Knowing which kind of natural stone you have is of great importance in terms of protection from damage. Marble and other calcium-based natural stones are sometimes sold as granite. However, granite and marbles are very different when it comes to acid sensitivity and porosity. You need to know what kind of stone you have in order to decide what precautions you should take when natural stone is exposed to acidic substances or moisture. Now let’s examine how to get rid of etch damage and misidentification of natural stones.
The Science Behind Etching and Staining
If the material you use as a natural stone is granite, you don’t have to worry about lemon juice, wine or other acidic substances pouring on your stone because granite is insensitive to acid and you don’t have to worry about granite erosion damage unless your stone is a misdefined marble. However, some granites may also contain acid-sensitive calcium-binder minerals, such as marble. In this case, acidic substances such as lemon juice or wine can chemically react with calcium carbonate as they do in marble and damage your stone.
Since marbles are not as porous as granites, they do not absorb as much moisture. Therefore, those who have granite, not marble, do not need to worry about whether or not the stones are properly sealed because there is no possibility that spills and splatters that will occur during sealing will be quickly absorbed by the stone and turn into stains if it is a granite.
How to Avoid Etch Damage and Stains
A sure way to prevent etch and stain damage on your countertops is to not allow your stone to come into contact with acidic or colored materials. However, this is not a realistic and practical solution at all. However, there are methods of protection to eliminate damage even if contact occurs. For more detailed protection, please contact Terra Granite. Also, here are some precautions you can take.
1 Use a cutting board with a perimeter around it to prevent fruit juices from spilling onto your counter.
2 If acidic material has been spilled or splashed on your counter, clean it with a pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaner.
3 Ask your stone specialist to make an assessment of the condition of your countertops. Seal your countertops if necessary. Keep in mind that the materials you use during sealing must be cleaned immediately to avoid staining. Although these materials take time to clean, they are very useful from the etch protection.
What To Do If Your Countertop Is Already Etched or Stained
After taking all precautions, if there is still some etch or stain in your kitchen, you can remove it yourself or get professional assistance.
If you are looking for more options on natural stones, make sure to contact our professionals at Terra Granite.
#Quartzslab #slab #countertop #Renovation #Houston #TerraGranite #Exoticgranite #porcelain #granite #granitesupplier #marble #travertine #Quartz #Quartzite #kitchen #countertops #stone #remodel #naturalstone #design #marble #modern #Houston #granitehouston #soapstone
