FAQ
Did you know that marble, limestone, travertine, onyx and other calcite based stones are incredibly sensitive to acids? Be sure to avoid acid based cleaning products and spills of acidic liquids. If you do have a spill, try to wipe it up as soon as possible. If you have any of these stones in your kitchen, either in your countertops or in your floors, you can protect them by having them regularly polished and serviced. Concrete & Marble Transformerz offers no-cost assessments, and we’re happy to help you breathe new life into the stones in your home.
Q: I have a beautiful entry rug. Will it harm my stone floor?
A: Rugs are a great way to catch dirt and grit before it comes into contact with your beautiful stone floor. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is important to use rug holders designed to go under rugs in order to keep them in place. Sliding rugs are not only dangerous, but they are also a constant source of new scratches. Do not use rugs that are backed with rubber or latex, as this can damage your stone floor as well. If your stone floor has been damaged by a rug, Concrete & Marble Transformerz can help you restore it.
Q: What do I need to do in order to care for and to maintain my new stone countertops?
A: Using coasters under glasses and placing hot items on trivets or pot holders will help to keep your natural stone looking like it did the day it was installed. Many food items and drinks may contain acids that could etch or dull your stone. Coffee, wine, and citrus fruits will all damage your natural stone surfaces. Countertops should be cleaned with a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Do not use any household cleaning products on your stone surfaces, as this may break down the sealer on granite, and it may actually damage the surface of marble, limestone, or travertine. If you’re not sure how to care for your stone countertops, Concrete & Marble Transformerz can help! Contact our restoration company, and we’ll come to your home or business and give you a free assessment.
Q: What is a sealer, and how do I know when it is time to apply a sealer to my countertops?
A: Natural stone can be dense or porous, and natural stone tends to be slightly absorbent. Stones that have more swirls or veins tend to be more porous and absorbent than those without. You can think of a sealer as a coat of armor for your countertop. Sealer will decrease the opportunity for something to stain or harm your surface. A protected stone will be easier to clean, resist staining, and provide a safer and healthier environment. Also, by sealing your stone, you will retain the natural beauty of the surface. If you have natural stone in your kitchen, or in an area where there is the potential for coffee, wine, and acidic substances to come into contact with it, professionally sealing your stone will ensure that it lasts for years to come.
To test your countertop sealant, apply a drop of water at least half an inch in diameter to the stone and let it stand for about 10 minutes. Cover the drop of water with a glass to prevent evaporation. If the stone does not darken after 10 minutes, then it is probably sealed against water-based stains. To ensure the beauty of your stone, we recommend sealing your stone yearly.
Q: What is the difference between marble and granite?
A: In most cases, marble and granite can be identified by visible particles at the surface of the stone. Marble has veining, while granite has a flecked and granular appearance. Natural stone is categorized into two general categories that vary by composition. Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica or quartz-like particles. It tends to be very durable and easy to clean. Included in this category are granite, slate, and sandstone. Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate, and it is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and frequently requires different cleaning procedures than siliceous stone. Examples of this stone type include marble, travertine, limestone, and onyx.
Q: What is the difference between quartzites and granites?
A: Whereas granite is an igneous rock found more abundantly than quartzite, quartzite, as you might expect, has a larger volume of quartz than granite. Quartzite is formed from sandstone, quartz, and an immense amount of pressure. On the Mohs scale of hardness, quartzite is harder than granite.
Q: My floors had a beautiful shine when they were first installed. How can I restore their original shine?
A: If your floor is not deeply scratched, surface polishing may bring back its original shine. However, existing scratches may remain if they are deep. If your floor has been badly scratched over time, a complete restoration is the best chance to restore its original shine. We offer free assessments, so if you’re curious about the state of your floor, just contact our restoration company!
Q: I just purchased Concrete & Marble Transformerz’s daily spray cleaner. How often may I use the cleaner? I don’t want to over do it, but love a clean, shiny counter!
A: You can use the cleaner every day! Our light-duty cleaner is safe to use on natural stone countertops.
Q: Is a granite kitchen countertop more porous than a marble countertop?
A: Generally speaking, yes, granite is more porous than marble. The pores in granite are generally larger than the pores in marble.
Q: How often do I need to apply a sealer to my stone countertops or floor?
A: We recommend every six months to one year. However, each situation is different, and if you’re curious about how often you should be applying a sealer, just give us a call!
Q: Will a sealer make my floor slippery?
A: A penetrating sealer is designed to penetrate below the surface of the stone. Because of this, it will not make your natural stone flooring any more or less slippery. Moreover, it won’t change the color, either.
Q: My brand new natural stone flooring was sealed with three coats of sealer. I accidentally spilled orange juice on it. I wiped it up immediately and washed the area with warm soapy water. Now I have a dull mark there! Should I seal it again?
A: No, don’t seal it again. Your natural stone floor is etched. At this point, it’s likely that your stone floor is beyond cleaning and sealing. If you find yourself in this situation, please call our restoration company to learn more about the next steps you should be taking.
Q: Is there routine, daily or weekly maintenance I should be performing?
A: The number one culprit of damage to floors is dirt, grit, sand, dust. The best treatment for your floor is a dry, untreated microfiber dust mop or vacuum, used daily if possible. Damp mopping is recommended on a weekly basis and whenever there are visible spills. For more information about stone care, contact Concrete & Marble Transformerz.
Q: Why can’t I clean the water spots on my marble or travertine?
A: These are not water spots, but an etch mark in the surface of the stone. This is what happens when an acidic substance comes in contact with any calcium-based stone. To get rid of the etch marks, the stone will need to be polished, much like a gemstone would have to be if it were scratched.
Q: My natural stone countertops are no longer shiny. How do I restore their original shine?
A: Most of the time, when a customer asks us why their countertop is not as shiny and vibrant as it was the day that it was installed, it turns out that some sort of film is sitting on the surface. This result occurs when the customer does not use the proper cleanser, or when they clean their granite surface with water and dish soap (this will eventually lead to a soap film build-up). Contact Concrete & Marble Transformerz for more information.
Q: Do you charge an estimate fee?
A: The estimate we offer is free! We’re happy to provide you with stone restoration and concrete services that fit your schedule and budget. Contact us today to learn more!