All slabs are epoxy resined - which means they are coated & permently sealed
|
Care & Precautions
|
|
Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations
|
|
Know Your Stone
|
|
Spills and Stains
|
|
Making & Using a Poultice
|
|
Do's and Don'ts
|
Care & Precautions Use coasters under all glasses, particularly
those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks
contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of many stones. Do not place hot items directly on the stone
surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china,
ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.
Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations Floor Surfaces Dust mop interior floors frequently using a
clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to
natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside
and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that
will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug
is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps
on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The
metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface. Other Surfaces Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of
neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your
stone dealer) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a
clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best
results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do
not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on Marble or
other calcareous stones. Rinse the surface thoroughly after
washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse
water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams: these products
contain abrasives that may scratch the stone.Bath and Other Wet Areas In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can
be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use
a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about
1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia
solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.Vanity Top Surfaces Vanity tops may need to have a penetrating
sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. A good
quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be applied to
minimize water spotting.Food Preparation Areas In food preparation areas, the stone may need
to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for
recommendations. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and
safe for use on food preparation surfaces. If there is a question, check
with the sealer manufacturer.Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas
In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush
with clear water and use mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.
Know Your Stone Natural stone can be classified into two
general categories according to its composition: siliceous stone or
calcareous stone. Knowing the difference is critical when selecting
cleaning products. Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica
or quartz-like particles. It tends to be very durable and relatively easy
to clean with mild acidic cleaning solutions. Types of siliceous stone
include granite, slate, sandstone, quartzite, brownstone and bluestone. Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium
carbonate. It is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and frequently
requires different cleaning procedures than siliceous stone. Types of
calcareous stone include marble, travertine, limestone and onyx. What may
work on siliceous stone may not be suitable on calcareous surfaces.How to Tell the Difference A simple acid sensitivity test can be
performed to determine whether a stone is calcareous or siliceous. You
will need a few drops of vinegar and an eyedropper. Because this test may
permanently etch the stone, select an out of the way area (a corner or
closet) and several inches away from the mortar joint. Apply a few drops of the vinegar to the stone
surface on an area about the size of a quarter. If the stone is
calcareous, the vinegar will etch the stone. If little or no reaction
occurs, the stone can be considered siliceous. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and
wipe dry. This test may not be effective if surface sealers or liquid
polishes have been applied. If an old sealer is present, chip a small
piece of stone away and apply the vinegar to the fractured surface. If in doubt, contact Alexstone, for
information on the type of stone installed.Stone Finishes A polished finish on the stone has a
glossy surface that reflects light and emphasizes the color and marking of
the material. This type of finish is used on walls, furniture tops and
other items, as well as floor tiles. A honed finish is a satin smooth
surface surface with relatively little light reflection. Generally, a
honed finish is preferred for floors, stair treads, thresholds and other
locations where heavy traffic will wear off the polished finish. A honed
finish may also be used on furniture tops and other surfaces. A flamed finish is a rough textured
surface used frequently on granite floor tiles.Stone Colors and Appearance Granites and marbles are quarried throughout
the world in a variety of colors with varying mineral compositions. In
most cases, marbles and granites can be identified by visible particles at
the surface of the stone. Marble will normally show "veins" or
high concentrations of minerals. The minerals in granite will typically
appear as small flecks distributed uniformly in the stone. Each type of
stone is unique and will vary in color, texture and marking. Sandstones vary widely in color due to
different minerals and clays found in the stone. Sandstone is light gray
to yellow or red. A dark reddish brown sandstone, also called brownstone,
has commonly been used in the northeastern United States and eastern
Canada. Bluestone is a dense, hard, fine-grained sandstone of
greenish-gray or bluish-gray color and is quarried in the eastern United
States. Limestone is a widely used building stone with
colors typically light gray, tan or buff. A distinguishing characteristic
of many limestone's, is the presence of fossils that are frequently
visible in the stone surface.
Slate is dark green, black, gray, dark red or
multi-colored. It is most commonly used as a flooring material and for
roof tiles and is often distinguished by its distinct cleft texture.
Spills and Stains Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately.
Don't wipe the area, it will spread the spill. Flush the area with plain
water and mild soap and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with
a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary. If the stain remains, refer to the
section in this brochure on stain removal.Stain Removal Identifying the type of stain on the stone
surface is the key to removing it. If you don't know what caused the
stain, play detective. Where is the stain located? Is it near a plant, a
food service area, an area where cosmetics are used? What color is it?
What is the shape or pattern? What goes on in the area around the stain? Surface stains can often be removed by
cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical.
Deep-seated or stubborn stains may require using a poultice or calling in
a professional. The following sections describe the types of stains that
you may have to deal with and appropriate household chemicals to use and
how to prepare and apply a poultice to remove the stain.Types of Stains & First Step Cleaning ActionsOil-based (grease, tar, cooking oil, milk, cosmetics) An oil-based stain will darken the stone and
normally must be chemically dissolved so the source of the stain can be
flushed or rinsed away. Clean gently with a soft, liquid cleanser with
bleach OR household detergent OR ammonia OR mineral spirits OR acetone.Organic (coffee, tea, fruit, tobacco, paper, food, urine, leaves,
bark, bird droppings) May cause a pinkish-brown stain and may
disappear after the source of the stain has been removed. Outdoors, with
the sources removed, normal sun and rain action will generally bleach out
the stains. Indoors, clean with 12% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleaching
strength) and a few drops of ammonia.Metal (iron, rust, copper, bronze) Iron or rust stains are orange to brown in
color and follow the shape of the staining object such as nails, bolts,
screws, cans, flower pots, metal furniture. Copper and bronze stains
appear as green or muddy-brown and result from the action of moisture on
nearby or embedded bronze, copper or brass items. Metal stains must be
removed with a poultice. (See section on Making & Using a Poultice)
Deep-seated, rusty stains are extremely difficult to remove and the stone
may be permanently stained.Biological (algae, mildew, lichens, moss, fungi) Clean with dilute (1/2 cup in a gallon of
water) ammonia OR bleach OR hydrogen peroxide. DO NOT MIX BLEACH AND
AMMONIA! THIS COMBINATION CREATES A TOXIC AND LETHAL GAS.Ink (magic marker, pen, ink) Clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide (light
colored stone only!) or lacquer thinner or acetone (dark stones only!)Paint Small amounts can be removed with lacquer
thinner or scraped off carefully with a razor blade. Heavy paint coverage
should be removed with a commercial "heavy liquid" stripper
available from hardware stores or paint centers. Do not use acids or flame
tools to strip paint from stone. Paint strippers can etch the surface of
the stone; repolishing may be necessary. Follow the manufacturer's
directions for use of these products, taking care to flush the area thoroughly
with clean water. Protect yourself with rubber gloves and eye protection,
and work in a well ventilated area. Use only wood or plastic scrapers for
removing the sludge and curdled paint. Normally, latex and acrylic paints
will not cause staining. Oil-based paints, linseed oil, putty, caulks and
sealants may cause oily stains. Refer to the section on oil-based stains.Water Spots and Rings (surface accumulation of hard water) Buff with dry 0000 steel woolFire and Smoke Damage Older stones and smoke or fire stained
fireplaces may require a thorough cleaning to restore their original
appearance. Commercially available "smoke removers" may save
time and effort.Etch Marks Etch Marks are caused by acids left on the
surface of the stone. Some materials will etch the finish but not leave a
stain. Others will both etch and stain. Once the stain has been removed,
wet the surface with clear water and sprinkle on marble polishing powder,
available from a hardware or lapidary store, or your local stone dealer.
Rub the powder onto the stone with a damp cloth or by using a buffing pad
with a low-speed power drill. Continue buffing until the etch mark
disappears and the marble surface shines. Contact Alexstone for
refinishing or repolishing of etched areas that you cannot remove.Efflorescence Efflorescence is a white powder that may
appear on the surface of the stone. It is caused by water carrying mineral
salts from below the surface of the stone rising through the stone and
evaporating. When the water evaporates, it leaves the powdery substance.
If the installation is new, dust mop or vacuum the powder. You may have to
do this several times as the stone dries out. Do not use water to remove
the powder; it will only temporarily disappear. If the problem persists,
contact Alexstone to help identify and remove the cause of the moisture.Scratches and Nicks
Slight surface scratches may be buffed with
dry 0000 steel wool. Or, refer to the section on etch marks and follow the
polishing procedure. Deeper scratches and nicks in the surface of the
stone should be repaired and repolished by a professional.
Making & Using a Poultice A poultice is a liquid cleaner or chemical
mixed with a white absorbent material to form a paste about the
consistency of peanut butter. The poultice is spread over the stained area
to a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch with a wood or plastic spatula,
covered with plastic and left to work for 24 to 48 hours. The liquid
cleaner or chemical will draw out the stain into the absorbent material.
Poultice procedures may have to be repeated to thoroughly remove a stain,
but some stains may never be completely removed.Poultice Materials Poultice materials include kaolin, fuller's
earth, whiting, diatomaceous earth, powdered chalk, white molding plaster
or talc. Approximately, one pound of prepared poultice material will cover
one square foot. Do not use whiting or iron-type clays such as fuller's
earth with acid chemicals. The reaction will cancel the effect of the
poultice. A poultice can also be prepared using white cotton balls, white
paper towels or gauze pads.Cleaning Agents or ChemicalsOil-based Stains: Poultice with baking soda and water OR one of
the powdered poultice materials and mineral spirits.Organic Stains: Poultice with one of the powdered poultice
materials and 12% hydrogen peroxide solution (hair bleaching strength) OR
use acetone instead of the hydrogen peroxideIron Stains: Poultice with diatomaceous earth and a
commercially available rust remover. Rust stains are particularly
difficult to remove. You may need to call a professional.Biological Stains: Poultice with one of the poultice materials
and dilute ammonia OR bleach OR hydrogen peroxide. DO NOT MIX AMMONIA AND
BLEACH! THIS COMBINATION CREATES A TOXIC AND LETHAL GAS.Applying the Poultice1. Prepare the poultice. If using powder, mix the cleaning agent or
chemical to a thick paste the consistency of peanut butter. If using
paper, soak in the chemical and let drain. Don't let the liquid drip.2. Wet the stained area with distilled water.3. Apply the poultice to the stained area about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick
and extend the poultice beyond the stained area by about one inch. Use a
wood or plastic scraper to spread the poultice evenly.4. Cover the poultice with plastic and tape the edges to seal it.5. Allow the poultice to dry thoroughly, usually about 24 to 48 hours.
The drying process is what pulls the stain out of the stone and into the
poultice material. After about 24 hours, remove the plastic and allow the
poultice to dry.6. Remove the poultice from the stain, rinse with distilled water and
buff dry with a soft cloth. Use the wood or plastic scraper if necessary.7. Repeat the poultice application if the stain is not removed. It may
take up to five applications for difficult stains.
8. If the surface is etched by the chemical, apply polishing powder and
buff with burlap or felt buffing pad to restore the surface.
Do's and Don'tsDO Dust mop floors frequentlyDO Clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soapDO Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washingDO Blot up spills immediatelyDO Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and
countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placematsDON'T Use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing
acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfacesDON'T Use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners,
grout cleaners or tub & tile cleanersDON'T Use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft
cleansersDON'T Mix bleach and ammonia; this combination crates a toxic
and lethal gasDON'T Ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically
instruct you to do so
Call Alexstone with any additional questions you may have on care
and cleaning of your stone products.