Monthly Archives: July 2012

Could a candle cause the stone to crack?

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We receive an email from a granite care company and said “ I have a customer who has a headstone made with China Black Granite.  She is complaining because the stone has a fissure in it and the cemetery is not honouring the warranty because they are saying a candle is what caused the crack.  Could a candle cause the stone to crack?  “ 

It is the first we receive this email about this kind of crack. We export many containers of granite for fireplace and tombstone, and never hear this problem. The only thing we can make sure  it is , black granite as said in the email is not inspected careful before it fabricate and when headstone is finished . As we know , there are many kinds of quality for China black granite , and not all black granite is suitable for tombstone and headstone . Some kind of black granite have crack inside the blocks , it is natural flaw  , as usual , this kind of black granite is used for small sizes products , as kerbstone, cobble stone .

The best China black granite is Shanxi black , monument quality , it is used for tombstone and monuments mostly, it won’t loss color in outdoor ,and won’t crack even it is burning as fireplace .

So we can made an conclusion, and reply to the email as beginning ” a candle won’t cause the stone to crack , unless the stone has cracks inside ”

 

Anybody have similar experice ? We will be glad to listen to you if you are willing to sharing with us .

Composite Sinks

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There are three main types of composite sinks available in today’s marketplace. Mixing natural materials with polyresin or acrylic fillers makes the composite. This mixture is poured into a mold and becomes the composite sink you purchase for your home. Composite sinks are available in a variety of styles to fill every need in your home. Because this is a mixture of natural and man-made materials, the color choices available are more than most single material sinks can offer. Custom sink makers can form specialty use sinks to your specifications utilizing composite materials.

Granite composite sinks are made from crushed granite and polyresin filler. The high density of granite in these composite sinks makes them highly resistant to scratches chips and stains. The heat handling capabilities of this composite will allow you to take a hot pan from the stove to the sink without danger of burning or marring the finish of your sink. This is considered to be the best of the composite sink mixtures available. Many manufacturers offer granite composite sinks for your sink needs.

Quartz composite sinks are made from crushed quartz and polyresin filler. This mixture is highly resistant to scratches, stains and chips. Because of the lower density of stone in this mixture this material is not quite as resistant as granite composite but still has a high resistance. The mixture of quartz and filler will accept color dyes more readily than granite will giving a greater option of colors available than granite composite sinks have. So sacrificing a bit of the extra strong toughness of granite and using quartz allows more choices of colors to plan your dcor around.

The third type of composite sinks available are a variety of aggregate composites. They are made from a mixture of natural materials and acrylic fillers. This style of composite material will readily fill more complex molds than the higher stone contents of the previously described composites will. This allows for more specialized sinks than the other composites can make. While not as tough as either quartz or granite, this style of composite is also highly resistant to scratches, chips and stains and unlike the other composites, if damaged can be repaired easily, often by home do it yourselfers. The color choices available with this composite will equal what is available with quartz composite. This makes this style of composite very adaptable to your needs and dcor friendly.

Whichever choice you make in choosing one of the composite sinks available today, you will be gaining a sink that will last you a lifetime. Most manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their composite sinks due to their durability and easy maintenance requirements. With granite, you have the best toughness and heat endurance capabilities. With quartz, you have almost as much toughness and a multitude of color choices. With aggregate, you have a slightly lower toughness, great selection of color choices and the ability to form specialty sinks to your specifications. No matter which of the composite sinks available you choose, you will be getting a sink for your lifetime.

Cleaning and Caring for Marble Floors, Walls or Countertops

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Marble is one of the most beautiful materials used today to make countertops, tabletops, fireplace mantles and floors. With a wide variety of colors, sizes and shapes of marble tile available it is possible to match any decor and add classic, timeless beauty to any room in your home.

The major downside to marble is the expense, which can be very high depending upon the type and grade of marble tile that you purchase. Because marble can be costly, it is very important to take the best care possible of your marble once you have it installed to ensure that it will last and remain beautiful for years to come.

Marble is a bit trickier than other natural stones such as granite since it can be stained by certain liquids even after it has been sealed. That is the main reason that granite is a more popular choice for kitchen countertops where there is the potential for lots of spills that could discolor marble.

Marble is used more frequently in bathrooms than kitchens and is often used on the walls, floors, vanities or shelves. The first and most important step in caring for your marble is to be sure that it is sealed with a high quality sealer specifically designed for marble. This will help to prevent some stains and will make cleaning your marble a bit easier and more effective.

Marble can be scratched by grit so it is important not to use an abrasive cleaner when cleaning your granite. Instead, try using liquid dish soap and warm water. Rinse the soapy water and then dry the marble with a soft towel. Acidic cleaners are a definite no-no with marble since they can eat into the marble and cause damage. This includes even mild acids like vinegar or lemon juice, both of which can cause permanent damage to your marble.

If you have tougher stains on your marble that cannot be removed with dish soap and water, you can try using a marble polishing powder. These powders are available at most hardware and home improvement stores and come with complete instructions on how to use them to clean your marble.

If you have a particularly tough stain that won’t come out with the soapy water or the polishing powder, your best bet would probably be to call a professional marble cleaner or restorer to tackle the job for you rather than risk further damaging your marble by trying something on your own

The best way to care for your marble is by using precautions to prevent stains and scratching before they happen. Because marble is porous and will absorb moisture, always be sure to immediately wipe up any spills. Use a high quality marble sealer, and reseal as needed to be sure that your marble remains protected and beautiful.

Marble is higher maintenance than many other natural stones, however, it has a beauty, elegance and class that can make the extra maintenance seem very worthwhile.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertops

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When choosing a kitchen countertop material, it is important to note that your choice would affect the aesthetic charm, resilience, durability, and operability.  In the selection process, it is important to look beyond the cost and meticulously compare the benefits of one material over the other.  To help you out on this, enumerated are some of the most popular materials used as countertops:

Natural Stone
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Granite is among the most popular and most widely used stone for kitchen countertops.  It comes in a range of natural colors which may be in matte finishes or polished.  Being a player in the current kitchen remodeling trends, its texture and look is often found imitated by synthetic products.  But though others may be fooled, what many of these alternatives fail to copy is the inherent durability, resistance to fire and scratches and low porosity making it easy to clean.  

Marble looks luxurious but its recommended use is on islands and baking centers only.  A more porous material, it can be stained easily and needs more maintenance. 

Limestone, which comes in a limited set of color options, also exhibits high resistance on both impact and heat – making it a durable choice.

Laminate

Laminate is one of the most versatile when it comes to kitchen countertops design as it is available in a very wide variety of patterns, surfaces and colors.  It can also superbly duplicate the look and texture of other materials.  Among its advantages as countertops are they are inexpensive as well as highly resistant to stain, making them very easy to clean.  A laminate finish, though, could not withstand too much heat and are not an ideal surface for cutting.   

Engineered Stone or Quartz

Engineered stone is man-made quartz-composite kitchen countertop material.  This comes in a much wider color selection and has an even pattern compared with natural stone.  Other than not requiring any resealing, the product is said to be stronger than granite.   

Tiles

Tiles are among the relatively inexpensive choice, which also gives homeowners an opportunity design their kitchen countertops in the most creative of ways.  They come in a range of colors, sizes, textures, and patterns which can be laid diagonally, vertically or horizontally.  The issues with tiles as countertops are that they require more maintenance since the grout is prone to mildew and they easily chip.

But whichever material you choose for your kitchen countertops, proper installation is crucial to add years to the project results and maximize the elegance and functionality of this important kitchen feature.  To ensure success, hire a qualified kitchen contractor to do your countertops for you, saving you from all the stresses that the project entails.

Choosing Laminate Countertop Edge Treatments

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You’ve found the perfect countertop now all that’s left to do is choose the edge treatment. So what are your options for countertop edge treatments?

Wondering what the heck an edge treatment is? It is the front edge of the countertop that is available in several styles. A countertop top can be made to look much thicker just by laminating ” or ” thick material together on the front edge. This is a great option for many different edge profiles so check it out.

What edge treatments are available?

Drip Groove
This style keeps liquid from running off the front edge and down the counter. This is a great choice for a solid surface countertop or a built up edge. A groove that’s 1/8″ wide and 1/8″ deep gets cut into the under side of the top.

NO Drip Edge
This is a standard plastic laminate countertop has a slight bump on the front edge to prevent liquid from running off the edge. This same effect can be created by using a strip of material used to build the edge up. A ” deep rabbet that’s 2″ wide needs to be cut into the front top edge. Then you need to cut a second piece of material which is shaped and adhered to the rabbet.

Back Splash
The back splash prevents liquid from getting splashed up on the wall. There needs to be a water proof seal both at the top of the back splash and where the back splash and counter join. Use a silicone seal. Your back splash can be a variety of heights or thicknesses depending on what you want.

Back Seams
If your counter top is more than 12 feet in length you will need to have a seam. Bends will also require seams. Seams are impossible to hide so use a silicone that’s either clear or a complimentary color.

There are all kinds of edges on the market: Full Roundover, Bullnose, Flat Polish, Waterfall Edge, Self Edge, Accent Color Edge, Beveled Edge, T Edge, Triple Waterfall, or Round Edge. Your edging will run anywhere from $5 to $20 a linear foot.

Your edging will require little maintenance other than warm soapy water. There should be no reason to use abrasive cleansers. In fact avoid using if at all possible as they will cause scratching.

Laminate countertop edge treatments are plentiful but choosing one will be completed after you pick your countertop.

Chemical Composition of Granite

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Granite is the natural stone and it is formed on the basis of heat and fusion. Granite consists of different chemical component in the average proportion. Some of the chemical components present in granite are

    Silicon dioxide                    70.18%

    Aluminium oxide               14.47%

    Potassium oxide               4.11%

    Sodium oxide                      3.48%

    Calcium oxide                     1.99%

    Iron II oxide                      1.78%

    Iron III oxide                    1.57%

    Magnesium oxide              0.88%

    Water “molecule”             0.84%

    Titanium dioxide                0.39%

    Diphosphorus pentoxide 0.19%

    Manganese Oxide              0.12%

Caring for your Stone

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A natural stone is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful services. Granite, Quartz, Marble, Limestone and Travertine are natural products and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking beautiful. Here are some recommendations for routine care and cleaning.

How to Clean
Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations for the care of your natural stone.

Do’s and Don’ts
- Do dust/ mop floors frequently.
- Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap.
- Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.
- Do blot up spills immediately.
- Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats.
- Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine, granite, Quartz or onyx surfaces.
- Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
- Don’t use scouring powders or creams. These products contain abrasives than may scratch the stone.
- Don’t mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
- To remove soap scum in the bath use a non-acid soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about ½ cup of ammonia to a 1 gal. of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.
- Once a year it is recommended to use a stone sealer to prolong the finish of your stone. Stone cleansers are available in our showroom

Care of your granite

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Natural granite is one of the hardest known substances and provides lifelong beautiful and serviceable work benches. Please take note of the following information so that you may allay any fears or misunderstandings in relation to 100% natural stone.

Although some granites have very little or no “pitting”, most have medium to high degrees of “pitting” when viewed against the light. This is a natural characteristic of the stones and not a flaw, nor a case of the stone being second grade nor a defect in the polishing process. “Pitting” does not reflect on the strength of the stone nor on the possibility of flaking. Filling is not practical as the depth of the “pitting” is miniscule.

The location of the joins is governed by the lengths of the slabs at the time of cutting, the practicality of carrying the pieces on site, the location of appliances and in some cases the matching of the veining. Every effort is made to keep the joins to a minimum. Granite joins are always visible given the nature of the material.

Some granites vary in tonality from one end of the slab to the other and as such, panels fixed butting to each other in finished jobs may display a minor variation. This is normal when using natural stones or timbers.

Although your granite has been sealed for protection against stains and blemishes, to keep it looking pristine, take note of the following recommendations:

Clean your top after food preparation using a sponge with a little detergent and wipe dry. For stubborn residues, (e.g. hardened sugar, syrups etc.) use the scouring side of the sponge or steel wool. This will not scratch the granite nor affect the polish.

Do not allow fruit juices or oil spillages to remain on the surface of the granite for any significant period of time. (e.g. over 6 hours).

Whilst food may be diced on the granite surface without any risk of damage, do not use meat cleavers directly on the granite.

Avoid standing on your granite bench top when adjusting curtains or fitting light bulbs etc.

Food stains, although unlikely to occur, may be removed using a solution of bleach (e.g. white king) approximately 15% and water 85% and left overnight on the stain, followed by cleaning the next day. For more stubborn stains, this procedure may be repeated a number of times.

Hot casseroles, pans etc. taken out of the oven, should be placed on mats even though the granite resists heat and does not burn or brown. Heat dissipated from excessively hot casseroles can cause granite to expand at that point and hence create a crack.

Although not necessary, granite may be waxed every six months using any recommended stone wax.

Care & Maintenance of Stone Sinks

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Most stone will stain because it is porous. This allows fluids to enter and become embedded below the surface. The longer a stain remains, the deeper it penetrates and becomes more permanent; therefore, it is important to remove a stain as soon as it occurs. This applies to any stone used in the construction of your sink.

 

Granite is a very durable, resilient stone. For regular cleaning, use a soapy nylon brush in a circular motion and rinse thoroughly. Cleaning on a regular basis will help prevent the development of hard water deposits. If you develop persistent stains, try a non-abrasive cleaner such as dishwasher soap, a bleach solution, or Soft Scrub. Be sure to avoid strong alkalis such as ammonia and drain unblocking chemicals that involve filling the sink with water. If you encounter a rust stain, usually caused by iron particles from water, cookware, etc., use a cleaner containing oxalic acid. Do not use bleach directly on granite!

 

Marble has a shiny, elegant finish. Maintaining this look can be difficult due to the porosity of the stone. Sealing helps keep the stone from absorbing fluids, but acidic liquids, such as orange juice, lemons, soft drinks, various foods, and common household cleaners, will cause a dull etched spot. . For this reason, do not use acidic cleaners on your marble. Wet glasses containing slightly acidic liquids can cause hard water spots. To avoid water spots, rinse and dry your sink after each use. The only way to remove etching and water spots is by refinishing and re-polishing by a professional. For regular care, use a soft, liquid cleanser with bleach or a common household detergent.

 

Limestone is known for the seashells and fossils embedded into it. Some Limestone is “soft”, so you should be careful about scratching or nicking the surface when using sharp objects. Limestone should be periodically treated with a penetrating sealant to protect against staining, especially when working with acidic materials. Possible sealants include Safecoat MexeSeal, Seal & Go “S”, and Seal & Go “nhancer”.

 

Soapstone has a smooth, silky finish. It is extremely dense so it repels stains well. This stone is the least porous of the stones used in kitchen or bathroom sinks and vessels. To clean, use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild cleanser. Your soapstone sink should be treated monthly with mineral oil.

 

Build Magnificent Homes with Marble and Granite Products

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Natural stones can create magic in home construction. Whether used on exteriors or interiors, they provide attractive looks to homes. If you want a magnificent home then you can do it by using different marble and granite products in home construction. No matter you are building a new home, revamping an old home or purchased a condominium, you can provide magnificent looks to your home by using different marble, granite and other stone products strategically.

Popular marble products being used widely in home construction are as follows:

·         Marble and Granite Countertops

·         Marble Columns

·         Marble and Granite Tiles

·         Marble Fireplaces, and

·         Marble Water Jets

You cannot think of decorating your home without using any marble product. Be it your living room, bedrooms or bathrooms, use of marble is essential to get extremely attractive look. Marble flooring is on top of agenda for homeowners, as it provides beautiful and shiny look to homes as well as are easy to maintain. Nowadays marble tiles and slabs come in several patterns and texture suiting different needs of people. You can always find a perfect color or texture of marbles suiting your home’s desired color scheme.

No homeowner can think of a modern bathroom and modular kitchens without using marble tiles, granite sinks, and granite countertops as they provide stylish look to the bathrooms and kitchens of every home.

Marble, Granite or other stone products (natural or processed marble) are more durable than normal cement based products. Nowadays marble columns are being used widely in home construction due to their extra durable nature and extended support to the base of your homes. They also add extra charm in interior designing. Marble floors do not need any carpet to increase the beauty of inside ambience of your homes thus saving your money on buying carpets. It is easier for interior designer to decorate a home pre-finished with different marble products.

The beauty of homes made with marble or granite products lasts longer. They are less prone to damage and the maintenance costs of a marbles home is less than that or normal homes. However, you need to keep a close watch on every marble products used in your home to keep the beauty of your marbled home forever.