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1. Q: How can I best care for stone
surfaces?
A: Sand/dirt/grit does the most damage to natural stone
surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Therefore extensive
entrance matting is extremely important to keep grit from
coming onto the stone surface. Homes have the advantage of
low traffic and the ability to leave shoes at the door. The
stone surface should be dust mopped/vacuumed regularly, as
removing grit from the floor will keep scratching to a
minimum. Prompt spot cleaning of (organic and acid based)
spills will minimize or eliminate stains and etches. When
mopping no longer removes surface dirt from the stone, light
damp mopping will be required with clean water, clean mop,
and a moderate amount of a neutral PH cleaning agent.
2. Q: Why is a natural polish better for your floor
rather than coating it?
A: Since there are currently no coatings available for stone
that are harder than the stone itself, coatings will scuff
and mark much more readily than stone itself. Coatings are
soft and will attract dirt faster than a natural polish.
Removing the dust and debris from the coated surface is much
more difficult than from natural polished surface. The
coating seals the stone not allowing it to breath, which can
cause the stone to spall. Coatings also will build up on the
surface producing a plastic-like appearance that is subject
to yellowing from entrapped dirt and ultraviolet rays. The
removal of coatings by harsh strippers can also damage the
stone.
3. Q: Many stone contractors talk about sealers. What
actually is the “sealing”?
A: Sealers in the stone industry are called impregnators
because they impregnate the interior of the stone with
finely engineered silicones and resins that go through the
pores of the surface. Stone sealers do to stone what
exterior wood sealer do to wood. They protect the interior
of the material.
4. Q: Do stone impregnators really protect the stone
surface?
A: Technically to a limited extent. Impregnators will not
prevent traffic patterns or scratches, nor will they prevent
etching from acidic spills. An impregnator will keep acid
and other damaging liquids out of the stone but not off of
the surface.
5. Q: If impregnators will not prevent wear, scratches
and etching, should my stone still be sealed? Would my
installer have done it already?
A: All stones need to be sealed with a penetrating sealer.
Most contaminants that damage your stone are water or oil
soluble. Premium silicone impregnators that reject both oil
and water should be used. The premium impregnators allow you
more time to blot up spills before they penetrate your
stone’s surface. Never assume that your contractor or
installer has sealed your stone. Always ask if it has been
sealed and with what type of sealer.
8. Q: How do I differentiate between the highest priced
and lowest priced contractors?
A: Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. If one
contractor is going to polish and the other is going to
grind and polish, the difference in price and results will
be considerable. A competent contractor will be glad to
answer questions about the process. If you are still unclear
ask the contractors to justify their price. Establish a
sense of trust and ability for the contractor through
conversation and a sample in a representative location. Even
the best contractors can make mistakes. The difference
between a good and bad contractor is the willingness to
correct mistakes.
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