Care & Maintenance
The purchase of beautiful new countertops from Prestige Marble & Granite will surely be enjoyed in your home for many years to come. As a part of that beauty, it is important to understand the characteristics of the stone product you selected.
Granite
Granite is a natural product and therefore slight surface imperfections and color variations are to be expected and accepted as part of the stone’s unique character. These types of markings, as well as tiny cracks and fissures, are more inherent in some colors than others. Usually the more active the stone the more these markings will be noticed.
Care:
Installed granite tops from Prestige already have a coat of sealer applied. Since lighter-colored stones are generally more porous than darker ones, we recommend reapplication for those stones at least once a year; darker ones approximately every 2-3 years. Sealer (Silicone Impregnator – available at Prestige) creates a barrier resistant to surface absorption and keeps the top sleek for ease of cleaning. Everyday maintenance requires nothing more than a mild soap and water, such as your dish detergent. Dry with a clean soft cloth to avoid watermarks or streaking. Agents containing ammonia should be avoided as they tend to break down the applied sealer over time. Granite cleaners may also be used.
Marble
Since marble is also a natural product, it shares some common traits with granite, as well as possessing some very distinctive features generally requiring more care and maintenance. All Prestige tops are sealed upon install; however a second coat for marble is suggested afterwards by homeowner and a minimum of yearly reapply thereafter.
It is best to use only mild cleansers: avoiding abrasives, ammonia, or harsh cleaning agents. Clean spills promptly: particularly wine, juices, and vinegar. Coasters, trivets, and cutting boards are recommended.
Soapstone
Soapstone is quarried like Granite and Marble. It is a steatite stone, and its primary components are magnesite, dolomite, chlorite, and talc. It can range in age from 300 to 400 million years old depending on which part of the planet it is drawn from. As talc in soapstone is soft to the touch, it gives the smooth feeling of rubbing a piece of dry soap
Stain Resistance:
Soapstone is considered soft to the touch with the surface susceptible to staining or discoloring but it may be possible to remove through scrubbing or sanding. It should be advised that the use marks will show easily.
Sealers- Upon installation of soapstone countertops, it is recommended that they be sealed with mineral oil or stone sealer. The mineral oil and some light penetrating sealers will bring out a dark richness to the stone’s natural color and also work as a protective sealing layer to the surface of the stone.
Quartz
Although a manufactured item and generally more consistent than granite, slight color and pattern variation from slab to slab is still quite possible and is not considered a defect by the product’s producer. Sealer is not required on this product and daily cleaning procedures would include mild soap and water or nonabrasive, non-ammonia cleaners. The use of a hot pad or trivet is recommended.
