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Make Your Natural Stone Backsplash Stand the Test of Time

making natural stone backsplash last in NYC, NY

Natural stone backsplashes are often overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning and maintenance, unlike countertops that receive more attention. It’s easy to underestimate the dirt and grime that can accumulate on a backsplash over time, as it may not be as visibly apparent. However, neglecting this can gradually diminish its beauty and increase the likelihood of stain penetration.

Understanding the Cleaning Care Challenges in NYC

Natural stone backsplashes in kitchens and near sinks face several challenges. They are exposed to water, heat, oils, acidic substances, and daily wear and tear. Over time, if not properly maintained, they can become susceptible to staining, etching, and general deterioration. By understanding the importance of proper care and maintenance for your natural stone backsplash, you can maintain its timeless beauty and durability. Let’s explore the necessary steps to keep your backsplash looking its best and the advantages of seeking professional assistance for comprehensive care.

Proper Care and Cleaning

Regular Cleaning: Wipe down the backsplash daily with a soft, damp cloth or sponge to remove dust, dirt, and spills. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes that can scratch the stone’s surface.

Mild Soap Solution: For routine cleaning, mix a few drops of pH-neutral dish soap or stone-specific cleaner with warm water. Gently scrub the backsplash using a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse with clean water. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the stone.

Stain Removal: In case of stubborn stains, create a poultice by mixing a powdered stain remover or baking soda with water until a paste-like consistency is achieved. Apply the poultice to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to sit for 24 to 48 hours. Remove the poultice and rinse the area thoroughly with water. Repeat the process if necessary.

Sealing: Natural stone backsplashes should be sealed to protect against stains and moisture. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific stone type and apply a penetrating sealer every 1 to 3 years. Ensure the backsplash is clean and dry before applying the sealer.

Stone Professional Cleaning and Maintenance NYC

While regular care is essential, professional NYC stone cleaning and maintenance care services from Statewide Stone Care can offer additional benefits that go beyond what regular upkeep can achieve. Professionals with extensive experience and knowledge in handling natural stone backsplashes have a deep understanding of the unique properties and vulnerabilities of different types of stone. They possess the expertise to identify and address potential issues that may arise during the maintenance process. Their meticulous approach ensures that every aspect of your natural stone backsplash is properly cared for, from selecting the appropriate stone care products and techniques to conducting thorough inspections for any signs of damage or deterioration. Entrusting the task to skilled professionals provides peace of mind, knowing that your valuable investment is in capable hands and will receive the specialized care it requires for long-term preservation. Here’s why their services are worth considering:

Expertise and Knowledge: When it comes to caring for natural stone backsplashes, the expertise and knowledge of professionals are invaluable. They possess a deep understanding of different stone types, safe chemicals, their unique characteristics, and the most effective cleaning techniques. Their experience ensures that your backsplash receives the appropriate care it deserves.

Specialized Equipment: Professionals are equipped with specialized tools and equipment specifically designed for cleaning and maintaining natural stone. These tools allow them to efficiently and effectively address various challenges, such as deep-seated stains, grime buildup, and restoration needs. Their professional-grade equipment ensures optimal results without compromising the integrity of the stone.

Restoration and Repair Experience: In addition to cleaning, professionals can provide restoration and repair services for your natural stone backsplash. They have the skills to tackle cracks, chips, and grout issues, restoring the backsplash to its original beauty. Their experience in restoration ensures that any repairs are carried out with precision and care, preserving the overall aesthetics of the backsplash.

Tailored Guidance and Recommendations: Professionals can offer tailored guidance and recommendations based on the specific characteristics of your natural stone backsplash. They can advise you on the most suitable sealers, provide long-term maintenance tips, and offer valuable insights into caring for your particular stone type. Relying on their expertise ensures that your backsplash receives the appropriate care and attention it needs to maintain its longevity.

Caring for natural stone backsplashes in kitchens and near sinks requires regular maintenance and attention. By following proper maintenance routines, you can preserve the beauty and longevity of your backsplash. Additionally, consider professional cleaning and maintenance as a valuable option to address more challenging issues and enhance the overall appearance of your natural stone backsplash. With the right care, your natural stone backsplash will continue to be a captivating focal point in your kitchen or bathroom for years to come.

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Stone Countertop Care for Cooking Enthusiasts

NYC marble stone-countertop-care-for-cooking-enthusiasts

For cooking and baking enthusiasts, the kitchen is more than just a functional space—it’s where their creativity flourishes, and culinary masterpieces come to life. When it comes to creating the perfect cooking environment, natural stone countertops shine as a top choice. They bring beauty and elegance to your kitchen and offer numerous benefits that can elevate your cooking and baking experience. In this guide, we will focus on two essential aspects: heat and impact resistance. These surfaces provide a durable and reliable workspace that can withstand the demands of your busy kitchen. Beyond their practical advantages, they also enhance the style and aesthetic of your kitchen, adding a touch of sophistication. Prepare to explore the many benefits of these countertops in creating a stunning kitchen space!

Heat Resistance: Keeping Cool in the Kitchen

When it comes to heat resistance, natural stone countertops shine as the heroes of the kitchen! Boasting exceptional heat resistance, they are the perfect companion for all your culinary adventures. From sizzling pans to piping-hot dishes, they can handle the heat with ease. Certain types of natural stone, such as granite and quartz, are particularly renowned for their ability to withstand high temperatures without any damage or discoloration. Even though these surfaces can handle direct contact with high temperatures, like steaming pots or hot baking sheets, it is always recommended to use trivets or hot pads as a precautionary measure. These protective accessories will help safeguard your countertop from potential damage, discoloration, or thermal shock, ensuring its long-term durability and maintaining its pristine appearance.

Impact Resistance: Standing Strong Against Everyday Use

Cooking and baking demand a worktop that is both durable and reliable. That’s where natural stone truly shines! Designed to withstand the impacts and demands of a busy kitchen, these slabs won’t show signs of wear or damage. In particular, granite and quartz excel in their ability to resist impacts, making them excellent choices for those seeking long-lasting solutions. Renowned for their strength and durability,  they can handle the force of everyday cooking without worrying about scratches, cuts, or damage. With natural stone, you can confidently pursue your passion for cooking and baking, knowing that your surface will stand strong and support you throughout your kitchen endeavors.

Stylish Kitchen: Aesthetics and Beyond

In addition to their functional benefits, they offer a touch of style and sophistication to any kitchen. With a wide variety of patterns, colors, and textures available, they offer endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of marble, the bold and dramatic veining of granite, or the sleek and modern look of quartz, there is an option to suit every taste and kitchen style. By incorporating stone into your kitchen, you can create a focal point that enhances the overall ambiance and adds a touch of luxury. So, let your creativity flourish and explore the endless possibilities of incorporating stone slabs into your dream kitchen.

Practical Tips: Maintenance and Care

While natural stone countertops offer impressive heat and impact resistance, proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve their beauty and performance. Here are some helpful tips to ensure they remain in top condition:

  1. General Maintenance. Wiping down your countertops regularly with a soft cloth or sponge, warm water, and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone is key. This helps prevent the buildup of dirt and stains, keeping them looking their best.
  2. Cleaning Products. The use of appropriate cleaning products is important. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can potentially damage your countertops. Opt for gentle, non-abrasive cleaners that are specifically designed for these surfaces.
  3. Sealing. Professionally sealing your countertops is an important step in their maintenance. Sealing enhances stain resistance and helps prolong their lifespan. It’s recommended to consult with a natural stone cleaning professional to determine the appropriate sealing frequency for your specific type of slab.
  4. Cutting Boards. When it comes to handling sharp objects, it’s always wise to use cutting boards or mats as a protective barrier. This prevents potential scratches or damage to the surface of your countertops and helps maintain their pristine condition.
  5. Professional Care. Consider Statewide Stone Care professional cleaning services as an option for optimal care. These experts specialize in natural stone care and can provide deep cleaning, resealing, and restoration services as needed. They have the knowledge, expertise, equipment and products to handle your countertops with care, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.

By following these practical tips for maintenance and care, you can ensure that they remain in top-notch condition, and continue to be a reliable and long-lasting companion in your culinary pursuits.

Final Thoughts on Natural Stone Countertops

By considering these key points, natural stone countertops are not only beautiful additions to your kitchen but also offer impressive heat and impact resistance. They can handle the demands of your busy kitchen while maintaining their durability and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your cooking space.

Stone countertops for your stylish kitchen is a decision that brings numerous benefits. Not only do they offer practical advantages, but they also elevate the overall ambiance and look of your culinary space. With a wide range of patterns, colors, and textures available, you have the opportunity to personalize your surfaces to perfectly match your style and design preferences.

So, let your imagination run wild and envision your dream kitchen adorned with the timeless beauty of natural stone countertops. Enjoy the durability, heat resistance, and impact resistance they offer, and make a choice that will truly enhance the heart of your home.

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Are Marble Floors Difficult to Maintain?

As a flooring option, marble floors offer a beautiful and timeless addition to any space, whether it’s a home, office, building lobby, etc. Marble is a natural stone with veined patterns and colored marble variations that can give the space an elegant look for many years to come. But while marble is relatively easy to maintain day-to-day, it is also a porous material, which means that maintaining its beauty in the long term requires some occasional extra care. Let’s discuss marble maintenance in general, and what is required in order to keep your marble surface looking great for years down the road.

Tips for Maintaining Your Marble Floors

The key to keeping marble stone floors looking their best is to think of your marble maintenance strategy in terms of short-term, mid-term, and long-term maintenance. The following tips will cover each of these.

Clean on a Weekly or Daily Basis

For short-term maintenance, marble floors should be cleaned on a regular basis. For daily cleaning, you can simply use a soft, dry push mop to remove dirt and dust from the floor. This sounds simple enough, but it’s also very important because if dirt is left on the floor, it can be ground into the floor by people walking on it, causing microscopic scratches and dulling the finish. For weekly care (or at least every few days), use a soft mop and warm water to clean the floors. If you use any type of cleaner when mopping, make sure it’s a cleaning solution specifically designed for marble surfaces. Do NOT use ammonia, vinegar, or anything acidic or corrosive, as these can interact chemically with the stone and cause permanent damage. Establishing a regular cleaning regimen like this can keep your marble floors looking their best and also prevent dust and dirt from accumulating in the pores of the marble (or in the grout connecting marble tile floors).

Perform Routine Maintenance on the Stone

For mid-term marble maintenance, you should go beyond the basic cleaning and give your marble floors a thorough cleaning and inspection. This is to remove any dirt or residue that may have become embedded in the marble over time, as well as to look for signs of scratching, chipping, or cracking and make needed repairs before these become bigger problems. For this step, consider hiring a stone care professional to come in every few months and perform routine maintenance. For highly polished marble floors, you may want to schedule maintenance more frequently than for honed marble or matte finishes as polished finishes can show signs of wear more easily. (Statewide Stone Care can offer a variety of regular maintenance packages.)

Seal Stone Regularly

For long-term maintenance, marble floors should be treated periodically with a sealer to protect the marble from staining and etching. Sealing marble creates a protective barrier on the surface that keeps liquids and other substances from seeping into the stone, thus preventing discolorations and damage. For best results, have a professional do the sealing for you. For most marble floors, re-sealing can be done once every few years, but more frequent sealing may be required for outdoor surface or high-traffic areas. Your stone care professional can advise you on how often your floors should be re-sealed.

Work with a Marble Stone Care Professional

As you can see, marble maintenance is not a difficult task if given the right amount of attention. However, long-term marble care can also be tricky, so it’s best to work with an experienced marble stone care professional who knows how to properly maintain marble surfaces and can assess any damage that may have occurred over time. That way, you can rest assured that your marble floors will look beautiful for many years to come.

At Statewide Stone Care, our technicians are highly trained in all aspects of care and maintenance for stone and tile flooring, including all types of marble. We can work with you to establish a regular maintenance regimen that is just right for your needs. For a free estimate, contact us today.

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How Often Should You Seal Your Countertops?

how-often-seal-countertops-blog

Having natural stone countertops in your kitchen or bath can be a beautiful way to add value and luxury to your home. But stone surfaces are also porous, which means that moisture can seep into the stone, eventually causing staining and discoloration over time from everyday use. If that happens, the problem typically has to be fixed by refinishing the surface. Applying a sealant periodically can prevent this issue and extend the life of your stone. Stone sealers add a barrier of protection so moisture can’t seep into the stone underneath, thereby preventing staining. The question is: how often should you seal your countertops?

The answer is different for everyone because a number of factors are involved. Granite and marble sealing, for example, should happen at a different rate than limestone or travertine. Let’s take a closer look at these factors so that you can determine when it’s time to reseal your granite, marble, or other stone and tile counters for optimal protection.

Factors to Consider When Sealing Your Countertops

Let’s start by looking at the individual factors that can increase or decrease the rate of wear-and-tear on various natural stone surfaces.

Type of stone. The type of stone you have affects the frequency with which you need to seal it. Harder stones like granite and slate are denser and less porous than softer stones such as limestone and marble. Therefore, granite surfaces generally require sealing less often than their softer counterparts.

Color/shade of the stone. As a rule of thumb, lighter-colored stone surfaces tend to be more porous and require resealing more often–even among countertops of the same type of stone. Plan on resealing a lighter-colored granite countertop more frequently than a dark granite slab, for example.

Amount of use. How often you use your countertops can also affect how quickly sealant wears off. High-use areas such as kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, and bar tops may require more frequent sealing than surfaces used only occasionally.

Type of sealant. Some sealants are designed to last longer than others; however, they can be more expensive. If you’re using a lower-grade sealant, you may need to reapply it more often.

Frequency of cleaning. If you tend to leave spills and water droplets standing on the countertop, this can wear down the sealant more quickly. You can make the sealer last longer by cleaning spills as they happen and by cleaning your granite, marble or travertine countertops regularly with gentle dish soap and water, then drying the excess water quickly so it doesn’t stand on the surface.

Environment. Outdoor kitchens with stone countertops must be resealed more often than countertops indoors, for example, due to the wear-and-tear of the elements, the freeze-thaw cycles of wintertime, etc.

How to Tell When It’s Time to Reseal Your Stone Countertops (The Water Test)

Many home and business owners assume “more is better” when it comes to resealing, but that’s not always the case. Over-sealing with multiple layers can actually leave your stone surfaces with an unattractive “hazed” look that is difficult to remove.

The best way to tell when your countertops need to be resealed is the “water test.” Here’s how it works: simply pour a tablespoon of water onto your stone countertop and wait about 30 minutes. If the water beads up on the surface, you’re good–the sealant is still there and doing its job. If, however, the water is absorbed into the stone and darkens it, then you know it’s time to seal your stone.

How Often Each Type of Stone Countertop Should be Sealed

Remember, there’s no hard and fast rule for how often you should re-seal your stone countertops. All different factors need to be considered, including how much use the countertops get, whether the countertops are indoors or outdoors, etc. That said, the following are some general recommended ranges for how often to have a sealant reapplied. Plan on more frequent resealing for high-use or outdoor surfaces, and less frequent for low-use, indoor surfaces, and so on.

Marble

Marble is one of the most popular stone surfaces, but it’s also higher maintenance due to its porosity and light color. For regular use, plan to schedule marble resealing every 3-6 months.

Granite

Granite is one of the densest and least porous of the natural stones used for countertops. You can plan to seal your granite countertops about once every 1-2 years.

Slate

Like granite, slate is a dense and fairly non-porous stone. For best results plan on resealing every 1-2 years depending on usage.

Limestone

Limestone tends to be light, soft, and very porous, similar to marble. Plan on resealing at least once a year, or every six months with heavy use.

Travertine

Travertine countertops tend to be dense, durable, and low-maintenance. Resealing every 1-2 years usually works for these countertops.

Are Your Countertops Ready to Be Sealed?

Many stone sealing products are available for do-it-yourselfers, but for the best finish and an even, long-lasting seal, it’s best to have the sealant applied by a trained stone care professional. At Statewide Stone Care, our technicians are highly trained in sealing all types of natural stone, including granite and marble sealing, slate, limestone, and others. We can also do a free evaluation of your stone countertops to give more specific advice on how often you should schedule re-sealing based on the type of stone and the amount of use. For a free estimate, contact us today.

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Can Anti-Etch Prevent Etching and Staining of Your Countertops?

Why do we love marble, travertine, or other types of natural stone countertops in our homes and businesses? The simple answer is that we love the beauty and elegance these surfaces add to the space, plus their durability over time. But at the same time, these stone surfaces can be costly to restore if they are stained, etched, or damaged–so we tend to worry constantly about using them! MORE™ Anti-Etch™ is a product that’s supposed to eliminate this worry by preventing etching and staining of your countertops–but does it really work?

Depending on the type of counters you have, the answer is a clear YES. Let’s discuss this question further.

What is Anti-Etch?

MORE Anti-Etch is a product that, when applied to natural limestone-based surfaces, provides a crystal clear, ultra-thin protective barrier that prevents etching and staining from acidic substances like wine, tomato sauce, vinegar, etc. It also makes the surface more resistant to dirt and other wear-and-tear damage. Anti-Etch can be applied on marble, travertine, limestone, onyx, and even concrete, and it’s available for honed, polished, and leathered surfaces. It is an environmentally friendly compound (no VOCs), and it’s safe for all food-grade surfaces. Best of all, it’s long-lasting. Just one application and your counters are protected for up to 10 years!

What Is Etching?

Etching is a type of damage caused by acidic substances that seep into the stone surface and eat away at it. Limestone-based surfaces are particularly vulnerable to acids and bases because they react with the calcium carbonate in the stone, forever changing it. Etches leave behind microscopic “pits” in the surface, which create an uneven discoloration to the countertop that may look like staining, but is actually permanent damage. Once etching occurs, the only way to remove it is by refinishing or restoring the countertop–grinding down the stone to remove the damage and honing it back to the desired sheen.

What makes MORE Anti-Etch so powerful is that it follows the maxim, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By applying Anti-Etch, you stop etching before it ever starts.

How Anti-Etch Protects Your Countertops

MORE Anti-Etch is more than just a sealant. It forms an invisible barrier on the surface of your counters that prevents acids, bases, and other corrosive substances from coming into contact with the stone. This makes it impossible for etching to occur, even with repeated spills or everyday use. If the acid can’t touch the stone, it can’t react with it. The barrier is so strong that you can leave spills sitting indefinitely without fear or worry! (Not that you would.)

But this invisible barrier does even more to protect your counters than just protect from etching. It also provides protection on the microscopic level from dirt and grime, making the stone surface more resistant to scratching. It also makes your counters hygienically safer because Anti-Etch is completely non-porous–meaning bacteria and germs have nowhere to take hold!

How Long Does Anti-Etch Last?

MORE Anti-Etch is designed to last for up to 10 years with proper application and with normal use. That means that once your stone service professional has applied it to your counters, you can use your marble and other stone surfaces worry-free for up to a decade! And Anti-Etch is easy to reapply; all it takes is a light buffing and a fresh coat of the product, and your counters are set for the next 10 years.

Want to Protect Your Counters?

You installed your stone counters so that you could enjoy them for many years to come: why be afraid to use them? With MORE Anti-Etch, that worry becomes a thing of the past.

For best results, MORE Anti-Etch should only be applied by a trained stone restoration contractor. At Statewide Stone Care, our technicians are highly experienced in all aspects of stone and tile care, restoration, refinishing, and protection in New York and New Jersey–including proper application of MORE Anti-Etch. And if your stone surfaces have already sustained damage, we can perform a complete restoration and refinishing on them to make them as good as new, then apply MORE Anti-Etch to make sure they stay that way. For a free estimate, contact us today.