From our years of expeirence, we would like to share the answers to some common questions.

Marble and granite are popular natural surfaces for countertops, vanities, tile floors, showers and fireplaces. Slate, limestone, terra cotta, cement, terrazzo and other stones are popular as well. In many cases tables, walls and columns are also made of these and other natural stones. Keeping these surfaces clean, shiny (if polished) and unmarked does not have to be difficult, but the proper products and techniques must be used on a regularly scheduled basis to guarantee both the best appearance and a long life.

All natural stone surfaces are porous. Natural stone is an amalgam of individual crystals separated by small, often microscopic spaces. These spaces can collect all kinds of fluids and solids from their surroundings – your kitchen, bathroom, entryway, shower, fireplace, hallway and more. In some cases foreign substances like foods, cosmetics, cleaning products, dirt and even water can fill these pores, alter the stone’s appearance and become difficult to remove. In other cases, they can actually chemically combine with the crystals of the natural stone to cause irreversible staining, permanently changing the color or texture of the stone in the affected areas.

Stone counters, tile floors, walls and showers may become dull, pitted, streaked, ringed, etched and discolored if they are not properly maintained. While some of these problems can be professionally corrected, almost all could be avoided with proper annual maintenance and simple, everyday care.

Natural stone -- countertops, floor tiles or other surfaces, both polished and unpolished – is porous and needs protection. That protection comes from a “sealer” or “impregnator.” These chemical solutions are liquids that are spread over a natural stone surface and allowed to fill in the pores between the crystals of the stone. Granite surfaces should be sealed at installation and then annually thereafter. Marble, limestone and honed surfaces are more porous than polished granite and may be sealed even more often, depending upon usage and traffic. A good, strong seal can prevent foreign substances from infiltrating and chemically bonding with the stone by filling the very holes that the foreign substance would use to penetrate that stone.

Stone sealers/impregnators are liquids that fill the exposed holes or pores in a natural stone. They also seal the grout between tiles. But these liquids sink further into the stone over time leaving their solids deep in the stone while their liquid component evaporates. This leaves the pores exposed once again. Sealing needs to be repeated to compensate for the declining potency of a sealer over time.

Before stone can be sealed, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned with a neutral pH stone cleaning solution. A seal will trap dirt and other foreign substances in the stone if a good cleaning has not first been done.

After the surface has been properly cleaned and any stains or marks are removed using the appropriate solutions, methods or products, a sealer may be applied. The surface must be clean and dry before applying the sealer. The sealer is spread evenly over the surface of the stone and is allowed to penetrate or sink into the surface. In a few minutes the residue is carefully wiped from the stone. The process is repeated until the stone has absorbed the requisite amount of sealer. The sealer is then allowed to dry and care is taken to remove all of the excess. There are both water-based and solvent-based sealers. The surface tension of the stone often determines which type of sealer will be most effective. There are also sealers that can "enhance" the color of your stone by bringing highlights to the surface. These "color enhancers" are also sealers but are generally used only when a change in the appearance of the stone is desired.

The newly sealed surface can be further protected by a stone polish. Of course, this applies only to polished surfaces. Honed surfaces are deliberately "rough" looking and require not surface polish. This topical polish is much like car wax in that it is spread over the dry, sealed surface and allowed to dry to a waxy consistency. It is then buffed off leaving a shine in its wake. A proper stone polish actually protects the seal and sometimes helps enhance the color of the stone.

Cup rings and etchings in marble caused by clear cosmetics, soaps or any acidic substance or spray can be addressed with special polishing powders and solutions that may be mechanically applied.  Mildly abrasive solutions and pads that often remove the marks without dulling the stone’s finish are also available. Stains that have penetrated the stone can often be “drawn out” of the stone with a poultice – a specially designed paste that is used to pull the foreign substance out of the stone over an extended period of time.

Because grout is really just sand, it is even more porous than natural stone. Sealers must be applied to grout both at installation and periodically thereafter to avoid discoloration and degradation that will sometimes result in its complete breakdown. Grout can be replaced as needed but regular sealing limits the need to do so. Grout "colorants" can also be used to improve their appearance and protect them.

Grout and caulk around the base of the shower will become discolored and mildewed over time. Frequent sealing of the tiles around them will retard that process. The cleaning, removal and replacement of the grout and caulk may be needed as often as annually.