The Importance of Maintenance
Natural stone surfaces require maintenance. The more effort invested in looking after stone, the better it will look and the longer it will last. This involves considering resealing and re-honing, but most importantly, regular cleaning with the right materials.
Understanding Patina vs Perfection
Maintenance depends on the specific stone and the client’s expectations. Some prefer the stone to look exactly as it did on the day it was installed, while others welcome the development of a patina over time. Patina, resulting from use, marks, and changes, reflects the life of the space and can be a beautiful aspect of a well-used surface.
Sealing: Your First Line of Defence
Sealing is a crucial part of natural stone care. It doesn’t make the stone impervious to all damage, but it significantly makes the material easier to look after and maintain, helping to limit common issues like acid etching and oils. There are different types of sealers:
• Penetrating sealer: Recommended for general domestic use, maintains the stone’s natural colour, tone, and texture.
• Surface sealer: A lacquer-like finish, often on dense stones like slate, changes the stone’s appearance.
• Topical sealer: Typically used commercially, a specific mixture often needed for properties like slip rating.
Sealant can be applied by the client or a professional applicator, depending on the area size and complexity. Reading instructions and potentially viewing samples with sealer applied can help understand performance and application.
The Golden Rule of Cleaning
Most supermarket cleaning products contain caustic or acidic bases. Both can deplete the effectiveness of stone sealing and should be avoided. These substances can attack the stone’s surface, removing the hone or polish and leaving marks. The best way to clean natural stone is with water and a microfiber cloth. A pH neutral cleaner is also a very suitable and safe option.
Dealing with Spills and Marks
Leaving contaminants on stone surfaces for extended periods will damage the product. The critical thing when spills or marks occur is to clean them up as quickly as humanly possible. However, there are many ways to repair natural stone. Local marks can sometimes be addressed by the client, while more significant issues like acid burns or deep scratches might require physical abrasion or honing, often done by a stone mason. Some stains can even dissipate over time through capillary forces. Regular use and movement across the surface can contribute to re-honing the stone’s surface through natural oils and abrasion.
Considering Durability and Porosity
Natural stone is generally dense and durable but relatively brittle. Chipping and cracks can occur if the stone is not used or designed properly, such as considering edge profiles to limit damage. All natural stone is porous to some extent. Care must be taken during installation to consider moisture content and glues, ensuring moisture can escape to prevent issues like picture framing (marks appearing at tile edges). If damage or marks occur, contacting a knowledgeable source or a professional sealer and cleaner can help achieve the best possible result.