Different Finishes for Natural Stone

Have you ever been in a situation when you look at your natural stone and wish it looked completely different, but perhaps you don't have the time or resources to completely change it? Wouldn't it be easier if you could just give your natural stone a different look altogether without having to tear it out and start over?

Or perhaps you are shopping for natural stone and you find the perfect slab, but it's not in the finish that you want. You ask yourself, is there something that can be done to change the surface from honed to polished or from polished to honed? And what about a leathered finish? It looks amazing but is expensive. Can it be achieved with any stone and anywhere?

What about all the other more custom finishes we find on tile? Bush-hammered, raked, flamed, split face. What do these all mean and where should you use them?

This article will explain the different finishes for natural stone, how they can be achieved and whether or not they might be right for your application. You will also discover what can or cannot be achieved onsite after installation.

POLISHED FINISH

Polished finish stone is often the most popular selection. It has a glamorous and elegant look and sparkles like jewelry. A polished finish stone will reflect everything around it like a mirror would.

Granite is most commonly found in a polished finish and is relatively easy to maintain since the finish will not change if properly cared for over the course of time.

Marble, limestone and travertine however are susceptible to etching, so of all the finishes available for these materials, a polished finish will be the least forgiving. This happens because marble, limestone and travertine are calcareous stones meaning that they contain calcium carbonate in them. When the calcium carbonate comes in contact with an acidic product, the the acid eats away at the calcium carbonate leaving the stone with what we call etch marks. The only way to remove etch marks is through professional stone restoration.

SATIN FINISH

Satin finish stone has a low to medium shine. If you look at the reflection of a window in the stone, the clarity of the window will be somewhat hazy. Marble, limestone, and travertine can all be found in a satin finish. A satin finish can be achieved easily after stone is installed.

HONED FINISH

When a stone is honed, that means there is no shine to it at all. This gives the stone a very natural look, and depending on the design of the space and the slab, it can even feel rustic. It will also be the most slip-resistant finish.

Marble, limestone, and travertine are the stones that are most commonly found in a honed finish. Because these stones are susceptible to etch marks as we described previously, honed finish is the most forgiving finish in these materials. This is because a honed finish is essentially one big etch across the surface of the entire material. As a result, when the material comes in contact with an acidic product, the etch mark blends in with the finish and is not as visible to the eye.

Honed granite is not as common, but it is a beautiful option. To achieve a honed finish, the pores of the granite must be opened during the refinishing process. This leaves honed granite more susceptible to staining than polished granite would be. However with regular cleaning and sealing, there should not be any issues. Granite can be honed onsite only by the most experienced technicians, and is a service that we provide at Cata Stone Care and Restoration.

LEATHERED FINISH

A leathered finish is a very unique finish for natural stone and is often one of the most expensive options. To achieve a leathered finish, the stone must be ground with special diamond impregnated brushes under extremely heavy weight. The final look is rustic and very interesting.

Most commonly, a leathered finish is done by the manufacture on the slab prior to installation. However, it can also be done on site after a slab is installed by an extremely skilled and experienced technician. The technicians at CATA Stone Care & Restoration are masters at achieving a leather finish on site after a slab has been installed.

CHANGING FINISHES FROM POLISHED TO SATIN TO HONED TO LEATHERED


If you are tired of looking at your polish countertops and wishing the awful etch marks would go away, you have nothing to be worried about! Changing the finish to a more forgiving satin or honed finish is relatively easy through stone restoration.
Or if you are ready to glam up your space, we can easily change your floors or countertops from a honed finish to a polished finish through stone restoration.

Perhaps you are ready to purchase the perfect slab, but it does not come in the finish you are looking for. We can change the finish onsite once the stone has been installed, and even clean and seal it to give it the proper protection.

Also, most stone restoration companies only change the finish of marble, limestone and travertine. This is because these are the softest stones and easiest to work with. However the experts at CATA Stone Care & Restoration take our techniques a step further and can change the finish of your granite countertops which are much harder from a honed finish to a polished finish or from a polish finish to a honed finish.

DECORATIVE FINISHES

Flamed Stone- This finish is only found on granite and is most commonly done by the manufacturer. It can only be achieved onsite by an experienced company and only if it is in a commercial, exterior environment. This is because a flamed finish is achieved by heating the granite under extreme temperatures, causing the composition of the stone to completely alter in color and texture. The final product is more rustic, faded, natural and muted.

Bush-Hammered Stone- This finish is achieved by striking the stone with a special pronged tool and with high impact to uniformly pit the stone surface. Often, the bush-hammered finish lightens the color of the stone. The overall aesthetic is more weathered, rustic and rough. This finish can be used anywhere, and is particularly helpful by being slip-resistant on the stone floor.

Raked Stone- This is a decorative finish typically only used for accent walls or where there is minimal exposure to moisture or mineral deposits. Raked stone can look very beautiful, particularly if the crystals of the stone have some sparkle in it. Like all stone, we recommend having this cleaned and sealed regularly, especially since the heavy texture can trap dirt and debris.

CONCLUSION

No matter what type of finish you are looking for, the skilled technicians at CATA Stone Care and Restoration can help you achieve it. We can help you determine what will be the best option for the outcome you are seeking.

Stone Restoration vs Cleaning and Sealing

In treating marble, limestone and travertine, there are two main types of services that can be provided. The first is cleaning and sealing which is simpler and less labor-intensive. The second type of service is stone restoration which is more thorough, labor-intensive, and will leave your surfaces looking brand new. Read on to learn more about which service is right for you.

WHO NEEDS STONE MAINTENANCE?

All natural stone needs to be maintained to ensure its longevity over time. It doesn't matter where the stone is installed, it still needs to be regularly cleaned and sealed or restored, every so often depending on its wear and tear.

In your home, your kitchen floors and countertops get a lot of use, as do your showers. Regular maintenance ensure that the surfaces look sparkling, are protected and are free of mold, mildew, and other potential problems.

For commercial spaces, it is important to create a good impression for your business. Keeping your walkways, courtyards, entry foyers, restaurants, and office spaces looking great is key to your success!

If you want your the guests in your hotel or restaurant to have an unforgettable experience, your spaces better be sparkling! We can restore your foyer, halls, dining rooms and guest bathrooms!

WHAT IS CLEANING AND SEALING?

Whether your stone or tile is new, or you have been enjoying it for years, we always recommend a clean and seal to ensure it will stay looking like new. Over time, unsealed material will lose luster, accumulate dirt and grime, absorb moisture or oils causing rust, staining, or other serious problems. Our process deep cleans your stone and tile removing soil from the pores, and our sealer penetrates deep to create a barrier that will extend the life of your stone for many more years.

We especially recommend this process on new stone and tile installations. This will ensure the stone is protected before anyone even starts to use the surfaces!

WHAT IS STONE RESTORATION?

Marble, limestone, and travertine are calcareous stones meaning that they contain calcium carbonate in them. When the calcium carbonate comes in contact with an acidic product, the the acid eats away at the calcium carbonate leaving the stone with what we call etch marks. These materials are also relatively soft and can scratch over time. Normal wear and tear on these natural stones can lose their luster due to superficial scratch marks and etches.

Dull spots, etching, and scratches are easily repairable with our diamond-infused tools. We can treat your stone to be as polished or as matte as you require. This is a contained, water-based process so there is no dust. We will leave your space spotless and looking better than on the day of installation!

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE REGULARLY FOR YOUR STONE?

There are so many good reasons to care for your stone regularly. Here is the feedback we have after years in the industry:

  • Protect your investment- Your investment has value and it wasn’t cheap! Make it last a lifetime!

  • Maintain cleanliness- Dirt, dust, mold, and mildew can grow in unprotected stone and grout. Don’t let these things compromise the health and cleanliness in your home.

  • Preserve aesthetic beauty- Natural stone is beautiful! Dirty, dingy and beat up stone is not! This is a no-brainer!

  • Ensure longevity- The law of entropy applies here! Stone and grout left uncared for WILL deteriorate.

  • Avoid costly future problems- The longer something is left to deteriorate, the more expensive the repair will be.

YOUR COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED…

WHAT ARE ETCH MARKS?

An etch mark on stone is when the surface of a stone is altered by a corrosive chemical like acid. This is mainly due to the calcium carbonate in the stone which is easily eaten away by the acid. Marble, travertine, and limestone are easily etched by common acids such as vinegar, wine, and lemon juice. Etch marks are removable with stone restoration.

WHAT ARE STAINS?

Stains in the stone can occur from prolonged exposure to oil, coffee, wine, and other substances left in contact with the stone for prolonged periods of time. They are removable through a multi-day extraction process. Stain removal can never be guaranteed because every stain and every natural stone are unique. However, the technicians at CATA Stone Care & Restoration always strive to do their best… and usually we have great success!

WHAT ARE SCRATCHES?

Scratches are superficial marks made by normal wear and tear of stone. Stone restoration removes superficial scratches by buffing them out using special diamond-impregnated tools.

Sometimes scratches can be very deep, in which case the technicians at CATA Stone Care & Restoration will assess how much of the scratch they can remove. Very deep scratches require extra grinding which may create new and bigger issues.

WHAT ARE STUN MARKS OR PRESSURE MARKS?

Stun marks appear as discoloration in natural stone created by sudden, sharp impact on the stone’s surface causing weak links in the crystalized rock to fracture. Since stun marks alter the structure of the crystals, they can be permanent. It is important to treat your stone with care, particularly when moving heavy objects over it. Stun marks usually cannot be removed with stone restoration since the actual crystals within the stone have been crushed.

CONCLUSION

Your natural stone and tile need to be cared for. Be sure to connect with CATA Stone Care & Restoration to understand when and what kind of maintenance is required. Don't wait to maintain your surfaces until they have major issues. ACT NOW!

How to Clean Your Surfaces

Everyone loves the look of natural stone, but no one wants to deal with the maintenance. Luckily, knowing a little bit about how to care for your surfaces will help you to extend the longevity of your surfaces.

Here are a few simple guides you can follow to ensure that your natural stone always looks as beautiful as the day you installed it.

DAILY, WEEKLY, BI-WEEKLY MAINTENANCE

Water is the enemy of natural stone. Having surfaces professionally sealed regularly will help wick away moisture from the stone. As a result, moisture will not easily pool or sit on the stone. It certainly will not be absorbed easily into the pores either.

Even if the surface is sealed, you must wipe kitchen and bathroom countertops after each use and do not allow water to sit or air dry whenever possible. If left to dry on their own, mineral deposits from water can break down the surface of natural stone causing pitting and degradation. This is a phenomenon most prominent in limestone and granite.

Dust mop floor surfaces daily to remove residues from dust as well as pet hair and dander. If you have no pets, your dust mopping can be less frequent. This will help prevent soiling from accumulating into the pores of the stone.

Textured surfaces must be vacuumed regularly to remove debris from the grout lines and lower parts of the stone that a dust mop may not reach. Travertine in particular is constructed like Swiss cheese. Since the pores are so large, dust can trap easily. Regular vacuuming helps keep travertine clean over time.

Spot clean areas that get frequent use with the appropriate neutral stone cleaner and remove residues completely with a towel.

When wet mopping is necessary, use a correctly diluted neutral stone cleaner. Be diligent to wipe it up before it dries using a large towel under your dust mop head. When mop water is allowed to dry on the surface, dirt and soiling is pulled by gravity into the tiny holes and grout, and builds up over time causing the need for more expensive cleaning or restoration services.

Use felt pads under all furniture to prevent scratching. Protect your floors from wheeled chairs to prevent scratches and compacting holes. Light and medium scratches can be buffed out with stone restoration services. Deep scratches are harder to remove because they require excessive grinding. If you have a deep scratch to remove, show the experienced technicians at CATA to help determine what the outcome might be.

Avoid dropping heavy objects onto your natural stone surfaces. This can cause stun marks which occur when a heavy force crushes the crystals in the stone. Unfortunately, there is no way to remove stun marks.

HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY STONE?

We recommend a pH neutral stone cleaner since it will not leave residue which can otherwise dull the surface. Avoid using any cleaners that could be acidic (such as those with a lemon scent) since they may damage your stone. Most importantly, a regular clean and seal by a stone restoration professional will keep your surfaces looking their very best.

EVERY SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS

Check your floor for holes and scratches and address the causes if necessary. Fix felt pads and prevent wheeled chairs from damaging the surface. The more damage that is caused, the more expensive the repair might be.

Check your surfaces periodically to ensure they are sealed so you have adequate protection. Many limestone surfaces are soft and can be very absorbent. If you notice dirt building up, call a professional to clean and seal before the surface suffers extensive damage.

Do you notice cracking near a sink or darkening of the stone? These could indicate moisture issues. The longer you wait to repair them, the more expensive and invasive the repair will become. Be sure to contact Cata as soon as you see issues like this.

When major spills, scratches, and other damage occurs, it will be time for stone restoration. Our restoration process removes blemishes and damages to make your stone look like new. We restore the stone to the desired finish and seal it to ensure it is protected.

CONCLUSION

Call CATA Stone Care and Restoration. We are here to help you get the most out of your investment long term by keeping your surfaces looking like new.

What NOT To Do To Your Surfaces

Marble Kitchen Countertops

Every homeowner wants the beautiful look of natural stone and tile in their home. However most homeowners don’t understand the maintenance required for these surfaces. Because there are so many differences between different types of stone and tile, care and maintenance can be tricky if you don’t know where to start or what to look for. What works for one surface does not necessarily work for the other. It is important to recognize what type of material you have in your home or place of business so that you can care for it appropriately. Here we will discover some of the main differences between the materials and general rules of thumb to when caring for marble, limestone, travertine, granite, quartzite, quartz, porcelain, flagstone, soapstone, and so on.

MARBLE, LIMESTONE, TRAVERTINE

Marble, limestone and travertine are all considered calcareous stones, meaning that they have calcium carbonate in them. When calcium carbonate comes in contact with any acidic products such as lemon juice, vinegar, wine, coffee, or even hard water from your tap, acid eats away at the calcium carbonate leaving behind a dull or rough area. This is called an etch mark and is only able to be removed with stone restoration.

Sometimes clients mistake etch marks for stains, however stains are completely different. Stains are absorbed into the pores of the stone and need to be cleaned up or drawn out of the stone completely using a special clay. Most stains we see come from oils, but some can come from hair dyes or other substances.

If you have marble, limestone, or travertine in your home, be sure that they are always sealed to protect them from excessive etching or staining. The sealer acts as a moisture-wicking barrier and keeps water and oils from being absorbed easily into the pores of the stone. As a result, the stone looks better for longer between professional stone restoration services.

Be sure to schedule routine stone restoration services to ensure your surfaces are always well cared for and always look excellent.

What NOT to do to your marble, limestone, travertine:

  • Do NOT use acidic cleaners on these surfaces because acid will cause damage

  • Do NOT skip sealing your surfaces

GRANITE AND QUARTZITE

Granite is composed of crystals and minerals making it extremely hard and dense. It is igneous which means it is a volcanic stone and made up of silica or silicates.

Granite has high abrasion resistance making it etch and scratch resistant. Since granite does not contain calcium, it does not react with acids the way marble, limestone, and travertine do. However, when not cared for, it can soak in stains over time.

Maintenance typically requires a basic polishing service. Removing scratches on granite by restoration is a very technical process and must only be done by trained professionals.

Granite crack repairs at the kitchen sink are common household issues. If you see one forming on your countertop, call CATA Stone Care & Restoration immediately. The longer you wait, the larger the crack will grow, and the more expensive will be the repair.

Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. Through a process of high heating and pressurization sandstone is transformed into quartzite, an extremely strong and durable natural stone. It is harder and more dense than granite making it extremely durable. Aesthetically, it looks like marble due to the similiarity in patterns and colors.

Because of its low porosity and excellent durability, it is one of the more forgiving stones—resisting staining, scratching, heat, and breakage. While it is more resistant to chemicals and scratches than marble, quartzite can in fact etch and stain with prolonged exposure. To minimize risk, have your quartzite surfaces cleaned and sealed.

Quartzite should not be confused with manufactured quartz materials.

What NOT to do to your granite or quartzite:

  • Do NOT leave these surfaces unsealed. Issues such as dullness, pitting, or etching (in quartzite) can occur over time.

  • Do NOT leave cracked granite un-repaired. This is an indication of moisture. The longer you leave it un-repaired, the worse and more expensive the repair will become.

QUARTZ AND PORCELAIN

Quartz and porcelain are both manufactured materials often meant to mimic the properties and look of natural stone. They come in various colors and designs and is usually an affordable option. They are also very durable and easy to clean. It does not require regular maintenance, restoration, or even cleaning and sealing.

When in prolonged contact with acid however, quartz can etch, and this is not easily remedied through professional restoration. We highly recommend reaching out to the manufacturer for a solution.

Quartz and porcelain do scratch and chip more easily than natural stone. Quartz is a through-body stone meaning that the color and design go all the way through the material. Porcelain only has an image printed on the surface. Repairing chips or scratches in either of them is a very technical process and must only be done by trained professionals. Smaller chips may not accept the filler or sometimes the filler may come out over time. We are also unable to grind them flat to blend in the repairs.

What NOT to do to your quartz and porcelain:

  • Do NOT chip these surfaces. Repairs are difficult.

  • Do NOT place hot pots or pans on surfaces. They can cause discoloration or cracks.

CONCLUSION

Scheduling routine maintenance, taking action when you see an issue in your stone, and using the right cleaning and sealing products will help to ensure the longevity of your stone surfaces. When you have questions, reach out to the professionals at CATA Stone Care and Restoration to take care of you!

Cleaning and Sealing Surfaces

Whether your stone or tile is new, or you have been enjoying it for years, we always recommend regularly cleaning and sealing it to ensure it will stay looking like new. Over time, unsealed material will lose luster, accumulate dirt and grime, absorb moisture or oils causing rust, staining, or other serious problems. Our process deep cleans your stone and tile removing soil from the pores, and our sealer penetrates deep to create a barrier that will extend the life of your stone for many more years.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE CLEANING AND SEALING MY SURFACES?

The frequency with which you should clean and seal a surface really depends on the wear and tear of that surface. Stone and tile located on the exterior is going to have more wear and tear than the kitchen countertops which will in turn have more wear and tear than bedroom floors. We recommend having your services professionally cleaned and sealed anywhere from every 2 to 5 years, depending on the type of sealer used and the wear and tear of the surface. It doesn't hurt to have the sealer applied more often if the surface needs it, but we don't recommend you wait longer than five years since the stone can get more damaged.

Our impregnating sealer, enhancer sealer, and acrylic sealer last anywhere from 2-5 years. The lacquer sealer lasts 3-5 years or even longer depending on how well it is kept.

It is important to be maintaining your services with the proper cleaning solutions in between professional services to ensure that both the sealer and the stone are protected. Using the correct cleaning solutions prolongs the lifespan of the sealer we put on them too.




CLEANING AND SEALING MARBLE, LIMESTONE OR TRAVERTINE

Marble, limestone and travertine should be professionally cleaned and sealed as soon as they are installed and prior to use. There is no sealer on the market that is stain-proof or etch-proof. However most sealers provide a moisture-wicking barrier. We often seal these surfaces with an impregnating sealer which helps to keep substances from being absorbed easily into the stone. It also helps buy you time to clean up spills before they set in and cause etch marks.

Marble, limestone and travertine etch easily due to a high composition of calcium carbonate. To keep marble from etching, avoid contact with acidic substances such as vinegar, lemon juice, wine, and even hard water. When etching inevitably occurs, remember most marble types are soft and easy to restore with professional restoration.

The impregnating sealer we use at CATA Stone Care and Restoration is specially formulated for us directly from the lab. We control the amount of active ingredient in the sealer. Therefore it is must more potent and effective than any other impregnating sealer you will find at a local hardware store, or even more potent than anything your installer might use.



RUST… ANOTHER REASON TO SEAL YOUR STONE!

Many popular species, such as Carrera or Calcutta, contain iron which is the recognizable grey veining we love. It is important to install these in areas where there is minimal water contact. Exposure of iron to water will cause red or orange rust, which is difficult and sometimes impossible to remove.

Sealing Carrera or Calcutta marble does help to wick away moisture from the stone. In this way, it helps to prevent water from coming in contact with the iron as much. If you have either of these materials in your home, we highly recommend regular maintenance to ensure they always stay looking nice. Once the rusting sets in, it is difficult or sometimes impossible to remove, prevent or slow down.


CLEANING AND SEALING TILE AND GROUT

Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone and clay tiles are common in interior and exterior applications. Over time, mold and dirt can easily accumulate in the grout and pores of the tiles presenting health and cleanliness issues. Regular professional cleaning and sealing prevents unhealthy buildup of bacteria and a sparkling fresh look.

It is imperative to maintain your grout regularly for sanitary reasons. Cracked or loose grout can be easily restored to appear like new. Our experts will match the original color for a seamless look. We are even able to dye your grout to new colors if desired.

All grout can be sealed, whether it is installed with natural stone, porcelain or ceramic tile. We typically use a penetrating sealant for our grout, rather than a surface sealant. This ensures the quality of your grout will last and cleaning efforts will be easier.




REMOVAL OF CALCIUM AND MINERAL DEPOSITS

Over time, stone or tile can accumulate dirt and grime called “haze”. Our high-pressure and high-temperature washing process effectively removes this unhealthy film. Mineral deposits are common, particularly around water features or where water tends to accumulate. We use a special formula to remove mineral deposit build up in showers, around faucets, fountains, pool areas, and even where the sprinklers overspray.

Mineral deposits are the build up where hard-water dries on surfaces. When deposit builds up, it deflects light away and dulls natural stone. It can also etch the stone by eating away at the calcium carbonate. This condition is often seen in showers or on exterior surfaces. In such a scenario, we may recommend stone restoration rather than cleaning and sealing. This is because stone restoration physically grinds off mineral deposits, as well as deep cleans the pores and polishes the stone. For more information on stone restoration, please read our other blog posts.




CONCLUSION

In order to maintain surfaces and grout that are clean, mold-free, bacteria-free, it is important to regularly have them cleaned and sealed. Cleaning and sealing is also important to maintain the longevity of your surfaces. Where moisture or other substances come in contact with stone, tile, or grout, they can cause damages that are not only unsightly, but also unhealthy, and often more costly in the long run. Reach out to Cata Stone Care and Restoration to ensure your surfaces are always cleaned and sealed properly!

Filled vs Unfilled Travertine

Unfilled, Tumbled Travertine Floors

Are you tired of your travertine looking dingy and dirty all the time? Isn't it impossible to keep all the holes looking clean no matter how much you vacuum or mop? Read on to learn more about how to resolve these issues with cleaning and sealing, stone restoration and filling travertine holes.


What is Travertine?

Travertine is a sedimentary rock found all over the world. Travertine is formed in and around natural hot springs as a result of massive, compacted deposits of calcium carbonate.

Because travertine is sedimentary, it is characterized by lots of layers of calcite streaks or spots, pit holes, iron spots, and grain formation changes. In other words, travertine is a lot like Swiss cheese. It has both large and small holes where dirt and debris can get easily trapped.

Travertine can come with the holes either filled or unfilled, resulting in two completely different aesthetics and maintenance requirements.

Etched and Unfilled Travertine Countertops

What about Etching and Scratches?

Travertine etches and scratches easily due to a high composition of calcium carbonate. When the calcium carbonate comes in contact with any sort of acidic products such as lemon juice, vinegar, wine, coffee, etc., the acid eats away at the surface leaving behind a dull spot. There is no way to remove these dull spots other than buffing them out during the stone restoration process.

CATA Stone Care & Restoration specializes in this type of stone maintenance. Our technicians are extremely experienced in working with travertine, along with all kinds of other stones such as marble, limestone, granite, etc.

We can create any type of finish such as honed (no shine), satin (low/medium shine), and polished (high shine). We can also change the finish of any stone, for example from a honed finish to a polished finish or from a polished finish to a honed finish.

Our stone restoration process removes all etches and scratches from the surface of the stone by buffing them out completely. In other words, restoring the travertine in your project will not only deep clean the pores, but also make it look like new again.


Filled vs. Unfilled Travertine

In filled travertine, the holes are filled in at the factory prior to arriving at the project. The tiles or slabs are either filled with a cement-based product or a resin-based product. It is very important to know what type of fill your travertine has if you ever plan on changing the finish of it.

Travertine that has been filled with a cement-based product is usually found to be in a honed finish. This travertine should remain honed because only the travertine itself can be polished. The cement-based fill cannot be polished. If you try to polish the surface, only the travertine will polish and the cement-based fills will remain matte. Not a good look!

Travertine that has been filled with a resin-based product is usually found in satin or polished finish tile or slab. This is because resin can be polished to the same sheen as the travertine during the restoration process. The resin typically used at the factories are unfortunately not high quality nor are they UV stable. If you choose to buy this product, we do not advise that any tile or slab filled with resin is used anywhere that receives direct sunlight, as the resin fills will yellow over time.


Maintaining Travertine

It is important to take good care of your floors, countertops and showers throughout their lifespan to avoid costly work over the course of time. To maintain travertine, we recommend regularly vacuuming your floor surfaces and countertops. Mopping and wiping surfaces with the appropriate cleansers daily or as required is recommended too.

In terms of professional maintenance, travertine needs a professional cleaning every 2 to 5 years, or more often as the client prefers. We highly recommend stone restoration every 2 to 5 years as well to ensure that any buildup of mineral deposits, soap scum, or soiling that has penetrated deep into the pores is lifted. You can alternate services between cleaning and sealing and stone restoration depending on what your surfaces need at the time.

Over time any pre-filled holes in travertine can open up and require filling again. At CATA, we use high quality resin specifically designed for stone application to fill these holes.


Filling Unfilled Travertine After Installation

What if you find that you hate maintaining your unfilled travertine floors? They seem to get gross and dirty overnight no matter how often you clean them. Is there a better way?

Yes! At CATA Stone Care & Restoration, we specialize in a unique process to fill unfilled travertine surfaces after they have been installed. We can do this for floors, countertops, and vertical surfaces such as showers or walls.

Depending on if the surfaces are honed, satin or polished, we will fill the travertine with either a cement based product (not able to be polished) or a resin-based product (able to be polished). We specifically overfill the surface with the filler to ensure that all the holes have been captured completely. We then grind the surface flat to ensure that everything is smoothed out perfectly. Lastly we refinish the floor according to whichever finish the client prefers. We do a final deep clean of the surfaces and seal them with the appropriate sealer to provide for long term protection.

Once this process is complete, the travertine looks completely smooth and transformed. Clients are in awe of the change that it makes in their spaces. Daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance for the client then becomes extremely easy, and the surfaces can go longer between professional services saving the client time and money.

Types of Stone Sealers

Sealer vs. No Sealer

When it comes to the care and maintenance of natural stone, regardless of the type of stone, all stone needs to be cleaned and sealed periodically to ensure longevity of the material. In this article we will explain the qualities and uses of some of the most common types of sealers we use.

What happens when stone is not sealed?

All sealers protect against staining and etching to a certain extent on natural and manmade stone. Some sealers are moisture-wicking, and others can also alter the aesthetic of the stone by enhancing the color or adding a shiny, “wet look”.

When natural stone is not sealed, its pores are exposed to the elements. If it is a calcareous stone like marble, limestone or travertine, it will etch and absorb stains easily and thus require refinishing. If it is a porous stone like granite and not sealed, it can form pitted areas where water accumulates. If it is an unsealed flagstone or slate, it can absorb heavy mineral deposits, particularly if installed on the exterior near a water source.

Worst of all is when grout is not sealed. This is because grout is highly porous and absorbs and traps all kinds of dirt. Grout can even grow mold and mildew in its pores. Regularly cleaning and sealing grout, even where there are ceramic tiles, will ensure clean floors, showers, countertops, pool copings, etc.

Impregnating or Penetrating Sealer

Impregnating sealer, also known as penetrating sealer, is a water-based sealer and therefore can be applied when the stone is still wet. It is our most commonly used sealer and is used both indoors and outdoors where it can hold up to harsh environments.

Penetrating sealer is moisture-wicking, therefore it prevents stains, dirt, and debris from being absorbed into the pores of the stone or grout. It lasts about 2-5 years, depending on the location of the stone (floors vs countertops), its use (heavy traffic vs low traffic), and its exposure to the elements (sun, wind, rain).

Penetrating sealer provides moderate protection against oil, grease, and water stains. It does not alter the look or feel of the surface whatsoever.

Acrylic Sealer

Acrylic sealer is also a water-based sealer. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and holds up to harsh environments. Acrylic sealer provides strong protection against oil, grease, and water stains.

Acrylic sealer will minimally enhance the color of the surface making it slightly darker than its natural state. It will also give it a high shine.

The application of this sealer is usually a two (2) day service, but can be done in one (1) day depending on if the weather allows for the material to be dry prior to application.

Acrylic Sealer

Enhancer Sealer

Enhancer sealer can be used indoors or outdoors. It is usually used to darken or enhance the appearance of a surface. Often it is used on Negra Marquina stone to keep it looking dark. It also provides a “wet look" with low shine.

Over time like any other sealer, enhancer sealer can fade, leaving the stone noticeably lighter in those areas. When this happens, the surface just needs to be cleaned and the sealer re-applied.

Enhancer Sealer vs. No Sealer

Enhancer Sealer vs. No Sealer

Lacquer Sealer

Lacquer sealer is lacquer-based sealer that is very robust. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and holds up to harsh environments.

Lacquer sealer provides strong protection against oil, grease, and water stains. This sealer will strongly enhance the color of the surface and provide a “wet look" with high shine. The best way to predict how lacquer sealer will look on your surface is to get the surface very wet (with a garden hose for example).

The application of this sealer is usually a two (2) day service, but could be longer depending on the amount of surface that needs to be covered. The first day is for cleaning the surfaces. The surfaces must be allowed to dry completely before the lacquer sealer is applied so we prefer to wait a day or two before application.

Lacquer Sealer

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a special type of oil specifically used on soapstone surfaces which are very porous. It is not like other sealers. The soapstone absorbs the oil which enhances the color of the soapstone, making it dark and uniform. Without mineral oil, soapstone appears a light to medium grey color. With mineral oil, it appears to be more like a charcoal color.

Mineral oil does not add shine to the surface of soapstone. It does provide some protection, and will fade over time. Homeowners who like the look of the mineral oil will find that it needs to be reapplied every 1-3 years to keep the surface looking consistent.

DIY or Call a Professional?

The sealers we just discussed are available to the consumer to purchase at local hardware stores. However, the quality of the sealers sold there are not as high as what our experienced technicians at CATA Stone Care & Restoration use.

CATA uses the highest quality cleaners and sealers to get the job done. Our impregnating sealer is even specially formulated for us direct from the laboratory. We are able to control the amount of active ingredient in the product, making ours more potent than any other on the market.

While applying sealer may seem like a no-brainer, each sealer has special cleaning instructions beforehand, and a special application method that needs to be followed. For best results, we do not recommend that you do it yourself, but rather call CATA to take care of sealing your surfaces for you.

Caring for Granite Countertops

Granite Crack

Composition of Granite

Granite is a wonderfully resilient material and a favorite to use for countertops. It is composed of crystals and minerals that make it extremely hard and dense. It is igneous which means it is a volcanic stone and made up of silica or silicates.

Pros About Granite

Granite is a desirable material because it has a high abrasion resistance and therefore is highly scratch resistant. Since granite does not contain calcium, it does not react with acids the way marble, limestone, and travertine do. You won’t find etch marks on granite countertops the way you would on calcareous stones. Homeowners love the low maintenance!

Porous Granite

However, granite is a porous material and when not cared for, it can absorb stains over time. Mostly, clients will find oil stains around or near the cooktop, along the seams at the countertop, and often around the sink. Coffee, wine, food particles, oils, acids, and virtually anything else can be absorbed into the pores of the granite countertop and sit there unbeknownst for years!

When this happens, the experienced technicians at CATA Stone Care & Restoration apply a special clay treatment to draw the oils up and out of the stone. This is a multi-step and multi-day process because the clay needs time to absorb the oils. Sometimes the clay treatment needs to be applied to the entire surface to ensure everything is evenly lifted. Otherwise some areas may look lighter than others. Once the stains are removed, the stone is cleaned, polished then sealed to prevent stains from being absorbed as easily in the future.

Pitting Repair

Where soap scum or mineral deposits have built up on granite that has not been cared for, those elements will be absorbed into the stone. If the granite comes into prolonged contact with moisture and if it has not been sealed, the water can eat away at the granite causing what is called “pitting”.

Pitting looks like little holes or rough areas in the granite. The experienced technicians at CATA Stone Care & Restoration will fill the pits with a special two-part epoxy specifically made for natural stone and color matched as best as possible. They will then polish the countertops flat to ensure a smooth and even finish.

Pitted Granite

Granite Countertop Maintenance

Regular maintenance on granite countertops will help keep surfaces looking great for years to come. Not to mention, they will keep the surfaces sanitary and free from anything that could be absorbed into the pores.

We recommend having granite countertops cleaned, polished and sealed every 2 to 5 years depending on how often the countertops are used. Our penetrating sealer is a very high quality sealer that helps to wake away moisture from the surface of the granite countertop. As a result, moisture and other common spills do not get absorbed as easily into the granite countertop, thus extending the life of your surfaces.

If your granite is scratched, then it needs stone restoration. Because granite is extremely hard and dense as we discussed earlier, it does not polish nearly as easily as a calcareous stone like marble, limestone or travertine. Granite stone restoration is a very technical process and must only be done by highly trained professionals.

Chipped granite corners can be filled with a special two-part epoxy and color-matched to the stone

Granite Crack Repairs

Granite crack repairs, particularly around the kitchen sink, are common household issues. Granite cracks are caused by a corroded metal rod that is located underneath the kitchen countertop. This rod is installed at the fabrication shop when the hole for the sink is cut by the fabricator. Its purpose is to ensure that the countertop is able to be transported safely from the fabrication shop to the project site.

If there is a granite crack repair, that means the caulking around the perimeter of the sink or at the backsplash has deteriorated, allowing water to seep behind the countertop and onto the rod. The rod then rusts, expands, and pushes the stone up causing it to crack.

A granite crack can only be repaired by an experienced technician. One way to repair the countertop is by using the injection method. For this repair, a special two part epoxy is injected into the crack to coat the corroded rod and slow down the oxidization process.

The second way, and the most fail-safe way to repair a granite crack, is using the extraction method. During this repair, the technician either cuts or breaks apart the stone to expose the rust and rod. He then cuts the rod out from underneath the countertop completely, thus removing the source of the cracking. He then pieces the stone back together using clamps and a special two-part epoxy made for stone. He color matches the stone as best as possible, grinds it flat, cleans and seals it. As long as the caulking around the perimeter of the sink and at the backsplash remains intact, the granite will not crack further.

To learn more, click here to read our blog post about Granite Crack Repairs.

Conclusion

It is important to maintain your granite countertops every so often with a clean, polish and seal service. Repairs due to staining, pitting, deteriorating caulking, or worse— cracking can become very expensive. However they won't be necessary if the countertops are regularly maintained by a trained service professional from CATA Stone Care & Restoration.

Granite Crack Repair

Cracks in granite countertops are a common occurrence, particularly in countertops more than 10 years old. The crack starts out very small and grows over time. Sometimes cracking can extend to be more than 3 feet long! Granite, or rather any type of stone, can crack wherever the natural stone has been compromised from underneath. Let's take a deeper dive into why.

Where does granite usually crack and why?

Granite crack repairs are most commonly found either in front of or behind the kitchen sink. This is because there is a piece of rebar supporting the countertop underneath in those areas. When a countertop is fabricated, it is usually fabricated offsite. The hole for the sink is cut in the fabrication shop. In order to safely transport the cut piece of granite, the fabricator installs a piece of supportive rebar in the narrow areas on either side of the cut at the sink. Upon installation, this rebar is not removed, even though it serves no further purpose.

When the caulking around the sink or the backsplash of the granite countertop deteriorates, water seeps in behind the stone. Where water goes, trouble follows. Water then corrodes the exposed rebar, and the rod rusts. As the rod rusts, it expands; and as it expands, it pushes upwards and cracks the stone. Over time, as the oxidization of the rod continues, the rod becomes more rusted and blistered thus pushing more of the stone to crack. In this way, the crack starts out small and grows for as long as the rod stretches underneath the countertop.

So my granite is cracked, now what?

If your granite is cracked, it means that the caulking around your sink and backsplash has been severely deteriorated for quite some time. The longer you let it go, the bigger the crack and the more expensive the granite crack repair will be.

Clients often think that there is no way to repair such a scenario. However there are several options to performing granite crack repairs.

Of course many clients jump to the solution of demolishing the countertop and installing a new one. This is the most expensive and time consuming option. Costs include demo, time spent looking for a new slab, the cost of the new slab, the cost of the install, and the cost of the repair to the cabinets, backsplash, paint, floors and anything else that might need touchups after the work is done. Not to mention, once the countertops are removed, clients often want to change floors and cabinets too. One thing leads to another and before you know it a cracked granite countertop cost you a whole kitchen remodel!

The better option is to have the experienced technicians at CATA Stone Care & Restoration do your granite crack repair. No, it is not inexpensive, but it definitely beats demolishing the whole kitchen!

Injection Method

The least invasive option to repairing a granite crack is the injection method. With this granite crack repair, the technician injects a special two-part flowing epoxy into the crack to coat the corroded rod as much as possible. This technique prevents the road from oxidizing further. The technician then fills the crack with more epoxy and color matches it to the stone as best as possible. He then grinds the granite flat and polishes the area so that the shine of the epoxy matches the shine of the granite countertop.

He then removes and replaces the caulking around the perimeter of the sink to ensure that no moisture enters behind the stone. If necessary, he will also remove and replace the caulking at the backsplash.

This technique can be used on granite that has cracked in front of the sink, but it is more commonly used when granite is cracked behind the sink near the backsplash. Since it is the less invasive option, it is preferably used when working near the backsplash so that the backsplash does not become dislodged.

Clients find that this granite crack repair works well. However because the source of the cracking has not been removed, there is no guarantee that further cracking will not occur sometime in the future. For a more fail safe option, we recommend the extraction method.

Extraction Method

The extraction method is the best way to guarantee that your granite will not crack after it is repaired. With this method, the source of the cracking is completely removed. Very few stone care technicians know this technique and even fewer have mastered it.

The technician either cuts or breaks apart the granite countertop at the cracked area. He then proceeds to cut the corroded rod out from underneath the countertop completely. Once the rod is removed, the granite pieces are glued back together using a special two-part epoxy specifically made for stone. The technician color-matches to the existing stone as best as possible. Using clamps and other tools, the pieces are glued back into place. The technician then grinds the granite flat and to the desired finish.

Lastly, he removes and replaces the caulking around the perimeter of the sink to ensure that no moisture enters behind the stone. And again if necessary, he will also remove and replace the caulking at the backsplash.

Since the source of the granite crack has been completely removed using this technique, CATA Stone Care & Restoration warrantees the granite crack repair for one year, provided that the caulking around the sink and the backsplash remains intact.

This technique can be used with either granite that has cracked in front of the sink or behind the sink.

Conclusion

Now that you know why granite countertops can crack, you can keep an eye out for any that might be forming in your kitchen. Look for caulking that has deteriorated around your sink or backsplash, and look for any cracks (even hairline cracks) that may have formed.

Granite cracks may not be limited to kitchen countertops but you may also find them in bathrooms or showers— Really any place in which there might be a corroded ride or a piece of metal underneath.

Call the technicians at CATA Stone Care & Restoration to take the best care of your countertops, perform your granite crack repairs and ensure that your surfaces will last you for years to come.