Lately, we’ve had a lot of clients getting ready to sell their homes, many looking to increase home value on a budget. One great, high-impact way to improve your interior look (and help maximize the profit on your home sale!) is to ensure your natural stone looks fresh, bright and clean.
Certain stone types, such as quartz countertops, need very little maintenance. Other stone types, such as granite or marble counters and vanities, require regular care and attention to prevent damage. Marble, for example, is very susceptible to etches and stains due to its porous nature.
Etches and stains are two different types of damage that are treated differently.
Etches are generally lighter than stains and sometimes feel different to the touch as it usually dulls the stone itself. The reason for that being etches are marks that occur after something acidic, such as a lime wedge or spilled glass of orange juice, comes in contact with the stone. The acid reacts with the stone and leaves a mark. Those marks can only be removed by a professional ( such as our team here at Zoltan Stoneworks) honing the stone down with a variety of diamond grit pads until all signs of damage have been removed.
Stains, on the other hand, happen when something thicker like grease or rust comes into contact with the stone and seep into its pores. Stains can normally be removed by applying a poultice to the damaged surface to draw out whatever had seeped into the stone. The poultice recipe can change depending on what caused the stain – for example, a degreaser can be added if you’re combating a grease stain – but stains can always be removed, and you can sometimes even do it yourself!
The following is a common and harmless poultice recipe that can be used to combat whatever stain is currently causing your natural stone to look less glamorous than usual and remember, if you’re nervous to do this yourself or if this recipe doesn’t produce the result you had hoped, we can help! Don’t hesitate to contact Zoltan Stoneworks for a free quote today and get your stone looking as wonderful as it did the day it was installed.
STONE POULTICE RECIPE:
1.Unscented baby powder or talcum powder
- Plastic cup
- Plastic wrap
- Razor blade
- Masking tape
- Plastic putty knife
- Stirrer stick
- Hydrogen peroxide-40% by volume.
- Gloves
HOW TO APPLY THE POULTICE:
- Pick a test area that has the most damage or staining to it.
- Combine the peroxide and the baby powder in the cup and mix until it is a paste with the consistency of peanut butter.
- Apply the paste to the stained area with the putty knife about 1/4? thick.
- Cover the area with plastic wrap.
- Tape down the edges using masking tape.
- Use the razor blade to cut one or two slits in the plastic so it can breathe.
- Allow the paste to stay on the counter for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours use the plastic putty knife to scrape off the now dried paste.
- Rinse the work area with water and dry with a paper towel.
- After the surface is completely dry, compare the test space to the rest of the counter and evaluate your progress.
- Repeat the process in sections of the counter until the desired result is achieved.
