Granite's Many Fine Properties.

Considering granite for a countertop and wondering if the work associated with granite fabrication is worth it? Granite should be a top choice for an addition to your home and it's a great investment in terms of both time and money... well worth the task and expense of fabricating it. Here's why... probably first and foremost, granite simply looks great. Granite comes in many incredible natural colors, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural stones in the world.
Durability: Granite will in all likelihood outlast you and certainly the lifetime of your home. It's highly-resistant to chipping and scratching, and is impervious to heat. Your granite's original, "day installed" beauty in terms of its color and polished surface will not fade over time.
Economics: With the new industry technologies available to those who quarry granite and fabricate it, the cost of granite has dropped substantially in the last few decades. Granite and natural stone prices are now competitive or actually lower than many man-made options, and granite lasts longer than any of these other surfaces.
Ecology: Although mining and quarrying can potentially be destructive to the environment if it's not handled responsibly, other countertop and flooring products can be far worse ecologically in several ways. Many of these synthetic products create potentially deadly and hazardous by-products which go straight to our neighboring landfills. It's highly unlikely granite would need to be replaced as often or as casually as some man-made countertop substrates are, but even if replacement was chosen, granite is an all-natural material that would actually end up being returned to the environment from which it came. Choosing granite is one way of "going green".

A Good Granite Sealer

It's generally regarded as the best all-around sealer for all natural stones. It can be used on granites, marbles, flagstones, brick pavers... even concrete. It will protect against oils and water penetrating your granite countertop. It's even a good sealer for porous stones. Protex by Tenax USA is great for indoor or outdoor use, and will stain-proof and water-proof your stone.

Protex also works very well for the treatment of smoothed stones like sandstone, flagstone, limestone, travertine and similar stones. Protex can also be recommended for use on sandy, amorphous material mixed with the presence of silicate and calcium carbonate. It works well on smooth, sandblasted or flamed surfaces.

After the application, a light, color-enhancement may be seen depending on the stone and where the product is applied. Protex does not create a superficial film.

* Good resistance to outside conditions.
* 1/4-liter covers 25-40 square feet
* Fluropolymer-resin based

How to apply Protex:
Clean the stone's surface of dust, grease and any kind of dirt. The presence of any substance on the surface can influence the final effect of the anti-stain process. Apply Protex to the stone's surface by using a brush, sponge or a clean cloth. Let the stone absorb the Protex. Wait a few minutes, and then wipe off the excess. Repeat this treatment at least 2 times. The effect of anti-stain will be achieved after 24 hours.

Granite Fabrication FAQs

When it comes to granite fabrication, whether you're a first-time do-it-yourselfer, a rookie pro just setting up shop, or a seasoned granite veteran, it's inevitable that you're going to encounter an issue, a challenge or a situation that's new to you, or that pop-ups unexpectedly right "out of the blue". Sometimes the answer is simple... really simple, but as the saying goes the toughest questions are the ones you don't have answers to... so it can come down to simply finding the answer to a question that's been asked a thousand times. Granite fabrication is amply covered by a myriad of websites that all offer useful information and advice. But, where do you go when you need a fast answer to a question or issue that's unique to your project and experience level? Try GraniteHelp.info. It's a forum or message board dedicated to the "ins and outs" of working with granite and other natural stones. It covers the "how-to's" of virtually every facet of working with granite... selecting it, buying it, fabricating it, its tools and the special challenges that can be a part of working with granite. It can also be a source for tips and advice on how to care and maintain granite or stone after it's been installed, or how to repair a countertop when it's been stained, cracked or chipped. At GraniteHelp.info, you can start and continue a dialog with granite and stone experts who really know their stuff. So, now you know where you can get all the answers to all your questions about granite and stone fabrication online.

Removing Tough Stains On Granite.

Here are some methods for removing stains on granite and other natural stones, basing the method on the type of stain.
General Stains
Mix a cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with water to make a thick paste. Put it on the stain, cover the area with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight. Next day, scrape away the mixture with a wooden utensil, plastic or rubber spatula and rinse. If the stain is oil-based... such as grease or cooking oil... use hydrogen peroxide in the paste instead of dishwashing liquid.
Organic Stains
Stains that might develop from coffee, tea or fruit juices... try a mixture of 12-percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia. Work over the stain, then rinse and dry. Repeat if necessary.
Ink, Marker or Wine Stains
Use a lacquer thinner or acetone to remove ink or marker stains from darker stone or granite. On light-colored granite, use hydrogen peroxide for these stains. This can also work for wine stains. Wipe off and remove. Clean with a mild vegetable soap. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry. Repeat if necessary.
Alternative Methods
Mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil stain. Leave on for no more than 30 minutes, then remove and rinse.

You can avoid most of the above stains by simply cleaning up spills and accidents right away... don't let any of the above set or stand on your granite countertop. Additionally, here are some other tips and things not to do or use on your granite or other natural stones...

Do use professionally-developed cleaning products for stone and granite such as Tenax Stone Coutertop Cleaner. Otherwise...
1. Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that can etch or dull the granite or stone surface.
2. Do not place hot items directly on the granite or stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that could scratch the surface... granite and most other natural stones are very hard and durable, but why take chances?
3. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on granite, marble or limestone. Strong detergents or corrosive liquids can dull the polished surface of marble or granite and should not be used.
4. Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers, scouring powders, or 'soft' cleansers.
5. Do not mix cleaning products such as ammonia and bleach together - the result is toxic.

Tenax Countertop Cleaner For Stone.

This is an excellent daily care product for natural stone. It's a new product that's getting good reviews... Tenax's Countertop Cleaner For Stone. This new cleaner is a Ph balanced stone cleaner and rejuvenating spray that has no harmful solvents, and will not shorten the life of a stone sealant. It's very easy to use. All you have to do is spray it on, and wait 15-20 seconds then simply wipe it off. It will not only clean your granite and marble but it will rejuvenate the shine as well.

The most popular size is the 32-ounce bottle with a squeeze spray nozzle... very similar to Windex or other household cleaners. The big difference is that while those products will actually harm your stone... this product will not only NOT harm the stone, but it will help keep it looking like as it did on the day it was installed!

DIY Power with Bosch Tools.

As craftsmen or do-it-yourselfers, in order to achieve great results, the proper tools must be used. Of course, successfully fabricating and installing a granite countertop requires more than manpower and the use of hands. It calls for power tools to do the job. And by definition, power tools are motor driven.

Bosch power tools are state-of-the-art, true representations of all that a fine power tool should be. Not only are they tool manufacturers, but Bosch is also a leader in an industry that constantly invents and reinvents existing technologies and systems improving their product line. They were the creators of some of the earliest electric motors of hand power tools. They have a multitude of patents, like Brute-Tough hybrid drills and drivers to the well-known Constant-Response Circuitry idea for their line of electronic plunge routers that work to prevent machine overload. Bosch lays claim to building the world's most durable power hammers, like the Bosch 11247 Spline Combination Hammer, and has several patents for this machine under its work belt to prove it.

Just a few years ago, they came up with lithium-ion technology... which replaced nickel- metal hydride as the longest-lasting source of energy for rechargeable batteries... for all of their cordless power tools.

So, whether you're a DIY beginner, who wants to start out with some basic Bosch power tools like table saws, hand drills, routers, and band saws, or a serious enthusiast with a knack for fine craftsmanship, Bosch is the answer. Their outstanding reputation is a benchmark because of their quality, heavy-duty power tools, their illustrious pioneering history, and their consistent drive in branching out and developing patents and ways to improve upon current technologies.

Five Step Granite Countertop Care.

1. Wipe up any spills as soon as possible. If left unattended, the spills can etch the polish and dull the finish of the stone. Beverages such as carbonated soft drinks and orange or grapefruit juice may contain acidic materials that when placed in contact with calcium-based stones (marble, limestone, and travertine) can deteriorate the stone. This doesn't burn a hole through your countertop, but it does lose its finish in the area of the spill's contact.
2. Use coasters, tablecloths or placemats on your natural stone surfaces. This is especially true for natural stones such as granite, marble, onyx, and travertine.
3. Rinse and dry your natural stone surface after washing. This is very effective on dark stones to get rid of streaks. Miracle cleaning cloths are very effective for drying your darker stone to a streak free finish.
4. Daily cleanings should be accompanied by periodic deep cleanings.
5. Daily spot cleaning is simply wiping up any accidental spills promptly. If you do get a stain, attend to it as soon as possible with a slightly stronger solution of liquid detergent, such as mild dishwashing detergent, and then a poultice if the detergent cleaner is unsuccessful.

Hole-Cutting for a Self-Rimming Sink.

Self rimming sinks are sinks that lay on top of the granite and typically have a rim that is one-half inch larger than the hole (cut-out) they fit into. Most newly purchased sinks either come with a paper template or describe the cut-out and give dimensions. In either case the template or dimensions must be transferred to the granite where the sink is to be placed. Try to leave at least 2.5 to 3 inches of granite on front and back Always double check your planned cut-out against the actual sink with a tape measure. Many manufacturers have more than one sink style on a template so make sure you have the right one. Before you do any cutting, support the entire length of the slab of countertop with 2x4’s so that its weight is evenly distributed. Make sure none of the blocks are under your cut-out. Or, alternatively, lay the granite on 3/4 inch styrofoam on a table. Cut the straight lines of your cut-out with a circular saw with a diamond blade. If you are dry-cutting make sure you use a segmented or good turbo-cut blade. Hold the front of the saw down and sink the saw into the granite. Next, cut an X into the middle of your cut-out and then cut another X like you are slicing a pizza. Most kitchen sink templates have 4 inch radius corners. The corners are cut using a 4 inch grinder with a diamond blade. Cut at an angle at least half way through the granite. If you can’t cut on the line then make the hole smaller (you can always fix the hole later with the grinder). Next, just drop out the triangles, knocking gently. A circular template, usually found in bathrooms, would be cut out mostly with the grinder. The center cuts could still be done with a circular saw.

Selecting Granite Countertop Tips.

One of the most popular surface materials used in kitchen countertops, granite is a great choice because it's timeless, durable and beautiful. It's a classic and traditional surface that's not going to go out-of-fashion or look dated like some other surface materials. Granite, in one-of-a-kind slabs of blue, brown, earthtones or silver, can make your kitchen a true showplace.

Now, if you want a classy and sleek matte look, consider absolute black granite in a honed finish. The darker the granite, the less porous and more stain resistant it is. And, to be resistant to stains, granite countertops need to be sealed twice a year. Maintenance is easy... just clean with warm water and liquid detergent.