Stone care

Natural stone is a strong and durable material, but to maintain its appearance, simple maintenance and compliance with certain operating rules are required.

On the street

For cladding and paving, as a rule, weather-resistant and wear-resistant stones (granites, labradorites, gabbro-diabases, quartzites, sandstones, slates, etc.) are used. If the material is selected correctly and the installation is professionally carried out, then the stones require minimal maintenance: cleaning from street dirt and, in some cases, applying a protective coating or hydrophobization (reducing the moisture absorption of the surface).

1. Granite and other listed rocks, being a solid material, are relatively fragile, so it is important to take this into account when installing railings, columns, metal canopies over the entrance and other decorative structures, as well as when removing snow and especially (!) Ice.

2. Some surface defects, such as: street dust and dirt, various stains (from berries and plants, oily, rusty, etc.), in most cases can be removed using properly selected cleaning chemicals. To remove moss, mold and old dirt, you can use mild bleach with warm water.

3. Defects that appeared as a result of design or installation errors (efflorescence, cracks, wet spots, rust stains from fasteners, extrusion of stone from the side of the base, etc.) are not always possible to eliminate by restoring the surface, since often, in order to to eliminate the cause of their appearance, it is necessary to dismantle the stone itself.

In room

For interior decoration, mainly more decorative types of stones are used, which differ from granites in their lower density and resistance to physical and chemical influences. They are well preserved in a constant indoor climate, but during operation, some properties of natural material should be remembered:

1. Soft stones (marbles, travertines, limestones, onyxes) are sensitive to acidic liquids such as fruit juices, vinegar, coffee, as well as to many household cleaners (with high acidic and alkaline ph values).

Avoid getting these liquids on the stone, and in case of contamination, clean immediately (with a soft cloth dampened with warm water). Otherwise, a thin layer of polish may be damaged, and matt spots will be visible in the reflection of light on the surface. Acceptable ph values are close to 7, which corresponds to a neutral environment.

2. In rooms with high humidity, good ventilation is required to dry the stone surfaces. This will prevent the appearance of deep wetting spots and efflorescence (salt stains on the surface).

3. Do not overload stone surfaces and avoid hitting them. Natural stone, for all its hardness, is a rather fragile material and has a heterogeneous structure. This is especially important in thin places and on protruding edges and corners.

4. Soft rocks such as marble, unlike granite, are not resistant to abrasion. Sand from shoes, the use of abrasive cleaners and sponges with a metallic coating, scraping with a knife or metal spatula leads to scratches and scuffs on polished surfaces. Special chemicals can temporarily reduce the visibility of scratches, and these defects can be completely removed only by professional polishing. Use mats in entry areas and remove stubborn dirt with a soft sponge or plastic scraper.

5. Many types of stone are quite porous, so various coloring liquids, such as oils, iodine, brilliant green, coffee, beet juice, red wine and other alcohol, can be absorbed into their structure and leave stains (alcohol molecules penetrate well deep into the structure of the stone). The appearance of accidental stains can be prevented by impregnating the stone with a protective compound in advance. This protection provides a temporary barrier (1-2 hours) and this often helps to prevent staining, but contamination should not be left on the surface for long.

Care instructions

It is advisable to repeat the procedure of impregnation with a protective composition at intervals of 1 year, so we recommend buying several stone care products, namely:

  • Protective coating agent. It is better to choose those that create a polymer layer (this allows the stone to breathe), and are approved for food contact (especially important for covering kitchen countertops). Wax-based protectors work well on window sills and floors, but are of little help on kitchen countertops as under the influence of heat and frequent cleaning, the wax is quickly erased.
  • Detergents for stone, for regular care. For example, a special shampoo for stone, which is added to the water during wet cleaning.
  • Stain remover for household coloring liquids. To draw out stubborn dirt from the surface of the stone, it is better to choose thick absorbent compositions.

If a stain has formed on white marble, sometimes a simple method helps to remove it: roll a small lotion from medical cotton wool or a bandage so that it covers the stain and completely soak it with hydrogen peroxide from a home first aid kit, then cover it with plastic wrap (so that the peroxide does not quickly evaporate) on 12 hours or more. If the stain is partially gone, the procedure can be repeated. This lotion acts as a neutral bleach.

Table of approximate weights of natural stone per 1m2 area

(useful when designing bases and fastening systems, planning transport activities).

Granite /m2

Stone thickness

Marble /m2

28 kg

1 cm

26 kg

56 kg

2 cm

51 kg

84 kg

3 cm

77 kg

You can get detailed advice and assistance in stone restoration from our company by phone: +7 (911) 154-32-69.

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