Dark staining on granite around faucet

I have a light color one piece granite bathroom top and basin in my guest bathroom. There is no water leaking, but I have some dark grey staining in the granite around the hot water faucet, which is also starting to form around the cold handle as well. I am told that it may be the plumber's seal that was used. I am concerned about how to remove this. I was told there may be a poultice that can be used. Also, can the plumber's seal be removed and something else used? Also, I have a new granite kitchen counter in Giallo Fiorito, which I love. However, it does not seem to be properly sealed, as it is not shiny enough and feels like it has little fragments in the finish. I am intending to call the fabricator to see if they can reseal this. Is this a common problem? Thank you so much.

 

Dear Libby:

Yes, most likely it is the infamous Plumber's Putty. Can the stains be removed?

Yes, it's going to be a log way to go, but it can be done.

However, before even thinking about removing the stains, you have to get rid of the Plumber's Putty. Once that's accomplished, you will remove the stains and then you will have your hardware installed again by using 100% silicone adhesive.

Now, How to remove the stains? You will have to poultice them several times with a potent point stripper based on Methylene Chloride.

If you're not familiar with making a poultice, we have an impressive piece of literature that will also tell you everything and then some about poultices and how to tell stains apart from “stains”, and what to do about the latter! It does carry a small price tag, and you can order it by logging on at:   http://www.mbstone.com/literature/literature.htm.   It's available in pay-per-download format and it's much cheaper than any kit on the market! Not to mention the little and much needed support you'd be giving to the cause – your cause - since every single penny of the cost of the article will be used to support it.

 

About your countertop, you appear to be a bit… confused about the performance of a sealer for stone (impregnators). (Don't feel bad: you're in good company! J ) Stone is polished exclusively mechanically, by abrasion and friction, not by applying a sealer onto it. The lack of shine and grittiness of the surface of your countertop is only the consequence of the fact that your countertop was cut from a low-grading slab. There's nothing that can be done about it. L

 

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Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli

 

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