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Black Granite Countertop stains? |
Article Number: 721 | Rating: Unrated | Last Updated: Tue, Oct 30, 2007 at 12:00 AM |
Hello! My boyfriend and I just recently bought our first home. A selling factor was definitely the black granite counter tops...unfortunately we have started to notice rings from glasses and other items on the counter top. The rings are a lighter colour than the counter top so they really stand out...we have tried to be very careful, and clean often but nothing seems to help! What could be the problem? Any solutions for cleaning? Thank You
Dear Johanna:
I'm afraid I've got some real bad news for you.
Let's start by saying that the only black mercantile granite that has the legal right to be called “Black Absolute” is the one coming from
There used to be three possibilities to explain the problems that you are experiencing, which are here listed in order of probability (the first being the most probable):
In the last couple of years there's been a change in the scenario above. Another possibility has entered the scene:
4.
Certain manufacturers apply some sort of protective wax to the slabs. It is not actual “doctoring,” since there's no alteration to the color of the stone, but
the result is the same as if the slab had been “doctored” with the “shoe-shine.”
Finally, case 3 above is not as rare as it used to be anymore. At least a couple of “Black Absolute Granites” allegedly from
Having said all that, the remedy to the points 1, 2 and 4 is to remove whatever it is that's sitting on the stone surface, by either stripping it chemically by soaking it with a solution of water and phosphoric acid, or mechanically, by rubbing on the stone surface a polishing compound for marble (NOT for granite!) with a little bit of water.
Case 3 is terminal.
From a legal point of view, cases 2 and 3 are full-fledged consumer fraud and could be prosecuted by the law.
All things considered, black granite – which should be considered among the most enjoyable materials as a kitchen countertop – has made it out my own list of recommended stones.
Until the industry will not straighten its act up by becoming serious about the classification of all the different “granites” on the marketplace and dictate strict rules and guidelines about their characteristics and implied guarantees to the consumers, my position is going to be that from now on.
You can help! Actually, as a consumer-to-be of stone you're the best qualified to make things happen! Will you now please read and sign our Statement of Purpose by logging on at:
http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm? By spreading the word about this valuable site among your friend & family and the stone trades' people you've been dealing you will be rendering everybody a valuable service!
Thank you.
Ciao and good luck,
Mauri
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