Dear Mrs. Walker:
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 Methylene Chloride, 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.
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.
Will they succeed at “removing” those surface damages?
They might – and just might – in case 1 and 4. But IMHO, there are two chances to that: no way and now how!! :-(
What are your options?
Marblecleaning.org is the only hope you have to see your right protected.
Try to work out the whole thing amicably with your fabricator, but do not accept any baloney, such as the “condensation within the stone” thing!... And be very firm at demanding a full replacement of the countertop should they not succeed at fixing the problem permanently.
If not, get in touch with marblecleaning.org.
In the meantime,
may I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at:
http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?
:-)
Ciao and good luck,
Mauri
Article ID: 119
Created On: Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 9:06 AM
Last Updated On: Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Authored by: Maurizio Bertoli [mail@mbstone.com]
Online URL: https://marblecleaning.org/knowledgebase/article.php?id=119