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 India and China entered the scene recently and are terrible “mutt” stones. Since they are cheap (to the importers) they push them like crazy at full black absolute granite prices.
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.
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,
Maurizio Bertoli
www.marblecleaning.org – The Only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment! "
Of course, if you can find a good fabricator that you can trust and will locate some good black "granite" slab with none of the issues listed above (they are available if you know what to look for), then black "granite" is indeed one of the most enjoyable and virtually bullet-proof stones that money can buy.
Bottom line, shop for the man first, not for the stone!
We have available a very comprehensive article on “How to Shop for a Granite Kitchen Countertop” that will give you all the intelligence you need to venture yourself with confidence in the stone industry jungle, and it includes the world renowned “Lemon juice (and oil) test”! It does carry a small price tag, and you can order it by logging on the Educational Literature section at:
http://www.marblecleaning.org/literature.htm. It's available in pay-per-download format and I consider it a cheap “insurance premium” to pay when there are thousands of $ involved! 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.
Also, will you please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at:
http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm? By spreading the word about this valuable site among your friends & family and the stone trades' people you've been dealing with you will be rendering everybody a valuable service!
Also, do take advantage of the plethora of FREE Helpful Hints available at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/helpful-hints.htm. They're on the house!
Thank you.
Ciao and good luck,
Maurizio Bertoli
www.marblecleaning.org – The
Only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!
Article ID: 244
Created On: Wed, Jul 25, 2007 at 12:08 AM
Last Updated On: Wed, Jul 25, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Authored by: Maurizio Bertoli [mail@mbstone.com]
Online URL: https://marblecleaning.org/knowledgebase/article.php?id=244