Basaltina Countertop - water stains

Hello, We recently moved into a new apartment with a basaltina stone countertop. There are several ring like water stains on it now - how can we get rid of these? Is there a particular prodcut we can use? Also, can we seal the countertop and if so, which product do you recommend to do so? Thanks for your help!

Dear Zeke:

Are this "water stains" and "rings" darker or lighter than the stone?

If they are darker they are true stains and they could be removed with a poultice ( http://www.marblecleaning.org/literature.htm); but if they are lighter...

A stain – a real stain – is always darker than the stained material. If it is lighter, it's either a mark of corrosion created by an acid (etching), or a caustic mark created by a base (bleaching). In other words, they are damages, not stain. There are no known exceptions to this rule.

If they are lighter only a stone restoration contractor will be able to repair the etching (stone can't bleach), but no sealer for stone will ever be able to help preventing them.

If they are darker instead, once you remove them the application of massive doses of a good-quality impregnator may be able to help.

Who had the amazing idea of using basaltina as a kitchen countertop, anyway?...

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,

Maurizio Bertoli

www.marblecleaning.org – The Only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!

Article ID: 681
Created On: Wed, Oct 24, 2007 at 7:10 PM
Last Updated On: Wed, Oct 24, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Authored by: Maurizio Bertoli [mail@mbstone.com]