Granite countertops are an amazing aesthetic to have in your home. Many homeowners choose to purchase homes with granite countertops (a great selling point!), and some even make the addition during home remodel projects because they prefer granite.

There are a few things that are different about having natural stone countertops over basic wood, tile, acrylic, or stainless steel countertops that homeowners must be aware of when caring for granite surfaces. Resealing granite surfaces as needed is necessary maintenance. This article details the steps professionals take prior to resealing and how to clean granite surfaces before sealing.

Why Do Granite Countertops Need to Be Resealed Regularly?

Even though granite is a low porous stone, the natural stone is still susceptible to liquids that may lead to discoloration or staining and even the growth of bacteria. The pores that are part of the composition of granite are what make resealing and refinishing a necessity for upkeep. 

Resealing your granite countertops per the sealant manufacturer’s recommendations (usually specified on the label of the sealant that is purchased) protects your natural stone. Doing so will help keep these surfaces looking pristine, increase durability, and, most importantly, promote cleanliness. Sealing reduces the ability of harmful bacteria imbedding into your natural stone countertop. Most professional stone care workers can also refinish and polish your countertops to address blemishes like stains and scratches, a process that returns the stone to its previous luster.

How to Clean Granite Before Resealing

Before your granite countertops can be resealed, they must be properly cleaned. The first step is to take everything off your counter. Jars, appliances (microwaves, coffee pots, water boilers, your espresso, or Soda Mate), decorations, dishes and your dishrack, and whatever tchotchkes you might have taken up real estate, need to be cleared. 

When cleaning the granite countertop, it is best to do so thoroughly. You must remove all the grease, crumbs, dirt, coffee grounds, and whatever else might have been sticking to the surface with a soft sponge or soft microfiber cloth. Warm water and non-acidic soap work best. You will want to avoid any abrasive cleaning products or materials to prevent unintended damage to your granite during the cleaning process. Things to avoid include ammonia, bleach, vinegar, and lemon cleaners as all can damage your countertop’s finish.

Your Granite Countertops Must Be Completely Dry Before Sealant Application

It is necessary to let your granite countertops dry before applying any sealant. This can take anywhere between 12 and 24 hours. You can go by the manufacturer’s specific recommendations or err on the side of caution and wait a full 24 hours before resealing your granite surfaces. You cannot use the countertop while it is drying; otherwise, you will be back to square one.

Why? Because liquids disrupt the sealant’s ability to do its job. If the granite is wet during application, the sealant may not bond as well to the surface, and the finish can have a hazy appearance. If you notice this, it means that your granite countertop has been improperly sealed. Weak seals do not offer as good of a defense from unwanted stains, moisture, and bacteria. It is best to let your granite countertops dry overnight after deep cleaning them before resealing.

Applying Sealant to Your Granite Countertops

Once everything is completely dry, it is time to apply the sealant. Applying a small amount of the sealant to a part of the countertop that is normally obscured and out of view for a test is a smart move. It is pertinent that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you want to read more about the process, you can check out Angi’s List and Better Homes & Gardens.  If you’re unsure, hire stone care professionals to get the job done for you. 

Are you searching for granite countertop resealing and refinishing in Northern Virginia? NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Our stone care workers are experts at resealing and refinishing natural stone counters, and we have a reputation for quality services, including granite. Contact us today for a quote.

Do you have granite countertops in your home? They can be a wonderful way to accent your kitchen or bathroom by providing a timeless and elegant look. However, if you want to keep your natural stone surfaces looking like new, there are a few things that you should know about how to clean granite countertops properly.

Many people don’t realize that natural stones like granite are porous in nature, meaning that the stone itself contains openings that are microscopic. These “voids” within the granite can be problematic as they can absorb liquids (as well as gases!)—granite is considered a low-porous material, but proper granite cleaning and maintenance are still imperative to maintaining the integrity of the granite surfaces within your home.

What You Use to Clean Your Granite Countertops Matters

One of the biggest things you can do to damage your beautiful granite countertops is to choose the wrong type of cleaning materials to get the job done. We are going to discuss what not to do and what to do when it comes to keeping your granite pristine and not damaging it during the cleaning process. For starters, what you wipe your granite countertop down with matters.

Avoid scrubbing your granite counter down with things like coarse brushes, Brillo pads, steel wool, etc. Why? Granite is sensitive to these things, and those rough materials can do more damage than they do good. Granite is hard, but abrasive cleaning materials will scratch its sealant, create pitting and surface scratches, and even dull the granite’s surface. Instead, it is recommended to clean your granite surface with soft microfiber clothes or a non-abrasive sponge.

What Types of Cleaning Products Should You Use to Clean Granite Countertops? 

We recommend a simple solution of dish soap and water to clean your granite countertops. Just make sure to wipe them down to dry them thoroughly to avoid any unwanted streaks. You really don’t need more than this. If you need to properly disinfect the granite surface, you can use a 50/50 solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and water for proper sanitation. 

What you want to avoid using to clean your granite countertops is anything too acidic or caustic. Harsh chemicals, products like bleach, lemon cleaner, and vinegar-based cleaning solutions, can weaken the sealant on your granite countertops and dull their finish.

Resealing Your Granite Countertops

To properly maintain the integrity of your granite, it’s important to reseal your countertops following the sealant manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are uncertain about this, you can contact us with any questions you might have about the specific process. As professionals, we can polish and seal your granite countertops properly and with care for a deep clean.

Why reseal your countertops? The reason is that resealing protects the stone. This process helps preserve your granite countertop’s natural luster and beauty, which is why experts recommend refinishing as part of granite countertop maintenance.

If you are looking for a reputable stone care company to spruce up your granite countertops and make them look new, NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Our stone care experts are skilled in services like polishing and resealing. Visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do.

Do you have granite countertops in your home? If so, did you know that an important part of upkeeping your granite counters is resealing them when they need it?

You might be wondering why stone care professionals recommend that you periodically reseal your granite countertops (as needed). NOVA Stone Care has the answers to this question and can provide you with some tips surrounding the signs to look for that will tell you that it is time to reseal the granite surfaces in your home.

Why Reseal Your Granite Countertops?

For starters, let’s talk about why you should reseal your granite countertops every one to three years. This can be highly dependent on things like how much use these granite surfaces see, the type of sealant chosen when they are resealed (not all sealants are created equally), and the type of care and maintenance provided by homeowners. Granite countertops exposed to acidic substances and heavy use need resealing more often than those treated with extra care.

The main reasons for sealing your granite surfaces are that it protects the naturally porous granite and promotes the longevity of the stone. We know that sealants can add an extra level of durability to help protect your granite countertops from wear over time and from overabsorption of substances that make contact.

Signs That Your Granite Countertop Needs to Be Resealed

What are some signs that it’s time to reseal your granite countertops? For starters, you will notice that the granite appears duller than it used to, losing that polished finish. Visible cracking of the sealer means moisture is penetrating the porous stone and beginning to cause damage.

Other things to watch out for a water rings and stains. Dark spots or any type of discoloration, the appearance of a bumpy or uneven finish, watermarks, these are all big red flags. All these occurrences indicate that your sealer is past its expiration date and that you should reseal your granite countertops for the sake of durability, longevity, and aesthetics.

One Simple Test Can Help You Confirm Whether It’s Time to Reseal Your Granite Counters

An easy water test can confirm your suspicions. Choose a hidden spot, somewhere along the granite countertop surface that is a bit obscured from view. Pick a place on the countertop that is not readily visible (a spot underneath baking jars, coffee maker, microwave, etc.) and pour a little water onto the surface (around a quarter cup is a good amount).

Let the water sit there for three or four minutes and take a look. If the granite absorbs water, the area darkens and shows a visible blemish. However, if you notice that the water is beading off the surface, this is a good sign that shows your sealant is still effective and that it isn’t time to reseal your granite counters. This test is simple, tried, and true.

Do your granite countertops need a little tender loving care? NOVA Stone Care can take care of that for you. We are pros in countertop finishing and work with all types of natural stone, granite included. Are you interested in learning more about who we are and what we do? Visit our website and contact us about resealing your granite countertops today!

Does your home have granite countertops? Granite is a beautiful way to accent your kitchen and add a touch of class. But there are a few things to consider when it comes to the longevity of natural stone counters. When it comes to proper care, you will find that with the right maintenance, your granite will continue to look as good as the day it was installed.

But beyond the aesthetics, making sure that your granite countertops are properly maintained involves not only using less abrasive cleaning materials on your counters (absolutely avoid the use of strong acid based cleaners and solvents as well as coarse brushes, rags, or steel wool). This stuff will do more damage than good to your granite.

Why Do the Experts Recommend that You Seal Granite Countertops?

Stone care experts agree that granite countertops should be periodically resealed. Why? Most professionals cite two reasons. The first is aesthetic while the second is hygienic. Both are valid reasons to decide to hire out for professional granite refinishing services in your area. 

Keep in mind that most natural stone, including granite, is porous. Resealing granite protects the stone from absorbing things that can tarnish it. Without a proper seal, oils, liquids, coffee, and juice can seep into your granite and blemish it. A properly sealed countertop is more resistant to staining, scratching, and chipping. But beyond the aesthetics, sealing your granite countertop ensures hygiene—preventing bacteria and mold from taking root.

How Often Should You Seal Granite Countertops?

Generally, most stone care professionals will agree that you shouldn’t go for more than a year without resealing your granite countertops. Why? Because this timeframe is usually when most sealers will be good up until (definitely go by what the sealant manufacturer’s label says when it comes to how long the sealant is effective for). 

The experts at NOVA Stone Care recommend resealing your countertops with an appropriate granite countertop sealer between six months and a year, depending on the level of wear, tear, use, and/or abuse that your granite countertops weather. With heavy use or improper maintenance, you will need to reseal your granite countertops sooner rather than later.

Are You Searching for Granite Refinishing Services in Northern Virginia?

If your Northern Virginia home has granite surfaces that need some serious TLC, chances are that these surfaces are in dire need of resealing. NOVA Stone Care specializes in working with all types of natural stone, and our professional stone care technicians are skilled at refinishing granite countertops. We have the experience and the know-how to get your granite countertops looking like the day that they were installed.

Are you interested in learning more about who we are and what we do? Visit our website for a full list of our services and contact us for a quote. We can address imperfections and damages before resealing your counters and return your granite countertops to their former luster.

If your home features granite countertops in the bathroom and kitchen, you might take pride in having such beautiful natural stone accents. Granite is a gorgeous material to work with that can add a good amount of class to anyone’s home décor if done tastefully. 

However, just like other building materials, a certain amount of upkeep is required to maintain the granite in your home. Whether you are a homeowner considering installing granite countertops for the first time, a homebuyer considering purchasing a house with granite countertops, or you have had them in your current home for years, proper care for your granite countertops is essential for homeowners.

Why Sealing Granite Countertops is Crucial Maintenance

Many homeowners choose granite countertops due to the stone’s beauty and its contribution to the overall home décor. Natural stone countertops are a top choice for interior decorating. Properly maintained stone can withstand the test of time in areas like the bathroom and kitchen, offering a longer shelf life than wood and often less hassle than tile.

One thing that homeowners with granite countertops need to be aware of is that their countertops require routine resealing. Most natural stone workers recommend resealing your granite countertops every one to three years, depending on usage, the type of sealant used, manufacturer recommendations, and the type of granite used.

But How Do You Know It’s Time to Seek Granite Sealing Services in Northern Virginia?

It is difficult for the untrained eye to look at a granite countertop and determine that it needs resealing, except in the most extreme cases. However, there is a simple test you can perform to determine if it’s time to reseal your granite countertops. All you need is a little water. 

Just pour a small amount (no more than a quarter cup) of water on your granite surface and observe to see if it is absorbed into the rock. Also, look for any dark discoloration of the stone where the water makes contact. If you observe a dark spot, the sealant on your countertops is ineffective. This is the easiest way to determine if your granite countertops need resealing.

How to Seal Granite Countertops

If you’re wondering how to go about sealing your kitchen countertops, the first step is to thoroughly clean and dry the granite countertops you plan to reseal. The next step is to apply a granite sealer to the countertop using a spray bottle. It is essential to apply the sealer evenly across the entire granite countertop, dampening the rock only. Once you have done this, let the sealer sit for the recommended amount of time by the manufacturer. Once it has set, gently wipe away the excess with a microfiber cloth.

You can also choose to hire stone care professionals to do your countertop refinishing for you. These experts can provide recommendations for polishing and addressing issues such as chips, scratches, etching, and wear on your granite surfaces. 

If you are on the hunt for natural stone care services and granite countertop resealing in Northern Virginia, NOVA Stone Care has got you covered. Contact us today.

Do you have granite countertops in your home? If so, you may have chosen them not only to accent and complement the base aesthetics of your kitchen or bathroom but also because of their durability. Stone is often a top choice for countertop material because it is both strong and gorgeous. But to get the most out of your granite surfaces, you will need to maintain them properly. There are a few reasons why polishing and sealing your granite countertops regularly is a wise choice.

Why Polish and Seal Your Granite Countertops?

Did you know that sealing stone surfaces actually protects them? It’s true. Natural stones like granite are porous, which means that the stone itself has openings that allow it to absorb things. This can be quite problematic in terms of aesthetics and health hazards.

Your granite countertops can be susceptible to staining, discoloration, and even bacteria. Granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms are the perfect place for unwanted bacteria to infiltrate weakly sealed and aging stone. The experts recommend sealing your granite tops every one to three years, depending on the color,  frequency of use and care.

Polishing Your Countertops Regularly Will Keep Them Looking Like New

While sealing your granite countertops is a necessity for cleanliness and health reasons, polishing is mostly a choice made to keep the natural stone in your home beautiful. For starters, polishing a granite countertop will bring back its shine!

Polishing can also bring out the natural colors of the granite that may have dulled over time. Most stone care professionals will do a solid polish on your countertops along with a seal. This serves to help reinforce your seal, making it more damage-resistant.

NOVA Stone Care Can Polish and Seal Your Granite Countertops

If you are a homeowner in the Greater D.C. area searching for stone care services near you, NOVA Stone Care has got you covered. Locally owned and operated, we specialize in expert natural stone restoration services, including polishing and sealing granite countertops.

Interested in learning more about who we are and what we do? Visit our website for a full list of services or contact us for a quote.

If you have natural stone kitchen countertops in your household, there are some essential care considerations you should know about when it comes to maintaining those surfaces. So finding the right kitchen countertop refinishing company is vital.

Kitchen countertops made from materials like granite or marble (porous natural stone) can easily be refinished by professionals. An expert stone worker can always get things looking just about as good as new. 

Why Choose to Have Your Kitchen Counters Refinished?

 
Taking good care of your countertops ensures their longevity. Rather than replacing worn kitchen countertops when they show signs of wear and tear from everyday use, upkeeping them will save you the cost of replacing them.

Refinishing will give your counters a bit of a refresh and will also help you increase your property’s value. By this logic, hiring out for kitchen countertop refinishing services is a no-brainer.

Making Your Kitchen Feel Like New

Hiring professionals to assess, address, and refresh your natural stone counters is better than replacing surfaces entirely. For starters, refinishing your counters can save you a pretty penny. You will also save on using additional materials and go a more environmentally friendly route.

Whether you are trying to breathe a little life back into things or addressing specific issues like chips and scratches that have dulled your countertops over time, an expert stone worker can retouch and restore these surfaces and address things like etching. They can also give you some guidance when it comes to proper maintenance.

How to Find the Right Kitchen Countertop Refinishing Company to Get the Job Done

Once you have decided that it is time to give your kitchen a nice facelift, you will need to find a stone care professional near you with the skills to get the job done. Starting your keyword search with specifics will yield better and more relevant results.

If you are looking for a company to refinish your granite or marble surfaces, be sure that the company you are looking to hire is experienced in working with the material. It is also a great idea to look at any online customer feedback you can find. These customer reviews can tell you a lot about the quality of work and level of customer care that you can expect from a business.

Searching for Natural Stone Care Restoration in Northern Virginia?

NOVA Stone Care is owned and operated in the Greater DC area. Our stone care professionals are experts at their craft. The quality of our work speaks for itself. Let our team of trusted stone care specialists restore these surfaces. 

Our technicians will clean and resurface your countertops. They will also reseal them for you. Resealing these surfaces is important to protect the surface from staining or absorbing things that they should not be absorbing.

Interested in learning more about our services or hiring NOVA Stone Care for your kitchen countertop refinishing needs? Visit our website to find out more about who we are, what we do, and our level of expertise.

How NOVA Stone Care Repairs Seams on Natural Stone Countertops

Introduction

Natural stone countertops exude elegance and sophistication, but over time, seams can develop, detracting from their beauty. If you’re facing this issue, NOVA Stone Care is here to provide seamless repair solutions. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how NOVA Stone Care expertly repairs seams on natural stone countertops, ensuring lasting beauty and functionality.

Identifying the Problem

Seams on natural stone countertops can arise due to various factors like settling, structural shifts, or simply wear and tear. These imperfections not only affect the aesthetic appeal but can also compromise the integrity of the countertop. NOVA Stone Care understands the importance of addressing these issues promptly and effectively.

Assessment and Customized Solutions

The first step in NOVA Stone Care’s repair process is a comprehensive assessment of the countertop. Our skilled technicians meticulously inspect the seam, considering factors such as the type of stone and the extent of the damage. This allows us to tailor a customized solution to seamlessly restore your countertop’s beauty.

Precision Repair Techniques

At NOVA Stone Care, we employ precision repair techniques to address seams on natural stone countertops. Our technicians utilize specialized tools and materials to carefully realign and rejoin the separated sections of the countertop. The result is a seamless repair that blends flawlessly with the surrounding stone, ensuring a visually appealing finish.

`Advanced Color Matching

Matching the color of the repaired seam to the surrounding natural stone is crucial for achieving a seamless finish. NOVA Stone Care utilizes advanced color-matching techniques to ensure a perfect blend. By meticulously matching the hue and texture of the surrounding stone, we deliver results that exceed expectations.

Sealing for Protection

Once the repair is complete, NOVA Stone Care applies a high-quality sealant to protect the countertop from future damage. This sealant not only enhances the durability of the countertop but also preserves its beauty over time. Our sealing process ensures that your countertop remains pristine for years to come.

Conclusion

NOVA Stone Care’s expertise in repairing seams on natural stone countertops is unmatched. Our meticulous approach, precision techniques, and commitment to quality ensure that your countertop receives the care it deserves. If you’re dealing with seam issues on your natural stone countertop, trust NOVA Stone Care to deliver seamless solutions that restore its beauty and functionality. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference firsthand.

If you are looking for seam repair services in Northern Virginia? NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Visit the company website to learn more.

Natural Stone Damage – Spalling Explained

Natural stone has been a timeless choice for architectural and design purposes, offering unparalleled beauty and durability. However, even the sturdiest of materials are not immune to wear and tear. In this blog post, we delve into a common natural stone woe: spalling. What is spalling, and how can you prevent and address this issue? Let’s uncover the layers of natural stone damage.

What is Spalling?

Spalling refers to the deterioration of a material’s surface, often resulting in the flaking or chipping of layers. In the context of natural stone, spalling can occur due to various factors, including weathering, freeze-thaw cycles, and structural stresses. This phenomenon is particularly common in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Causes of Natural Stone Spalling:

• Freeze-Thaw Cycles:
  • In colder climates, water can seep into the pores of natural stone.
  • When the water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the stone and causing it to crack and flake.
• Weathering:
  • Exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as rain, wind, and UV rays, can contribute to the breakdown of the stone’s surface.
• Structural Stresses:
  • Poorly designed structures or inadequate support can lead to uneven weight distribution on natural stone surfaces, accelerating spalling.

Prevention Techniques:

• Sealing:
  • Regularly seal natural stone surfaces to create a protective barrier against moisture infiltration.
• Proper Installation:
  • Ensure that natural stone is installed with proper drainage systems to prevent water accumulation.
• Structural Assessment:
  • Conduct periodic structural assessments to identify and address issues that may contribute to uneven stresses on the stone.
• Choose Resilient Stone Types:
  • Opt for natural stone varieties known for their resistance to spalling, such as granite or limestone.

Addressing Spalling:

• Surface Repair:
  • Small spalled areas can often be repaired using specialized stone patching materials.
• Professional Restoration:
  • For extensive damage, consider hiring professionals like NOVA Stone Care for stone restoration services to bring your surfaces back to their original glory.

Conclusion:

Natural stone adds an unmatched aesthetic appeal to any space, but understanding and addressing potential issues like spalling is crucial for its longevity. By taking preventive measures and promptly addressing damage, you can ensure that your natural stone surfaces stand the test of time, weathering challenges with grace.

Incorporating these insights into your stone maintenance routine will not only enhance the longevity of your natural stone but also preserve its timeless beauty for generations to come.

To find out more about natural stone industry, visit Natural Stone Institute website. Check out our project gallery section for more info and pictures.

We breathe life into your stone. 

The Beauty and Versatility of this Natural Stone

Discovering granite. Granite is a natural stone that has been prized for its beauty and durability for thousands of years. It is formed from molten magma that has cooled and solidified deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Over time, the natural forces of heat and pressure cause the minerals within the magma to separate and form large, visible crystals. This gives granite its characteristic speckled appearance and makes each piece unique.

Granite has a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest natural stones available. This makes it ideal for use in a variety of applications, including countertops, flooring, and wall cladding. The high density of granite also gives it excellent resistance to scratches, chips, and cracks. Making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas in the home.

In addition to its practical qualities, granite is also aesthetically pleasing. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Starting from classic black and white to vibrant shades of red, blue, and green. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern look or a classic, timeless feel, there is a granite option that will suit your needs.

Maintenance

One of the best things about granite is that it is easy to maintain. Unlike some other natural stones, it is resistant to staining and etching, so you can enjoy its beauty without worrying about the upkeep. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals, and your granite will look beautiful for years to come.

If you’re thinking about incorporating granite into your home, there are a few things to consider. First, it is a heavy material, so it is important to make sure your surfaces are strong enough to support it. Additionally, because granite is a natural stone, each piece is unique, so it is important to select your granite in person to ensure you are getting the right color and pattern for your space.

Conclusion

In conclusion, granite is a natural stone that offers a winning combination of beauty and practicality. Its durability, resistance to scratches, and easy maintenance make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications in the home. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern look or a classic, timeless feel, there is a granite option that will suit your needs. To find out more about natural stone industry, visit Natural Stone Institute website. Check out our project gallery section for more info and pictures. We breathe life into your stone.