Stone maintenance isn’t something that the average American considers regularly. But if you’re a homeowner and have natural stone features inside or in your backyard, there is a certain level of upkeep required for natural stone to keep its luster. From your countertops inside—kitchen or bathroom—the tiling around your tub, natural stone ascents, and anything tiled around an outdoor pool, the type of maintenance varies. For example, one of the major considerations for your kitchen counters is the fact that stone materials like marble are naturally porous, so it is important to make sure to maintain your natural stone countertops and make sure to have things resealed every X years.

Benefits of Natural Stone

Okay, so there is a bit of upkeep involved with natural stone countertops, floors, etc., but there are some benefits. For starters, marble can accent a home beautifully. Also, it might be the best fit for the base aesthetics of your home décor.

But beyond that, we’ve established that natural stone is porous—and there is a massive benefit to that quality. Because of its nature, stone is easy to restore or repair. It is malleable because it can soften. This means that scratches and chips can be smoothed over and polished down. 

Searching for Natural Stone Restoration and Maintenance Services in Your Area

If you’ve decided that it is time for some home renovations or got a few things to touch up, looking for a natural stone restoration and maintenance company is a bit of a niche search. A great place to start is to find the short list of companies in your area. 

Google can help you easily narrow down your search. From there, you can do a deeper dive into the services provided as well as learn more about the companies you are looking at. Often, visiting a company website and doing a little reading can provide you with enough information to sway your decision.

NOVA Stone Care is locally owned and operated in Northern Virginia. We specializes in marble, granite and all types of natural stone care. Learn more about who we are and what we do.

Where can I find shower restoration services in Northern, VA?. Homeowners know the joys and burdens of home renovation. Redesigning and modernizing major spaces in your home can give you a chance to change the whole aesthetic. 

If you’re looking to renovate your bathroom, one of the things you might find yourself looking into are shower restoration services near you. But where do you start? The key is being specific about the services you’re searching for.

What is Shower Restoration?

Older showers tend to lose their luster over time. Soap builds up and mineral deposits can build up over time. Over time, shower surfaces can also become dull and small scratches can become more noticeable over time. Because of the nature of bathrooms, the moisture can invite mold and mildew even with ventilation. 

If you aren’t looking to completely gut and renovate your shower space, shower restoration is a wonderful choice and will help give your bathroom a refreshed look without the price tag of a complete overhaul. If you’re trying to keep your home renovation costs to a minimum.

Search for Shower Restoration Services in Northern, VA

If you’re living in the greater DC area or in Northern Virginia, you’ll want to start by localizing your search so that your results reflect companies owned and operated in your area.

Locally owned companies employ members of your community and often source their supplies from other local businesses—putting money back into the local economy. These companies often have a personal stake in community improvement.

See What the Folks on the Listing and Reference Websites Have to Say

The internet has made customer reviews more accessible than ever before. While it’s true that everyone can be a critic, listing and reference websites can be a valuable resource when you’re researching local businesses that specialize in home renovation and shower restoration. 

Listing and reference sites like Yelp and Angi.com aggregate customer reviews for businesses in one place, making it easy for consumers to see what people have to say about the quality of bathroom restoration work that companies have to offer. They also provide insight into the type of customer service you can expect to receive.

Browse Company Websites to See if They’re a Good Fit

After you’ve narrowed the search down to a few reputable local companies, you’ll want to take the time to visit each of their company websites. Most companies will include a list of their services and specialties and often highlight a portfolio of their work.

Looking for shower restoration services in Northern Virginia? NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Visit the company website to learn more.

Why reseal your granite countertops?

Granite countertops are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom surfaces because of their durability and natural beauty. However, they do require some maintenance to keep them looking their best. One important task is to reseal your granite countertops on a regular basis.

Deep cleaned and polished granite countertop

Granite is a porous stone, which means that it can absorb liquids and stains if it is not properly sealed. Sealing your granite countertops will protect them from damage caused by spills and stains. Additionally, it will help prevent bacteria and other contaminants from penetrating the surface of the granite. NOVA Stone Care offers many natural stone restoration and maintenance services including resealing of granite countertops.

Deep cleaned and polished granite countertop

When to reseal granite countertops

It is recommended to reseal granite countertops every 1-2 years, depending on the amount of use and the color of the granite countertops. You can also check if your granite countertop needs resealing by performing a simple water test. Pour a small amount of water on the surface of the granite and observe how it is absorbed. If the water beads up and does not penetrate the surface, then your granite is still protected by the sealer. If the water is absorbed into the granite, then it is time to reseal.

Conclusion

Resealing your granite countertops is an important part of maintaining their beauty and durability. Regular resealing will protect your granite from damage caused by spills and stains. It will also prevent bacteria and other contaminants from penetrating the surface of the granite. Make sure to contact NOVA Stone Care. Our experts in natural stone countertop refinishing services have the knowledge, tools, and experience to properly care for your stone surfaces. Check out our blog section for more helpful tips.

Water or solvent based sealers or natural stone countertops. When it comes to sealing natural stone countertops, there are two main types of sealers to choose from. These are water-based and solvent-based. Both types of sealers have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It’s very important to understand the differences between them. This will help you to make an informed decision about which one is best for your specific needs.

Sealed and protected marble island

Water based sealer

Water-based sealers are made with a water-based emulsion of acrylic or polyurethane. They are easy to apply, dry quickly, and are generally safe for use around food. They also don’t emit strong odors, making them a good choice for indoor use. However, water-based sealers are not as durable as solvent-based sealers and may need to be reapplied more frequently.

Solvent based sealer

Solvent-based sealers, on the other hand, are made with a solvent or resin that is dissolved in a solvent such as xylene or mineral spirits. They are more durable and provide better protection against stains, but they can emit strong odors and should only be used in well-ventilated areas. They also take longer to dry, and should not be used around food.

When choosing a sealer for your natural stone countertops, consider the level of protection you need, the location of the countertops, and any specific needs you may have. If you’re looking for a sealer that is easy to apply and dries quickly, a water-based sealer may be the best option. If you need a sealer that provides better protection against stains, a solvent-based sealer may be a better choice.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between water-based and solvent-based sealers for natural stone countertops will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. If you are unsure which sealer to use and want to get the sealing done professionally, please contact NOVA Stone Care. NOVA Stone Care offers professional countertop sealing services. Our reputable and competent stone technicians will inspect your countertops free of charge and give you an estimate in a timely fashion. We pride ourselves in excellent customer service. Visit our website. 

Marble countertops can age over time and if the surfaces are in workable condition, you might decide that you want to check into marble kitchen countertop refinishing services. Restoring your kitchen counters saves on the cost of new materials and a complete overhaul of your current set up. Before you choose a company to refinish your countertops, you will want to do some research.

Check Customer Reviews and Listing Websites

You can start your search by checking the listing sites for countertop restoration businesses local to the greater DC area. This will give you a jumping point and access to tons of customer reviews. Listing sites do the heavy lifting and provide a good place for consumers to start doing research on local kitchen countertop refinishing services.

Having these reviews aggregated in one place makes it easy for you to make an informed decision about which business offers stellar customer service and quality work. Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few reputable businesses operating in your area, you can start doing a deep dive into company websites and learn more about the businesses that you are considering.

Narrow Your Search by Choosing Businesses Experienced in Countertop Restoration

Home renovation companies who focus on one aspect of remodeling tend to be experts in their fields of practice. You wouldn’t hire a plumber to build a patio for your backyard and similarly you do not want to hire a general contractor assuming that they will be skilled in refurbishing your marble countertops. Make sure that the companies you are considering have experts on-hand that have the skills to get the job done.

Marble is a natural stone and because of that, there are different considerations when it comes to honing and refinishing (as opposed to wood surfaces). Hiring a company that has experience in marble kitchen countertop refinishing and repair will help ensure that things will be done right.

Visit Company Websites and Learn More About Their Work

Once you have a short list of companies in the DC area, you’ll want to determine which business is best suited to tackle your kitchen countertop restoration project. Most businesses include a wealth of information about who they are and showcase their work on their homepages.

You can read more about the services that they provide and can better judge whether things will be a good fit. Doing this legwork will help you make an informed decision in choosing the right professionals for the job. NOVA Stone Care offers specialized care and restoration services in the greater DC area. Interested in learning more? If you’re searching for marble kitchen countertop refinishing services, marble kitchen countertop restoration services, kitchen countertop refinishing services, and more, Visit our website. 

Natural Stone vs Man-Made. What’s the Difference? Natural stone and man-made materials have different properties and uses. Natural stone is a product of nature, formed by the earth over millions of years. It is quarried from the ground, cut and polished to be used in construction and for decorative purposes.

Granite

Natural stones

You can find natural stone in many forms. For example,  granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone are all natural stones. Each natural stone has unique characteristics such as color, pattern, and durability. For more info visit Natural Stone Institute website. 

Marble

Marble

Man-made stones

Man-made stones, on the other hand, are created in a factory using various types of raw materials. These materials are molded and shaped to resemble natural stone. They are commonly used in construction and decorative purposes as well, but they are less durable than natural stone. Examples of man-made materials include concrete, cultured marble, and engineered stone.

Quartz

Quartz

One of the main differences between natural stone and man-made materials is their durability. Natural stone is more durable and long-lasting than man-made stone, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor use. However, natural stone can be more expensive than man-made materials.

Another difference is the appearance. Natural stone has a unique and natural beauty that can’t be replicated by man-made materials. Man-made materials can mimic the look of natural stone, but they lack the individuality and character of real natural stone. 

Conclusion

Natural stone and man-made materials have their own unique characteristics and uses. It depends on the specific project and the desired outcome. You should consider factors like durability, cost and appearance when deciding between natural stone and man-made materials. Both natural and man made stones would need maintenance over time. NOVA stones care specialists are pros at cleaning, buffing and polishing natural stone surfaces. Call NOVA Stone Care to get a free estimate for your natural stone restoration or maintenance. Check out our blog section for more helpful tips. We breathe life into your stone. 

Clean Spills Right Away

Marble has a reputation of being finicky and hard to clean because it is a natural stone composed of calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate reacts to acidic substances which results in dull spots also known as etch marks. This means that any time you spill lemon juice, red wine or coffee, it will leave a subtle mark unless you clean it immediately. Strive to keep your countertops an acid-free zone, but we know spills are unavoidable. The key is cleaning the spill right away. If you leave the spill unattended, it will literally eat away a tiny bit of the surface and stain your delicate marble.

What is the Proper Way to Clean?

Do Not Use

Under no circumstance should you use common cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, peroxide, and ammonia. It will only make the stains worse. Avoid using commercial cleaners like Windex, 409, Tilex, Lime Away, Kaboom, CLR, Lysol, etc. We don’t recommend a bar or powdered soaps either. They are a bad choice for marble because they leave a residue.

Do Use

A simple way to clean your marble countertop is using mild, non-abrasive, pH neutral (non-acidic) liquid soap, mixed with water. Mix a squirt of gentle, non-abrasive dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle and spray the area generously. Scrub gently and wipe a soapy solution with a clean wet cloth. You should repeat the process until all soapy residue is gone.
Recommended Professional Cleaning Products
While using plain dish soap and water is a common recommendation, soap can still leave a residue if used regularly, which can dull the marble surface. Professional marble products provide superior performance and safety for cleaning. Our number one choice to clean your marble countertop is MB Stone Cares Stone & More. It cleans easily with a streak-free shine. MB Stone Cares Stone & More is totally safe for marble and natural stone.

If Not Sure, Call NOVA Stone Care

It is crucial to protect your investment by caring for marble correctly. Don’t cut corners by purchasing cheap cleaners or experimenting with various DIY approaches. This will only cause you to spend more money in the long run while trying to repair the damage. Leave harder to remove stains and etch marks to the professionals at NOVA Stone Care. After all that is what we do for a living. Contact us at 202-997-4548 for a free estimate. Also check out our project gallery to see our projects.

We will breathe life into your stone.

What Is An Etch Mark? The etch mark is a surface damage in the form of a dull mark on natural stone that contains calcium carbonate. Coffee, red wine, oranges, lemons, vinegar, grapefruits, and acidic cleaning products are all examples of substances that can result in etching when in contact with a natural stone surface. When such substances (pH<7) come into prolonged contact with a natural stone, they corrode the stone and change its texture. Etch mark is not the same as the stain. Etch marks are lighter color than the stone, while stains have darker shades.

Eliminating Etch Marks

The most common mistake people make while trying to remove etch marks, is using conventional cleaning products. Such products can actually make etch marks worse. You should always use a pH-neutral cleaner when cleaning stone.

To remove minor etch marks from polished surfaces, apply a stone polishing powder and then buff the area until the it disappears. If the etch mark is deep, you will need a professional help to remove it the proper way. NOVA Stone Care technicians are trained to remove etch marks without damaging rest of the surface. We get rid of etch marks by honing, polishing and sealing the surfaces. They say actions speak louder than words. Why don’t you take a look at before and after pictures to judge yourself? We stand behind the quality of our work and deliver stunning results each and every time.