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. 

Cleaning and maintaining your natural stone fireplace is not an easy task.  Natural stone, such as marble or granite, can add a beautiful and timeless touch to your home. However, it does require proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. 

Black Marble Fireplace Hearth

Cleaning a natural stone fireplace can be a bit tricky, as different types of stones have different cleaning needs. Marble, for example, is a porous stone that can easily stain, while granite is more durable and resistant to staining.

Here are some tips for cleaning your natural stone fireplace:

1. Start by removing any debris or ash from the fireplace. Use a brush or vacuum to clean out the firebox and the surrounding area.
2. Use a mild detergent or Ph neutral cleaner to clean the stone surface. Be sure to choose a cleaner that is specifically designed for natural stone and avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners which can damage the stone. 
3. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the cleaner and gently scrub the stone. Be sure to work in small sections and rinse the stone thoroughly with water after cleaning.
4. Once the stone is clean and dry, you can apply a sealant to protect it from stains and damage. Be sure to choose a sealant that is appropriate for your specific type of stone.

Marble Fireplace Hearth

It’s important to note that if you have a fireplace that is made of natural stone, it is easy to damage it while cleaning if you are not using proper cleaning products and  appropriate sealing technique. Cleaning and maintaining your natural stone fireplace is not an easy task. It is best to contact a professional stone cleaning company like NOVA Stone Care that has the proper equipment and knowledge to clean natural stone. NOVA Stone Care specialists know the best methods for cleaning your specific type of stone and can advise you on how to maintain it properly. Your nature stone fireplace will look beautiful for years to come if you trust NOVA Stone Care with its cleaning and maintenance.

To see more projects completed by NOVA Stone Care check out our project gallery.

The etch mark removal from the marble floor tile is a complicated issue that many homeowners encounter. Etches occur when acidic substances or cleaning products come into contact with the surface of the marble. These substances cause a chemical reaction that erodes the surface of the marble, leaving dull, discolored spots.

In this particular case, a cleaning company used a cleaning product that was very acidic. The usage of the wrong cleaning product resulted in a large etch mark. The cleaning company tried removing the etch mark but actually made it worse.

How to remove etch marks safely

The best and the safest way to remove etch marks from marble floor tile is to hire a professional stone restoration company like NOVA Stone Care. We have the knowledge, experience and the state-of-the-art equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove etches from the marble surfaces. Our Professional floor polishing services will restore the natural beauty of your stone.  Check out our project gallery to see before and after results.

One of the first steps in etch removal is to thoroughly clean the affected area. This may involve using a pH-neutral cleaning solution like MB-5 from MB Stone Care to remove any dirt or debris that may be present. The next step is to use specialized equipment, such as diamond pads and polishing pads. We restore marble floors using mechanical diamond honing and polishing techniques. We use different grit levels of diamond pads to remove scratches, etching, and other imperfections.

The etch mark removal is a delicate process that requires skill and experience. Attempting to remove etches on your own can result in further damage to the marble. It’s best to leave this task to the professionals.

Conclusion

The etch removal from marble floor tile can be a challenging task, but it can be accomplished effectively by a professional stone restoration company like NOVA Stone Care. With our knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment, we can restore your marble floors to their original beauty. If you notice etches on your marble floor tile, it is best to contact NOVA Stone Care as soon as possible.

Honed vs polished marble – what are the pros and cons? Customers always ask this question.

If you are thinking of restoring your marble surface but can’t seem to make a choice between the honed and polished look. No worries. NOVA Stone Care professionals are ready to help. Our knowledgeable team performs in person consultations and offers FREE estimates around the DMV area. We’ve decided to list the pros and cons for both finishes so you can make an informed decision about what type of finish works best on your marble.

Honed Marble

Honed marble refers to the marble that has not been polished. It has a matte appearance and a velvety feel, rather than a distinctive shine of the polished marble. 

• Honed marble is more durable than polished marble. It is resistant to scratches and chips. When it gets scratched, scratches are less noticeable because light doesn’t reflect off the matte finish the same way it does off the shiny finish of polished marble.
• Because honed marble is not polished, it’s more susceptible to stains compared to its shiny counterpart.  
• Honed marble is ideal for flooring. Due to the matte surface, it is less slippery than polished marble when wet.
• Honed marble is easily maintained with regular and timely wipe downs with mild detergent and occasional resealing.
• Because of its durability, honed marble is perfect for high traffic areas such as entryways, bathroom floors and stairs. 

Polished Marble

Unlike honed marble, polished marble has a high-polish, glossy finish that is created through a special method of polishing with fine pads. Polished marble reflects light and creates rich saturation of colors. 

• Polished marble has a mirror-like shine which means that scratches are more visible compared to honed finish. On the other hand it is more durable to stains compared to the honed version because of its extra layer of polish.
• Polished marble is smooth which increases the risk of slipping and falling especially when the surface is wet. Polished marble is not a great choice for floors or high foot traffic areas. 
• Like honed marble, polished marble is very easily maintained with timely wipe downs with mild detergent. 
• Polished marble is a classic choice for kitchen, bathroom countertops and accent fireplaces. 

Honed VS Polished Marble? At NOVA Stone Care we recommend honed finish for high foot traffic areas and polished finish for countertops and accent pieces. Check out our project gallery section for more info and pictures. We breathe life into your stone. 

Clean Spills Right Away

Do and don’ts of marble countertops. 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.