Focus Magazine of SWFL Swimsuit Heat Wave | Page 90

FAMILY FEATURES

Many homeowners install granite or marble countertops and vanities for their durability and to add more value to the home. But in
the end, nothing beats the most visible benefit — that rich shine
and luster right after the workmen install the new natural stone.
It’s that gorgeous shine homeowners desire to maintain. For
some, their lustrous granite or marble surfaces are the envy of
dinner guests. For others, it’s a feeling of frustration and disappointment, most likely due to lack of knowledge and education
on maintaining the life and beauty of natural stone. While literally
solid as a rock, natural stone isn’t impervious to wear and tear,
and it requires correct and regular care and maintenance. It’s
important to understand the shine on granite is not from applying
a wax, but a natural shine that goes through a rigorous process.
Quarried from the earth’s surface using a combination of diamond
wire cables, drills and even dynamite, these stone blocks weigh in
at around 40,000 pounds. The blocks are then taken to a factory
for processing. A giant gang saw using diamond blades slices
the blocks into a calibrated thickness similar to a giant bread
slicer. The next step is over to a polishing line where they pass
under diamond polishing heads that apply thousands of pounds
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of pressure per square inch. Here, finer and finer grits bring out
the natural polish of the stone. From there the slabs are bundled
and shipped to your local stone manufacturer and installer to be
further cut to a homeowner’s needs. It’s this factory finish that
enhances their inherent characteristics — veins, swirls, crystals —
prior to installations in kitchens and baths.
There are two common routes to pursue to maintain natural
stone’s durability and to ensure that brilliant shine persists. One
option is contracting with a stone restoration specialist. These
professionals can clean, seal and polish your natural stone. This
does, however, come with a formidable price tag — north of $250
to $500 a visit. A more palatable option is the do-it-yourself route.
There’s a lower price tag, less than $50, with more of an investment in a homeowner’s time and attention.
“But do your homework first,” cautions Lenny Sciarrino, a thirdgeneration stone care expert and co-founder of Granite Gold
brand stone care products. “Common household cleaning products can damage granite, marble and other natural stone, and
that can lead to costly repair and replacement.”

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Maintaining
the Luster