So, you’ve always wanted stone countertops, and you have finally committed to getting them installed in your kitchen. You are so thrilled about your countertops that after they are installed, you frequent your kitchen much more than you ever have in the past. Each time that you enter, you relish in how beautiful they are.
After some time passes by and you and your family have used the countertops frequently, you start to notice something that you’ve never seen before. There are some natural blemishes on your countertops, making them unique in their design or pattern. However, you can’t tell if they have always been there since installation or if these are recent blemishes caused by everyday use.
So how can you know if the marks on your granite or quartz countertops are natural or caused by you?
You Will Know That Marks Are Natural If…
Stone countertops typically have natural flaws. These are their distinguishing characteristics which prove that they are authentic. For instance, granite has what is known as fissures in them. Fissures are a crack within the granite, but it is usually caused during the formation process. Granite may also have some pitting. This generally is a tiny void in the granite.
Quartz isn’t a 100% natural stone. It is created by mixing stone aggregates and polymer. Once mixed, it is heated at very high temperatures then allowed to cool and form into engineered stone. As this cooling process takes place, it can also develop natural blemishes. These flaws can be lines, rough spots, or other issues.
You can check if the cracks are natural by running your fingernails or a business card over the problematic areas when it comes to granite. If they catch, the blemish is not natural and is instead a crack that occurred sometime after the stone was cut. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to tell if the marks are natural or not with quartz. If you suspect that they are a manufacturer’s defect, you will need to refer to your warranty. It is a good idea to get the manufacturer to fix any problems that may be apparent because trying to do so yourself may void the warranty.
The Marks Are Caused By You If…
Sometimes, the marks and blemishes that arise after using your granite or quartz may come from things you may be doing to cause them. For instance, quartz cannot sustain high heat. Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid putting hot pans or plates on them. Use a trivet or heat pad to place hot items on instead of placing them directly on the surface. Doing so can damage the quartz, typically leaving behind scorch marks. This typically happens with excessive, prolonged exposure.
If you have granite countertops, one stain that you may be causing is etching. This is typically caused when you allow acidic items to get into the surface of the granite. For instance, if you spill wine or cut lemons on the granite, this can cause etching over time. Etching is a dull spot that develops in a particular area of the granite countertop. As a result, that part of the granite will be less shiny than other countertop parts. Another thing you may be doing to ruin your granite countertops is leaving items like coffee or dark-colored juices on them for too long. Because granite is porous, if you leave these items on the surface too long, they could discolor the stone.
What You Can Do About Blemishes
Fissures and pitting aren’t typically a big problem with stone. However, if you are distracted by the imperfection and your stone is still under warranty, then it’s best to contact your manufacturer about doing something about the issue. But, again, it is best to let the manufacturer address these problems instead of fixing them yourself because doing so may void your warranty.
You can fix some of the blemishes in your stone that aren’t natural, like stains or etching, by getting the correct type of commercial product to fix the problem. However, it is a better idea to get the help of a restoration and repair company that specializes in fixing or cleaning stone countertops. This will prevent further damage. In addition, a restoration company will know the appropriate product to use on your stone to clean it. They will also know how to minimize the appearance of blemishes while keeping your warranty intact.
If you see blemishes on your stone countertops, there’s no need to panic. It’s not easy to cause a stain and your warranty will cover most problems. Others can be solved by a professional that specializes in restoration. Once you get the marks removed from your stone countertops, you can resume enjoying the beauty of your countertops as you did when you first purchased them.
Granite and Quartz Countertops for the Long Haul
Granite and quartz countertops are almost impossible to blemish, that is why people are choosing these for their kitchen countertops as well as their bathroom countertops. They will last decades, even lifetime with proper care. If you have questions about installing quartz or granite countertops in your home, the design professional at our Austin area countertop store can help.
Texas Granite Group is a one stop shop for affordable granite, quartz, and marble countertops with over 20 years of experience in countertop fabrication, installation, and remodeling. Visit our countertop store, get ideas for your kitchen and bathroom remodel and browse hundreds of hard-to-find granite, quartz and marble slabs that will surpass your expectations. Our professional designers are happy to help so call us for a Free Estimate!