Hi,

I've had some "absolute black" granite worktops installed in the
kitchen - the glossy type. I've noticed that sometimes where I've left
wet things on the surface slight white water marks have appeared.
They're only visible in certain lights but they're annoying. Does this
mean that the stone hasn't been properly sealed? I'm planning on giving
the installers a call, but I just wanted to check here first for advice.

The message . com
from "Martin Pentreath" contains these words:

They're only visible in certain lights but they're annoying. Does this
mean that the stone hasn't been properly sealed?

I bet if you read the leaflet that comes with it there will be words to
the effect that you may get watermarks from time to time.

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

Martin Pentreath wrote:
Hi,

I've had some "absolute black" granite worktops installed in the
kitchen - the glossy type. I've noticed that sometimes where I've left
wet things on the surface slight white water marks have appeared.
They're only visible in certain lights but they're annoying. Does this
mean that the stone hasn't been properly sealed? I'm planning on giving
the installers a call, but I just wanted to check here first for advice.

As far as I know, the granite is just polished and not sealed.
First thing I did with ours was apply a coat of Lithofin Stainstop
http://www.lithofin.de/frames.asp?pa...kte_naturstein
BEWARE... you really need to follow the instructions to the letter and
NEVER leave it on longer than it says because if it "goes off" you're
stuffed!

At the same time of ordering the "stain stop" I also purchased a pot of
Lithofin "easy clean" which cleans the stuff up superbly and can be used
daily if required, and.... for special guests... I get out my tub of
"Lithofin MN Polish Cream" It gets done every few months because it's
bloody hard work by hand (one day I'll get one of those electric car
polisher things) but is well worth the effort knowing it's adding to the
impregnable layer to protect our granite investment.

p.s. it ain't cheap stuff, but so far the above have lasted over 12
months, and it's far cheaper than new granite worktops.

:¬)

HTH
Pete

--
http://gymratz.co.uk - Best Gym Equipment & Bodybuilding Supplements UK.
http://trade-price-supplements.co.uk - TRADE PRICED SUPPLEMENTS for ALL!
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Pet @ www.gymratz.co.uk ;¬) wrote:

As far as I know, the granite is just polished and not sealed.
First thing I did with ours was apply a coat of Lithofin Stainstop
http://www.lithofin.de/frames.asp?pa...kte_naturstein
BEWARE... you really need to follow the instructions to the letter and
NEVER leave it on longer than it says because if it "goes off" you're
stuffed!

Thanks, looks like good stuff, I think I shall be ordering a pot.
Looking around on the lithofin website there doesn't seem to be a
product to remove any existing watermarks. Is it just a matter of
learning to live with them, or does anyone know of a way to get them
out before the sealing.

Martin Pentreath wrote:

Thanks, looks like good stuff, I think I shall be ordering a pot.
Looking around on the lithofin website there doesn't seem to be a
product to remove any existing watermarks. Is it just a matter of
learning to live with them, or does anyone know of a way to get them
out before the sealing.

I don't know personally, I'd expect one of the many on-line granite
suppliers would be able to give you an answer if your own installer
can't (though i'd have thought he would have the answer)

Cheers
Pete

--
http://gymratz.co.uk - Best Gym Equipment & Bodybuilding Supplements UK.
http://trade-price-supplements.co.uk - TRADE PRICED SUPPLEMENTS for ALL!
http://fitness-equipment-uk.com - UK's No.1 Fitness Equipment Suppliers.
http://Water-Rower.co.uk - Worlds best prices on the Worlds best Rower.

Martin Pentreath wrote:
Hi,

I've had some "absolute black" granite worktops installed in the
kitchen - the glossy type. I've noticed that sometimes where I've left
wet things on the surface slight white water marks have appeared.
They're only visible in certain lights but they're annoying. Does this
mean that the stone hasn't been properly sealed? I'm planning on giving
the installers a call, but I just wanted to check here first for advice.

Granite can't be sealed. Is watertight already.

Either you have applied a treatment that itself is damaged by water, or
you have lime scale.

Try a bit of descaler on it.

I've had some "absolute black" granite worktops installed in the
kitchen - the glossy type. I've noticed that sometimes where I've left
wet things on the surface slight white water marks have appeared.
They're only visible in certain lights but they're annoying.

Fit a water softener. When hard water evaporates, it leaves behind any
calcium, which forms white deposits. The white deposits can be scrubbed off,
or will dissolve in acid, although you probably don't want any acids near
your expensive worktops!

Christian.

The Natural Philosopher wrote:

Granite can't be sealed. Is watertight already.

It still has many cracks and "crystaline" type features.
I know of one person that has a permanent red wine stain in her granite
top that won't polish off/out.

--
http://gymratz.co.uk - Best Gym Equipment & Bodybuilding Supplements UK.
http://trade-price-supplements.co.uk - TRADE PRICED SUPPLEMENTS for ALL!
http://fitness-equipment-uk.com - UK's No.1 Fitness Equipment Suppliers.
http://Water-Rower.co.uk - Worlds best prices on the Worlds best Rower.