The Counters Blog

Secret Cleaning Tips From The Pros Vacuum Cleaner How Do I Get Nail Polish Off Of A Bathroom Countertop?

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We want you to refer us to your friends and family and we will work hard to satisfy you while meeting the obligations of our written warranty. Be careful not to drop or drag sharp objects or liquids that can stain them. However, they must be protected from sharp objects, heat and abrasives. This is to be expected and the hairline cracks maybe filled with a variety of products manufactured for this purpose. This can occur frequently when the outside temperatures colder than the inside. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions and some minor changes may occur after the rendering has been produced. All square footages listed are subject to slight variation approximate and actual square footage/acreage may differ. Square footage may vary based on as-built dimensions, configurations, plan options and/or method of calculation. Schools that your children are eligible to attend may change over time. We place a priority on handling service efficiently and with a positive attitude. We look forward to exceeding your expectations! This enables you to address those minor move-in nicks, scratches and ongoing touch-ups which are not covered under your warranty. Also, take care not to allow water to stand on countertop seams as this will cause damage. As this occurs, hairline cracks may form in walls, ceilings and especially in corners. Hairline cracks caused by settlement are not the result of construction defects. Be aware that unplanted yards can wash out with one rainfall. Such condensation of moisture does not indicate a faulty window. Cracks and chips are also normal occurrences in brick and are not considered a defect of the product. This is a characteristic of multi-level homes and should be expected. These small cracks are cosmetic in nature, and will not impair the intended use of the concrete surfaces.

Can Heat Crack Granite? Granite Shorts Ep.2 | Duration 5 Minutes 12 Seconds The elevations and specific features in a home may vary from home to home and from one community to another. Hardscape, landscape, and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. Views may also be altered by subsequent development, construction, and landscaping growth.

Engineered Stone Countertops by houselogic.com

It’s non-porous so it resists bacteria, mold, stains, and water damage better than the real thing. Luxury vinyl tiles, which mimic stone and wood, are awesome at resisting moisture. Plus, vinyl sheets are so large, you can cover a small bath without a single seam or grout line, making it easy on the eye and easier to keep clean. But the sheen can be a bit overbearing on anything more than trim, and calls attention to wall flaws. They resist chipping, cracking, and peeling, and are much easier to maintain than stone tiles or slabs. Acrylic is tougher than fiberglass and colored all the way through — so it’s less likely to scratch, and even a deep cut won’t be as obvious. And it’s the perfect match for the industrial-chic look that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Or, go for engineered stone, which can mimic marble (and other stone materials) for about the same cost, but minus the hassle. Mold and mildew are real concerns, even on the walls, thanks to bathroom humidity. A full-on glossy paint has a shiny, sealed surface that blocks out moisture and wipes clear of residue, say from hairspray, without leaving a mark like a matte finish will. A semi-glossy finish will hold up nearly as well to cleaning and moi sture, without calling quite as much attention to bumps, dents, and other imperfections. Unlike tile, they nail directly to wall studs or glue to the wallboards, so they don’t require grout. Corrosion- and stain-resistant, it won’t melt under a hot curling iron like acrylic can, and won’t dent or chip like porcelain if nail clippers plummet down from the medicine cabinet.

Quartz Countertop Stain by countertopspecialty.com

The reality is that stains in quartz countertops can and do occur. Let’s take a look at why and how that is and the best tips for preventing and removing stains in quartz countertops. You’ll learn exactly why and how a quartz countertop stains just below, but first a bit of background so you can understand why consumers are confused about it all. The resulting product is truly an excellent countertop material and a great choice for kitchen countertops. And then you read that quartz is non-porous and doesn’t need sealing. The natural assumption is that “non-porous” means that quartz countertops cannot be stained. This is where most people get hung up thinking it’s impossible to stain quartz counters and none of the manufacturers do much to clarify.

The Heat Resistance Of Granite | Duration 3 Minutes 48 Seconds A traditional stain occurs when some substance absorbs creating a dark spot. But typically, a quartz stain is white or due to bleaching of the resin. However, all quartz colors are susceptible to damage from chemicals and cleaners. However, this technique doesn’t work for quartz countertop stains. It’s not really a “stain” in the traditional sense, but more like chemical damage or a bleach mark. It doesn’t always work since sometimes the discoloration is permanent. Again, remember that the bleached out stains where the resin is damaged from a chemical are likely permanent and the above methods will not fix the spot or remove the stain, in most cases. The above methods may work to remove surface stains from foods or other substances that have not damaged the resin. Since quartz counters are 93% quartz (a mineral in granite) it is safest to use products made for granite and stone. Bleach: do not use bleach on quartz countertops for regular cleaning. It’s non-porous so the sealer doesn’t absorb and isn’t effective. In other words, quartz countertop stains are pretty rare, but do happen. The dull darkening about 10 inches out on either side of the granite sink is ugly. Honestly, it’s very hard to determine what the problem might be with the specs. This can happen with some granite and certain types of glue. Or it may have been a chemical used to clean up the glue after installing the sink and this chemical damaged the resin used to make the quartz countertop. But it’s a messy job and you may not like the finished product either. Re-polishing quartz countertops is possible but not often done and not to many who do it. It has the most success removing various spots on quartz that are not due to chemical bleaching. I make a paste with the powder and leave it on for a few minutes, scrub it a bit, then wipe it off and rinse. I am told over and over that it is non porous and shouldn’t stain. I initially tried hot water and a sponge, then with dish soap.

All About Marble Countertops | Duration 2 Minutes 49 Seconds The installation company has tried several products to remove (abrasive stone products, acetone) and just ended up dulling the surface with ring marks still visible in certain light. Just because a product is “green” doesn’t mean it cannot do damage. Soaps are generally not an issue, but there are so many who’s to say one won’t cause a problem with quartz countertops. But should not let it sit on the surface long, rinse really well, and only use when really needed. Water s pots around the sink and faucet could be hard water stains. A very dilute solution of bleach can be used when really needed but should be avoided and cannot let it sit long on a quartz surface. Call a stone restoration pro in your area that has experience with quartz. There are dark wipe marks where the installers used acetone to wipe away the excess silicone for sealing the sink. But if a lot of acetone is used and left to evaporate, then some quartz surfaces may not react well to that. Stains in quartz countertops are different than stains in granite or other natural stone materials. Of course, most homeowners are expecting quartz to be stain-proof which is why a stain is a usually a big, head-spinning surprise. Quartz countertops are a man-made product referred to as “engineered stone” made by blending crushed quartz and various resins, polymers, and pigments. As a consumer buying countertops you want to clearly know all the pros & cons up front. So, a quartz countertop is made with real stone and has properties similar to granite but the resins and other man-made elements create unique properties that are different than granite. The resins are what help make quartz countertops non-porous (good), but the resins are also what can be damaged by cleaners, chemicals, and heat (bad). This is generally true (but some granites are naturally stain-resistant and don’t need sealing). In their defense, no quartz manufacturer states their surface is “stain-proof”.

How To Clean Granite Countertops | Duration 5 Minutes 14 Seconds If we define “stain” as any discolored spot , then quartz will definitely stain, but it doesn’t happen in the same way as a granite stain. Quartz countertop stains occur due to a chemical reaction with the resins used to make the countertop. White quartz countertops are the most vulnerable to stains from tea, food and drink. It may work but also may cause further damage and dulling of the surface as it contains abrasives. Acetone (see more info below) can work for removing ink stains and gummy things on the surface. These are the darker spots or stains the same color as the offending substance. These are from hard water buildup and leave a dull gray film. To avoid damage it’s best to use cleaning products made for granite & quartz countertops. Can be diluted to clean a specific spot, but don’t leave on the surface as it can damage. Acetone: avoid prolonged contact of acetone on quartz countertops. It may be necessary to remove a sealer from a quartz surface when mistakenly applied. It may be that the glue used to secure the countertop has somehow stained the quartz. The hole in this theory, though, is that glue was used to secure the entire countertop and these darkening is not seen anywhere else except around the sink. Re-polishing the quartz may be an option, but you need someone with experience and skill. Wiping it away, only created more streaks so it’s quite the mess. I have a honed finish and it doesn’t seem to cause any damage. It gets out the wine/pepper stains plus the coffee or tea film around the coffee maker that weren’t as obvious. I have tried everything suggested on this site as well as suggestions from the manufacturer. She has been able to get some of the stains out but is very sorry she went with quartz countertops. The manufacturer recommended greased lightning cleaner and that’s is all we’ve ever used.

Best Materials For Kitchen Countertops | Marble.Com | Duration 4 Minutes 19 Seconds We’re remodeling soon to lighter colors but seriously after reading these stories “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”! As an aside our kitchen gets minimal natural lighting so perhaps that helped retain its color. The resins and pigments used in making quartz countertops get bleached out and there’s no way to restore that color. However, we also have rings from a plastic hand soap bottle containing a gentle, green product, and lots of water spots around the sinks. I used previous granite ones and after 10 years, the granite ones still looked brand new! Vinegar is an eco-friendly green product but it is also acidic and can damage many materials like marble countertops for instance. In other words, using a little acetone to clean off some gunk and then immediately wiping the area clean won’t cause any damage. All countertop materials have specific care requirements including certain products or chemicals that should not be used on that material.

Instant Granite Italian White Marble Counter Top Film 36″ X 144″ Self Adhesive Vinyl Laminate by amazon.com

Shrink the flat edges down with your hair dryer, taking care to not hit or wrap the the corners so that you have a lot of slack around the corner (think pointy flaps, sticking out).5. At this point, you’ll still have some excess film (essentially the part of the flap that begins to pucker when you want to press is to the rounded edge).7. You want nice, clean lines, because it will show slightly through your next layer no matter what. Once you’re happy with the placement shrink it down with your hair dryer. You’ll find you need to add relief cuts when you’re folding this piece under (it gets bunchy and bulkly if you fold it in one piece). I wouldn’t recommend cutting it flush with the bottom edge, because who can get that to look right? There are grids on the back for cutting, that was nice and felt thick, not like contact paper. Not scratches, maybe stress/scuff marks is a good way to describe them? I promise it doesn’t look bad and it’s waaaay better than a puckered edge. It helps to line up the top of the strip with the top edge of the curve (so that it doesn’t stick up, or look jagged).10. Round the top edge down using your finger nail while the film is still warm. You don’t notice the patch unless you’re looking for it. But in the evenings/early mornings when the overhead light is on, you can notice the marks if you look at the counters from any side angle. The fix was very simple: take a little pin, puncture the bubble, push out the air and viola! , flat again.