Common types of countertop stones and their maintenance methods
There are many types of stone for countertops. The most common ones are natural stone, artificial stone and marble. They have common and special characteristics, but they all need more maintenance in daily life.
Types of countertop stone
Natural stone
Advantages: The biggest advantage of natural stone is its rich color. The texture is mild, and the naturally formed textures are diverse. It is easier for processing and construction.
Disadvantages: But because of its high density, it needs very strong and durable cabinets before it can be used. Because of its high density and natural hardness, it is extremely inelastic. Once there is gravity tapping contact or the temperature is too high, it is easy to form cracks. Because it is natural stone, the length is limited and it is not suitable for long cabinet countertops. If the gap caused by the two pieces of splicing waits for a long time to use, there will be residual materials such as kitchen waste falling into it and it will easily breed bacteria, resulting in an unhealthy kitchen environment.
Maintenance: When cleaning natural stone countertops, a cleaning agent with a neutral pH should generally be used to prevent the cleaning agent from corroding the countertop. During maintenance, you can first seal the micropores of the stone with a permeable protective agent to prevent pollutants from entering, and then use a surface protective agent to protect the color of the countertop.
Artificial stone
Advantages: Artificial stone has richer colors and textures than natural stone, and the price is much cheaper. Although it is man-made, its material is completely comparable to stone. It is non-toxic, non-radiative, easy to clean, abrasion-resistant, acid-resistant, high-temperature resistance, impact resistance, compression resistance, flexural resistance, penetration resistance and other functions. Big advantage, it is easier to seamlessly splice, and it is extremely environmentally friendly and sanitary.
Disadvantages: But the hardness of artificial stone is worse than natural stone, and it is also easy to break. It is recommended that if you want to consider buying, you must look for the brand and try to choose a higher-end one. Because there are many unqualified companies that produce low-quality artificial stones, these middle and low-grade artificial stones may fade, change color, and accumulate oil stains that are not easy to clean.
Maintenance: Artificial stone countertops are easy to repair. After scratches or stains have infiltrated, you can ask dedicated maintenance personnel to polish and polish, or you can use special water sandpaper to polish. When there is a crack, it is generally glued with stone first, and then polished.
Quartz stone
Advantages: Quartz stone is a new type of stone artificially synthesized by more than 90% quartz crystals plus resin and other trace elements. It has a hard and durable texture. Dirty, wear-resistant, and high-temperature resistant features.
Disadvantages: Quartz stone countertops have high density and hardness, and there are problems such as bumps and damage, which are not easy to repair.
Maintenance: When using quartz stone countertops, if overheated appliances are placed for a long time, such as a pot that has just finished cooking, thermal expansion and contraction will cause the internal molecules of the material to change, and if it takes a long time, it will cause local changes in the countertop. Yellow loses luster or cracks. It is best to place a small pot pad or shelf on the countertop to prevent the overheated pot bottom from directly contacting the countertop. Let cool for a few minutes before placing hot pots.
Precautions for protective agent protection of countertop stone
1. Any kind of permeable protective agent cannot be used in stone The outermost surface forms a protective layer, so the stone that has been protected by the permeable protective agent is best treated with a surface protective treatment, that is, the surface protective agent needs to be used, so that the stone can really be regarded as 'double-layer protection'. Because any kind of excellent curing method of stone does not need waxing, the waxy layer is not breathable, but also easy to stick, and it is easy to make the color of the stone surface yellow. Use a surface type that is breathable and does not contain waxy substances. The agent can further protect the stone and the protective layer, and also keep the natural bright color of the stone. It can be described as three birds with one stone.
2. Nowadays, the permeable protective agent for stone is commonly used internationally. The principle of protection is that the protective agent penetrates into the interior of the natural stone, deposits between the tiny particles in the pores of the stone, or adheres to it. On the individual mineral molecules under the surface of the stone to prevent water, oil and dirt from entering the stone. Permeability protective agents can be water-based and solvent-based, and usually contain silicon, silicone, methyl silicate or other similar silicon compounds.
The last thing to note is: Before choosing stone, its natural bright surface is also a factor that cannot be ignored. However, we must ensure that the physical properties of the stone are the greatest value of its use.
