STONE CARE TIPS

The best care you can give natural stone is preventive care. Preventing stains or scratches before they happen is far easier than getting rid of them after it happens. Help your stone maintain its natural lustre and beauty – give it the care and maintenance it deserves!

General Cleaning

Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. If the stone is marble, avoid using products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing and dry with a soft cloth.

Floor Surfaces

On floors, the best preventative measure is regular cleaning. The movement of dirt and grit as it is ground into marble, granite or tiles can wear away the finish. So regular use of a dust mop can help keep dirt off the floor and preserve the finish. Use mats at all entry points to further ensure the long life of your floor’s beautiful finish. Wet mop regularly with very hot water, and change the rinse water frequently. If the floor is particularly dirty, the use of a neutral stone cleaner or a mild non-oil based dish detergent is acceptable.

Bath and Other Wet Areas

In the bath, shower or other wet areas, you can minimize the appearance of soap scum by using a squeegee after each use. If you need to remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water. Exercise caution as frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.

Counter/Vanity Top Surfaces

Granite countertops are surprisingly resilient to stains, and very hard to scratch. Wipe up any spills on the countertops within a reasonable amount of time. Don’t let liquid sit on countertops overnight. Granite is most prone to staining by oil, acid, oven cleaners, and juices so blot these spills soon after they happen, and clean your countertops daily with a soft cloth or paper towel and a residue-free pH neutral cleaner that is safe for natural stone.

Marble countertops are easily stained by acidic foods like fruit, tomato sauce, coffee, and wine. Blot these spills immediately, do not wipe, and then clean with mild soap and hot water. Do not set hot pans directly onto marble. Place a mat or pad between marble and anything that will scratch it, like a sauce pad or utensils. Use coasters between marble and any drinking glasses.

The use of sealers is also powerful preventive protection. For countertops ask your Stone Edge Marble & Granite Representative about your countertop use and the frequency of applications that you may require. Depending on the usage, you might seal your stone tiles once every year – Contact us to learn more about sealing.

SEALERS & PRESERVATION (Stone Edge Marble & Granite Applied Products)

Water Repellents Silicone (synthetic oils): Generic synthetic oils which tend to leach from surfaces and migrate. Of limited use due to the tendency of attracting dust and limited life expectancy. This type also darkens most stone surfaces.

Siliconates: Water-based silicone derivative useful for light coloured, porous stone. This type should not be used on dark coloured stone surfaces. Any residues not absorbed will disfigure surface with a salt like precipitate. May be useful for some limestone and concrete surfaces. Re-coating is not possible due to the fact that it repels itself.

Siloxane: These are state-of-the-art today, used primarily for exterior stone surfaces including marble, granite, limestone, slate and cement-based building products as well. Highly recommended for most surfaces exposed to weather and does not darken surfaces.

Oil Repellents: These are proprietary products that repel oil, water and other liquids. There are many of these specialized products designed for use on stone surfaces.

Drying Oils: These are the original natural polymers. They include tung, linseed and soy. These oils become solid as they dry and are used for sealing some stone surfaces. They are organic thus they are sensitive to aging and may yellow with time but are useful in some stone situations.

Waxes: Waxes may be natural or synthetic and include carnuaba, paraffin, montan, and beeswax. They are typically formulated into paste waxes or emulsions for sealing purposes. Their effect is less than permanent and typically they are re-applied on a regular basis.

Silicates: These are mineral glasses, which fill up pores and make porous surfaces more dense. They are very useful for restoration of stone that is under chemical attack or exterior weathering as it can replace lost minerals and provide protection from further degeneration. They are specialized materials which require expertise to formulate and apply.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Care and maintenance are critical to ensuring your granite, marble or Quartz surfaces remain beautiful. This guide will provide you with an overview of how to care for your newly installed stone. If you have any questions or for more detailed care instructions please contact us.

Quartz

In most cases, soap and water or a mild detergent is all that is required to maintain its shine. To remove stubborn or dried stains, use a damp, soft cloth with warm water and soap. If needed, apply a non-abrasive household cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water to remove residue. Quartz has a non-porous surface, so you will never have to apply sealer to it.

Granite

Common care for granite involves only periodic washing with clean water and a neutral detergent soap or cleaner. Following the manufacturer's directions for using a soap or cleaner, wash in small, overlapping sweeps. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap or cleaner solution. Dry with a soft cloth and allow to thoroughly air dry. After drying, a sealer may be applied. To increase stain resistance, use a sealer designed specifically for granite.

Marble

Normal maintenance for marble surfaces involves only periodic washing with clean, water and mildly alkaline cleaners. "Soapless" cleaners are better to use because they minimize streaking and filming.

Begin by applying clean, hot water (not boiling) to the surface. Next, using the cleaning solution (following the manufacturers directions) and wash in small, overlapping sweeps. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap or cleaner solution. Dry with a soft cloth or cotton-flannel and allow to thoroughly air dry.

Marble & Granite Stain Removal

Any spills should be cleaned up immediately. The easiest way to remove a stain is to “pull it out” of the stone with a chemical and material that will absorb the stain. This chemical-absorbent material is called a poultice. Poultices are commonly powder or cloth materials that can be mixed with a chemical and placed on top of the stain.

To apply a poultice, take the following steps:

1. Clean the stained area with water and a neutral cleaner. Remember to blot only.
2. Pre-wet the stain area with a little water. Use distilled water for best results.
3. Determine the recommended chemical for the particular stain – contact us if you are unsure as certain chemicals will react with the spilled material and could make the stain permanent.
4. Mix the poultice material with the selected chemical.
5. Apply the poultice to the stain area. Do not make the application too thick, or it will take a long time to dry.
6. The poultice should be left on the stain from 1 hour up to 48 hours, depending on the age and depth of the stain.
7. Place plastic wrap, held in place by masking tape, over the poultice.
8. Remove the plastic cover and check to see if the paste has dried. If not allow it to sit uncovered until thoroughly dry.
9. To remove the paste, gently scrape and rinse the area.
10. If the stain still remains but appears lighter, re-apply the poultice until it is gone. If you still have poultice left over from the previous application, throw it away and make a fresh batch.

Products

People often assume that natural stone is "stain-proof," however all stone is porous to some degree. If not properly treated with a protective sealer, water, oils or other liquids can easily penetrate the stone, leaving behind unwanted stains.
The good news is that once treated with a protective sealer, natural stone is ready for carefree, everyday use.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional BulletProof® Sealer

Features and Benefits

• Advanced penetrating microbond protection
• Maximum protection against most stains
• Makes cleaning stone easier
• Preserves natural look
• Water-based low-solids coating
• Interior & exterior

Where to Use
Natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, bluestone, saltillo, travertine & sandstone. Best suited for the most porous stone surfaces.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area with a 24-hour cure time to determine ease of application and desired results. Allow new grout installations to cure for a minimum of 72 hours prior to application. Make sure surface is clean and free of waxes and coatings. Sealer may be applied to damp surfaces one hour after standing water has been removed. Surface temperature should be between 50°F and 80°F. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated during application and until the surface is dry. Keep children and pets out of the area until foot traffic resumes.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Heavy Duty Sealer

Features and Benefits

• Advanced penetrating microbond protection
• Heavy duty protection against most stains
• Makes cleaning stone easier
• Preserves natural look
• Water-based, low-solids coating
• Interior & exterior

Where to Use
Natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, slate, saltillo, bluestone, flagstone, travertine & sandstone.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area with a 24-hour cure time to determine ease of application and desired results. Allow new grout installations to cure for a minimum of 72 hours prior to application. Make sure surface is clean and free of waxes and coatings. Sealer may be applied to damp surfaces 1 hour after standing water is removed. Surface temperature should be between 50°F and 80°F. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated during application and until the surface is dry. Keep children and pets out of the area until foot traffic resumes.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Sealer

Features and Benefits

• Advanced penetrating microbond protection
• Standard protection against most stains
• Makes cleaning stone easier
• Preserves natural look
• Water-based, low-solids coating
• Interior & exterior

Where to Use
Natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, slate & travertine.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area with a 24-hour cure time to determine ease of application and desired results. Allow new grout installations to cure for a minimum of 72 hours prior to application. Make sure surface is clean, and free of waxes and coatings. Sealer may be applied to damp surfaces 1 hour after standing water is removed. Surface temperature should be between 50°F and 80°F. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated during application and until the surface is dry. Keep children and pets out of the area until foot traffic resumes.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Natural Stone Countertop Sealer

Features and Benefits

• Advanced protection against oil- and water-based stains
• Can be applied to damp surfaces
• Great for backsplashes and shower walls
• Water-based formula

Where to Use
Natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, slate, flagstone, saltillo and sandstone.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area
with a 24-hour cure time to determine ease of application and desired results. Allow new grout
installations to cure for a minimum of 72 hours prior to application. Make sure surface is clean
and free of waxes and coatings. Sealer may be applied to damp surfaces 1 hour after standing
water is removed. Surface temperature should be between 50°F and 80°F. Ensure that the area
is well-ventilated during application and until the surface is dry to the touch. Keep children and
pets away from area until surface is dry.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Impregnator Pro® Sealer

For Professional Use Only

WARNING: Avoid exposure to vapours. Use in a well-ventilated area or with an approved respirator device.
For an easier-to-use product with new advanced technology that produces the same results, we recommend BulletProof® Sealer or Heavy Duty Sealer

Features and Benefits

• Heavy duty protection against most stains
• Original fluorochemical technology
• Natural look
• Solvent-based, interior & exterior

Where to Use
Natural stone such as bluestone, granite, limestone, slate & travertine.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area with a 24-hour cure time to determine ease of application and desired results. Allow new grout installations to cure for a minimum of 72 hours prior to applying sealer. Make sure surface is clean, dry and free of waxes and coatings. Surface temperature should be between 50°F and 80°F. Keep children and pets out of the area until foot traffic resumes.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Heavy Duty Exterior Sealer

Features and Benefits

• Heavy duty protection against water-based stains
• Natural look
• Solvent-based, exterior use

Where to Use
Natural stone such as granite, slate, travertine, sandstone & tumbled stone. Masonry & concrete.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area with a 24-hour cure time to determine ease of application and desired results. Allow new grout installations to cure for a minimum of 72 hours prior to application. Make sure surface is clean, thoroughly dry and free of waxes and coatings. Surface temperature should be between 50°F and 80°F.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Advanced Grout Sealer

Features and Benefits

• Maximum protection against stains
• Keeps grout looking new
• Apply only two hours after grouting
• Great for tile countertops, floors, and walls

Where to Use
Grout for natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain tile.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Ensure area is well-ventilated during application and until surface is dry. Open windows and doors and use exhaust fans. Keep children and pets out of area until foot traffic can be resumed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area to determine appropriate application method and desired results. Avoid spraying surfaces not intended for treatment. For new installations, product can be applied as soon as 2 hours after grouting. For best results, wait 4 hours or more. Grout should be firm to the touch before application. For cured installations, grout must be clean, dry, and free of sealers and coatings.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Grout Sealer

Features and Benefits

• Heavy duty protection against most stains
• Protects grout & makes cleaning easier
• Natural look
• Water-based, low-solids coating
• Interior & exterior

Where to Use
Grout for natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain tile.

Directions
Note: Directions may vary depending on size. Always test in a small inconspicuous area with a 24-hour cure time to determine ease of application and desired results. Allow new grout installations to cure for a minimum of 72 hours prior to application. Make sure surface is clean, dry and free of waxes and coatings. Ensure that the surface temperature of the stone is between 50-80°F before sealing.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Grout Release

Features and Benefits

• Makes grout clean-up during installation easy
• Prevents grout from staining stone
• Water-based coating
• Interior & exterior

Where to Use
Natural stone such as marble, limestone, travertine, slate, sandstone & tumbled stone. Masonry & concrete.

Directions
Always test in a small inconspicuous area to determine the ease of application and desired results. Make sure surface is clean, dry and free of loose debris. Not recommended for use on ceramic tile and dense (low absorbency) stone. Surface temperature should be between 50ºF-80ºF.

Clean
Once natural stone is properly sealed, it's protected from everyday spills. Instead of being absorbed into the stone, they will bead up on the surface. When cleaning these messes, it's equally important to use cleaners specially formulated for stone.
Most general purpose cleaners, acidic and alkaline solutions, abrasives, ammonia or bleach can break down the sealers and damage stone surfaces. Our daily and heavy duty cleaners were carefully designed for stone, providing you with peace of mind.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Revitalizer® Cleaner and Protector

Features and Benefits

• Cleans common messes while reinforcing protection
• Built-in sealer makes surfaces easier to clean
• Gentle formula
• Great for stone countertops and everywhere else
• Available in Citrus or Cucumber scent

Recommended surfaces:
Natural stone such as granite, slate and sandstone.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Be sure all surfaces to be cleaned are swept or vacuumed to remove loose debris. Keep children and pets out of the area during application and drying. Dilute concentrated cleaner with warm water according the following mixing chart:

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Stone & Tile Cleaner

Features and Benefits

• Cleans everyday messes
• Neutral, gentle formula
• Great for countertops, stone & ceramic tile floors

Where to Use
Natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, slate, sandstone & Zodiaq®. Ceramic tile, porcelain tile & grout.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Be sure surfaces to be cleaned are swept or vacuumed to remove loose debris. Avoid skin and eye contact with product. Wear protective eyewear and gloves when handling concentrate. Keep children and pets out of the area during application and drying.

Dilute concentrated cleaner with warm water according to the following mixing chart:

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional KlenzAll™ Cleaner

Features and Benefits

• Powers through stubborn grease & soils
• Safe on stone, will not etch
• Professional strength, alkaline formula

Where to Use
Natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, slate & sandstone. Ceramic and porcelain tile & grout. Masonry & concrete.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Test in small inconspicuous area to determine required dilution and results. Be sure all surfaces to be cleaned are swept or vacuumed to remove loose debris. Avoid skin and eye contact with product. Wear protective eyewear, gloves, long sleeves, and long pants while handling concentrate. Ensure work area is well-ventilated during application and until surface is dry. Keep children and pets out of the area during application and drying.

Dilute concentrated cleaner with warm water according to the following mixing chart:

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner

Features and Benefits

• Cleans stubborn grease and dirt
• Safe for use on ceramic and porcelain tile, and natural stone surfaces
• Professional strength, water-based formula

Where to Use
Natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, slate and sandstone. Ceramic and porcelain tile and epoxy and cement grout. Masonry and concrete. Engineered stone, DuPont™ Corian® and other solid surfaces.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Test in a small inconspicuous area to confirm that desired results are achieved. Be sure all surfaces to be cleaned are swept or vacuumed to remove loose debris. Avoid skin and eye contact with product. Wear protective eyewear, gloves, long sleeves, and long pants while handling concentrate. Ensure work area is well-ventilated during application and until surface is dry. Keep children and pets out of the area during application and drying.

Dilute concentrated cleaner with warm water using 1 part Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner and 1 part water.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Restore™ Acidic Cleaner

Features and Benefits

• Renews tile & grout
• Cleans away hard water deposits, grout haze, efflorescence & soap scum
• Professional strength, acidic formula

Where to Use
Ceramic tile, porcelain tile & grout, granite, slate & sandstone.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Test in small inconspicuous area to determine required dilution and results. Be sure all surfaces to be cleaned are swept or vacuumed to remove loose debris. Heavy duty dilution may darken some surfaces. This acid-based cleaner will etch or damage most marble, limestone and travertine surfaces. Will etch or corrode most metal surfaces. Avoid skin and eye contact. Wear protective eyewear, gloves, long sleeves, and long pants while handling product. Ensure work area is well-ventilated during application and until surface is dry. Keep children and pets out of the area during application and drying.

Dilute concentrated cleaner with warm water according to the following mixing chart:

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Oil Stain Remover

Features and Benefits

• Pulls out deep, set-in oil stains
• Leaves no residue
• Will not discolour stone
• Easy to use

Where to Use
Natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, slate & sandstone. Grout for ceramic & porcelain tile. Masonry & concrete.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area to determine that the desired results will be achieved. Make sure surface is clean, dry, and free of waxes and coatings. Ensure that area is well-ventilated and keep children and pets away from the area during application and until surface is clean and dry.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Heavy Duty Coating Stripper

Features and Benefits

• Professional strength formula
• Removes tough coatings, lacquers, varnishes, and epoxy grout haze
• Low odour and non-flammable
• Easy to use, water-based formula

Where to Use
Suitable for all natural stone surfaces including slate, marble, and saltillo. Not intended for use on surfaces other than stone & masonry.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area with a 24-hour cure time to determine ease of application and desired results. Be sure all surfaces to be cleaned are swept or vacuumed to remove loose debris. Ensure work area is well-ventilated during application and until surface is dry. Keep children and pets out of the area until foot traffic resumes. Avoid contact with surfaces not intended to be treated. Product can cause plastics (e.g., PET) to haze, and can dull linoleum surfaces. Avoid applying in direct sunlight. Should not be used in extreme temperatures. Recommended application temperature range is 50°F to 90°F.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Epoxy Grout Haze Remover

Features and Benefits

• Professional strength formula
• Removes tough epoxy grout haze and other coatings
• Low odour and non-flammable
• Easy to use, water-based formula

Where to Use
Suitable for all natural stone surfaces including slate, marble, and granite. Highly porous or highly textured surfaces should be treated with DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Grout Release before grouting to enable effective removal of epoxy grout haze.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area with a 24-hour cure time to determine ease of application and desired results. Be sure all surfaces to be cleaned are swept or vacuumed to remove loose debris. Ensure work area is well-ventilated during application and until surface is dry. Keep children and pets out of the area until foot traffic resumes. Avoid contact with surfaces not intended to be treated. Product can cause plastics (e.g., PET) to haze, and can dull linoleum surfaces. Avoid applying in direct sunlight. Should not be used in extreme temperatures. Recommended application temperature range is 50°F to 90°F.

Transform
Beyond protecting and cleaning natural stone, sometimes you want to transform the surface to achieve your desired look. If your polished stone is already in great condition, get a brilliant shine with a quick spray and wipe. If your stone requires restoration work, we've got the professional products to bring your stone back to life.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Polish

Features and Benefits

• Adds quick, brilliant shine to polished stone
• No greasy film
• Easy-to-use formula
• Great for kitchen countertops & bathroom vanities

Where to Use
Polished natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone & travertine. Not for use on floors. May create slipping hazard.

Directions
Read entire label before using. Use only as directed. Always test in a small inconspicuous area to determine that the desired results will be achieved. Make sure surface is clean, dry and free of waxes and coatings.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Enhancer

Features and Benefits

• Easier to use, water-based formula
• Enriches colour
• Standard protection against most stains
• Interior use

Where to Use
Natural stone such as limestone, slate, travertine, sandstone, flagstone, tumbled stone, flamed stone & textured stone. Masonry & concrete.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional Enhancer Pro™ Sealer

For Professional Use Only
For an easier-to-use, water-based technology we recommend Enhancer

Features and Benefits

• Enriches colour
• Heavy duty protection against most stains
• Solvent-based, interior & exterior applications

Where to Use
Natural stone such as limestone, slate, travertine, sandstone, flagstone, tumbled stone, flamed stone & textured stone. Masonry & concrete.

DuPont™ StoneTech® Professional High Gloss Finishing Sealer

Features and Benefits

• Two-in-one formula leaves a wet-look finish and protects against stains
• Easy-to-use, water-based formula
• Interior use

Where to Use
Slate, saltillo, limestone, travertine and concrete floors.
Not intended for use on glazed, polished, or non-absorbing surfaces, wood floors & decks, showers, countertops, or near pool areas.