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Granite - polished finish
Cleaning - Problem Solving - Protection - Care
When you look at the pictures above and compare to polished marble and limestone, it is often difficult to tell which is which. You cannot tell by look or feel. As granite does not react with acidic liquids, cleaners are not a concern unless they can create a stain. Sealing options are below. Here is how you can do an
acid test
to confirm which you have.
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There is no need for confusion or problems brought about by misidentification of a surface type, yet it happens all too often. If you would like to see why this is the case and how to properly identify a surfacing material .....
Click here
If you are concerned about doing it yourself - consider that the satisfaction of a project is directly related to your knowledge of what needs to be done and how. Who actually does the work is less important. We estimate that 25% of the usage of Aldon products is by "do it yourself" homeowners and we know they are happy because we hear from them.
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION - With Identifying Characteristics
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- Wide range of colors, vein patterns, and crystal deposits.
- A very hard stone that with a highly reflective "mirror like" finish.
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ADVANTAGES TO THIS MATERIAL
- Timeless, classical beauty
- The great variety of colors and patterns allow for a wide spectrum of design options.
- Not harmed by acidic liquids (etching).
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CONSIDERATIONS (All Are Preventable!)
(Click links for Aldon's solutions to these issues!)
- Although polished granite will bead water, there may be sufficient minute (invisible to the naked eye) separations between granite particles to allow the entrance of a highly penetrating staining liquid allowed to stand for a length of time. Once past the polished finish, these liquids are in contact with the absorbent natural stone. Phenol based cough syrup, some fruit juices, etc. have managed to do this. To deal with this type of stain situation, click
here.
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Following are recommendations for products you may need (in sequence of use ) for whichever of the categories applies to you. Please review each and mark your printed
worksheet accordingly.
Layed, But Not Grouted
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 Grout Easy
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 Efflorescence Treatment
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 Grout Residue
Remover
(should not be needed after using Grout Easy)
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Grouted, But Not Sealed
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Grout Residue
Remover
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Efflorescence Treatment
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.............Sealer ( see below )
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 Lifeguard
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Care ...........
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Sealer Has Been Applied
Important! - First -
Click here!
 Premium Stripper- ...........Cleaners ?
- ...........Sealer ( see below )
- Lifeguard
- Care ..........
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Regarding The Sealer Results Shown Below
A polished stone finish has unique criteria that limit choices in sealing.
- It is usually desirable to not have an observable change to the factory finish
- These finishes cannot absorb sealers, but can stain if light colored and contain micro-fissures.
- If stainable, the finish must be protected from oil borne, as well as, water borne stains.
These criteria dictate the use of a sealer that creates an extremely thin and invisible coating that will repel oil and water type liquids. Below are the options to accomplish this.
An Aldon sealer does far more than just bead water and look pretty! To see what that is
click here.
Your results may vary somewhat from these pictures due to variations in computer display and the surface materials themselves. Nevertheless, you will be able to see the differences well enough to make good choices.
Different areas of the same piece are used as much as possible to minimize raw material variations.
Of all the sealers Aldon manufactures, the ones shown are recommended as best suited to this surface type.
(Important: If your project has had any sealer applied in the past, it must be evaluated differently. To see why,
Click here!)
"Fine Stone Sealer"
Water Based - Penetrating/Coating Type
Picture is polished granite with no absorption.
- Sealed in one application
- No change to gloss
- No change to color
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Center shows reflection of a floodlight. Notice there is nothing to indicate an appearance change from one side to the other.
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Red arrow shows water drop spreading on unsealed left side
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Yellow arrow shows water drop maintaining a high bead on the sealed side
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"S-B-S Sealer"
Solvent Based - Penetrating Type
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One Application
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No appearance change
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May add additional gloss
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For a highly polished and non-absorbent surface like this, the S-B-S Sealer in aerosol cans are recommended. A spray will achieve a smooth self leveling surface better than a brush, roller or pad. |
* Note: will add another level of gloss to any of the above sealed surfaces.
It also prevents traffic wear to the sealers finish.
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