| |
| |
|
Interior Decorating 4 You |
|
|
|
Free Backlinks At
|
 |
Cleaning Granite Countertops
Homeowners who are seeking to increase value to their homes enjoy the durability and easy maintenance when upgrading to granite countertops. Granite is the most durable of all stones, second only to diamonds. Granite, being created from molten rock, can withstand the heat from a hot pot without a trivet. The hardness of the surface is excellent for handling dough and confectionery. While durable and low maintenance, however, they are not impervious to damage. Properly installed granite countertops should last a lifetime, one justification for the higher costs associated with the material and installation. The granite suppler should provide personalized instructions for care with each slab, since all granite is made up of many different minerals. Even if two different stone slabs come from the same part of the world, there will be variances in the granite that require different kinds of attention. Proper care ensures the longevity and beauty expected from this premium product. In addition to the polished finish, it's possible to get a "honed" or flat finish. Although a honed finish can be very attractive, it is not recommended for kitchen use. Over time, everyday use will tend to lend a polish to some areas, and the additional necessary sealers will distract from the beauty of the surface. A polished finish is easiest to maintain with regular care that includes proper cleaning and the use of sealers to prevent staining. Care for a polished finish begins with daily attention to what is placed on the surface. Granite countertops are hard and can withstand a falling can of soup, but the polished surface is a bit more delicate. Never use the granite as a cutting surface, always use a cutting board. Avoid allowing acidic foods such as lemon juice, vinegar and soft drinks to be left on the surface for any amount of time, as they can etch the surface. Another thing that removes the polished shine are harsh cleaning products or abrasive cleansers (liquid or powder). To clean the surface without leaving streaks, use only a small amount of warm water with a ph balanced dishwashing liquid. Although granite is extremely hard, some of the minerals in it may be very soft. The existence of different minerals is what makes the granite easy to scratch, be chipped or break along the grain. In order to protect the surface, it is recommended to avoid dragging pots, pans or appliances across the stone. Scooting something across the countertop that has even a grain of sugar under it will scratch the polished surface. Scratches allow stains to mar an otherwise beautiful surface. Once a year, a penetrating sealant should be applied. Regular polishing will keep the finish gleaming. Use a penetrating sealant recommended by the supplier or the home builder. Avoid using a stone sealer that will not penetrate the stone, as it will create a cloudy surface that will have to be removed by stripping the entire countertop, using harsh solvents. Remember, the glossy shine isn't caused by a coating on the surface, but by expert polishing using diamond polishing tools. If there is minor damage to a granite countertop, it can be resolved by the homeowner. If a pot or pan leaves a grey or black mark on the surface, it can be polished out using fine steel wool. If a glue-like substance is stuck on the countertop, it is possible to scrape it off with a credit card or single sided razor blade. Small marks made during the removal can be polished out with a fine steel wool. If the granite is chipped or cracked, a professional should be called in to perform invisible repairs. In addition to its strength, granite is a very beautiful stone that adds color and warmth to any kitchen. With just a little care to protect their beauty and utility, granite countertops will last a lifetime. Granite Countertops provides detailed information on granite kitchen and tile countertops, advice on installing and cleaning granite countertops, information on price and locations to purchase discount granite counter tops, and more. Granite Countertops is the sister site of Kitchen Sinks Web.
INTERIOR DECORATING RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Decorating a Guest Bedroom - Get Out of your Own Way Decorating a Guest BedroomThe guest bedroom is the one room in the house that you aren't decorating for yourself. Therefore when you go to design the rooms dcor, it is important not to get in your own way. The Charm of Traditional Shutters For those wanted to give their home an instant facelift, traditional shutters are a great option. Window shutters add style and grace to a house, transforming it into a warm and welcoming home. Decorating with Brains Did I get your attention? Sorry, I just couldn't resist! When I was a little girl, we called them "brains". We would gather them into huge piles and either throw them into the woods or throw them at each other. Wine Rack Kits and Plans Properly storing wine keeps flavor and lets wine age so that you can taste its evolving, complex flavor. Buying a wine rack, however, can be pricey, especially for someone who is more interested in developing a robust wine collection, not decorating. Decorating for Real Life and Real People I spent a recent weekend curled up with a stack of decorating magazines. I read them cover to cover - usually back to front, but that's the way I read most magazines and newspapers. Animal Print Rugs - Adding an Animal Print Area Rug Can Complete The Look of Your Room If you love animal prints or have an exotic theme to your room, an animal print rug can be the finishing touch that really brings the feel of that theme to the room. Make sure when you choose the rug, that the animal print you choose goes with the colors and patterns that are already present in the room. Tasteful Home Decorating Changes Your House Into a Home There is this undocumented story about Andrew Carnegie who kept postponing the decision to redecorate his home just because black, his default color of choice, was simply not used in home decorating those days! Mercifully today, you could well translate your home decorating ideas into alluring reality. For home interior decorating no longer means just coloring your walls in pastel shades and showing off your antiques - it is about using all the home decorating tips that one can get to highlight the most of what one possesses. Creating Positive Environments for Home and Office From the office cubicle to the executive penthouse suite and from apartments to mansions, people are trying to carve out spaces to call their own. Outside, the world may be a stressful place but inside these spaces, people strive to create positive environments where they can live and work happily and peacefully. A Look at Waterbed Sheet Sizes Just like conventional beds, waterbeds come in a number of sizes. It is important to buy the appropriate size sheet for the bed, or the sheets will not fit properly and make it difficult to sleep on the bed. Southwest Style Decorating Tips When you think of the Southwest, what do you think of? Deserts, cactus, saloons? Well, Southwest style decor can actually combine these visions into a single decorating style. If you're wanting to use a Southwestern decorating theme in your home, a living room or den is a great place to use it. Do You Really Want The Ceiling Fan Above The Bed? I love the decorative look of a ceiling fan as much as the next person, but there are things to consider when you put one in your house; especially the bedroom. Ceiling fans make wonderful decorating and utilitarian statements in a room. Transitional Lighting - What Is It? Anyone perusing through the websites looking for lighting fixtures to decorate their homes with may be tempted to choose a style known as Transitional Lighting. The smooth curves and solid foundation of the fixtures of the Transitional Lighting style make it a popular choice with designers today. Finding a Cuckoo Clock Repair Service Weights hanging from the bottom of your cuckoo clock keep it running smoothly and accurately. Some cuckoo clocks have two weights and some have three. A Brief History of Wedgwood China The story of the line begins in 1730 with the birth of Josiah Wedgwood to a family who manufactured pottery. At six years old, Josiah was an apprentice and by 14 he had suffered a bout of smallpox that weakened his right knee. How to Create a Decorative Garden Window If you have a sunny window in a room where you don't have to worry about privacy, this dcor idea will provide a country home feel along with the beauty of Mother Nature's flowers.What you will need for this project:1. Decorating Ideas for a Baby Nursery Creating a comfortable area for your baby is important to many parents. That is why so many parents are interested in decorating ideas for a baby nursery. An Introduction to Picnic Baskets Picnic baskets are the best way to eat outdoors, and the great outdoors is the best place to eat. So why not get a picnic basket as a gift for someone you love or care for? Or how about one just for yourself?Picnic baskets are great for taking to a baseball game, a public park, private garden, or just your living room on a rainy day! They come in all shapes and sizes, all styles and tastes. Making Your Home Blossom is Easy Having trouble getting a room in your home to have that certain charm you're looking for? Searching for that perfect painting, sculpture, or table lamp can often be time-consuming, pricey, and/or lead to fights with your spouse. But, one simple and often overlooked way to add harmony to any room is with fresh cut flowers. Pendant Lighting Layout - How To Pendant lighting has gained a great deal of popularity for use in kitchens over the last few years. A common place to install them is over an island or peninsula. A Kitchen Cart To Spruce Up Any Kitchen Contrary to popular belief, the addition of a center island to your kitchen does not have to be permanent or a huge investment. By using portable kitchen carts or kitchen islands, you can achieve the sophisticated look that is associated with a center island without having to do a major remodel or take out a loan.
|
| Home | Site Map | |
| Copyright © 2006 Aesir Web Productions |
