| My Grandmother used to say to me "Nothing cheap | | | | fading of black granite counter tops. Black granite |
| is good and nothing good is cheap". This ring true | | | | should not fade. Black granite imported from Asia is |
| when dealing with the purchase especially on the | | | | sometimes doctored with dyes and oils to darken the |
| internet of Granite Work Surfaces. In fact of all | | | | surface. The fading is nothing more than the dyes |
| stone so read carefully. | | | | and oils being removed. Unfortunately, the only fix is |
| Natural stone is graded as to it's suitability for a given | | | | to re-polish the top. This can be costly. |
| task. It is also graded regarding the region of the | | | | Before purchasing a granite top perform the following |
| world it originated from. This is a grade for general | | | | test to find out if it has been doctored. |
| use but more for stone professionals to advise | | | | Get a clean white cloth and apply some acetone (nail |
| architects, surveyors etc which products to use for | | | | varnish remover) to the surface of the granite. If |
| maximum efficiency in the building or home. | | | | any residue or black color is observed on the top, do |
| When buying on the internet you are usually shown | | | | not accept it, it has been dyed. /P> |
| samples of the very best, Granite, Marble, Limestone | | | | Take a piece of the "granite" you want to test and |
| etc. You must be aware that this stone is probably | | | | spill a few drops of lemon juice onto it. If you see |
| not what you will receive. Firstly, the stone is | | | | that under the drops of lemon it develops very |
| batched. You need batched stone to get the | | | | quickly dark spots, it means that it's a very |
| consistent pattern throughout the surface. If you | | | | absorbent stone and I would advise you against it. If |
| were to buy stone today and return for stone a | | | | it takes, say, a minute or so to be absorbed, then |
| month later to complete your project you will | | | | you're dealing with a level of absorbency that's easily |
| invariably get a mismatch that can look horrendous | | | | controllable with the application of a good quality |
| especially with the larger crystals such as blue pearl | | | | impregnating sealer. |
| granite. | | | | So, in short be careful where you place your order |
| Always make sure you are receiving the same batch | | | | and always seek specialist advice. The void between |
| and have it itemised on your order. Also if the | | | | a good stone and a bad stone is huge, the price |
| installer chips a corner or scratches the surface you | | | | between a good stone and a bad stone is smaller |
| will generally need a replacement piece. If the batch | | | | than you think but can be costlier. |
| isn't available you may have a problem. | | | | If you are in any doubt give me a call I will try to |
| I have received numerous calls lately concerning the | | | | help 07968 503887. |