Natural Granite -

Within the stone industry the term `granite` is applied to almost all igneous rocks and whilst not strictly geologically correct any very hard crystalline rock with a Quartz base would by tradition be called a granite. Granites come in a wide range of colours and grain patterns and can be worked to achieve a variety of shapes and finishes. Because granite is a natural material, each slab is different, exhibiting subtleties of colour and texture, combining individuality with strength that cannot be matched by synthetic alternatives.

With granite being hard wearing, scratch & heat resistant it is ideally suited for worktops, breakfast bars, island units, upstands, vanity tops, bath surrounds, hearth surrounds, bar tops, counters, reception desks and wall cladding. Consideration should however be given to the porous nature of some granites in certain situations.

Granite / Trafficstone Care -

Surface contamination can arise from frequent use of unsuitable cleaning agents such as highly alkaline detergents or chemicals, also from the reaction of cleaning agents with hard water. Regularly clean all granite surfaces with a damp cloth. A light neutral (PH7) detergent may be safely added. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a leather or similar cloth.

Dry-off granite surfaces to avoid dull patches appearing where hard water and soap residues may have been left during daily use. Avoid the use of cleaning solutions that contain bleach, abrasive cleaners or scour pads. Within kitchen areas check that any cleaning solutions cloths used are suitable for food preparation areas. A spray cleaner, which can be safely applied to all granite surfaces in order to clean and maintain the originally supplied finish, can be obtained from Ideal Marble and Granite Ltd.

Cutting foods / similar on granite worktops should not scratch the granite but your knives will blunt quickly. A separate timber / similar chopping board may be required. Standard saucepans can be on your granite worktops without fear of damage, we do however have pan bar features to aid in preventing warm grease / oils to the base of saucepans from staining your granite worktops. 

Granite is a naturally porous material even when the faces and edges have been polished. Although all installed granite is treated before leaving the works to help resist staining, care should be taken when using acidic and spirit based products such as wine, fruits and perfume. Care should also be taken with oil based products such as olive and cooking oils as these may stain if allowed to soak into the worktop. If spillage does occur, wipe off as soon as possible. Worktops should not be brought into contact with strong acids or chemicals including paint stripper, brush / oven cleaner, nail varnish remover, de-greasing or similar solutions. 

If you require your worktop moving from the original place of installation, please contact us, do not attempt to move granite without advice from those who carried out the original installation, as replacements for damaged granite could result in problems with colour / tone matching as natural materials can vary in colour and tone from slab to slab. Honed granite is not strictly recommended for use as kitchen work surfaces. If you require this effect, extra care is required with granite specific details given prior to purchase and at the time of installation.

Technistone Care -

Technistone is 99.9% solid and nearly impossible to stain. Residue on the surface of Technistone appearing as stains is most likely to be topical. Topical stains are removed easily with a white Scotch-Brite scrubber and any one of many common household cleaners. Technistone is heat resistant and under normal cooking conditions is not affected. Quartz like all natural stone can be damaged by excessive heat.

For the Starlight Technistone range -

greater care is needed than with a natural granite. This applies mainly to the darker colours which can show slight marks in the pigment used to achieve the colouring if the material is used for cutting upon. Wooden chopping blocks should be used to avoid cutting on and the use of pan stands is also recommended as the pigment colour in this material can show slight marks (not in the actual base material).

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