Maintenance : Composite Granite Sink

My black composite granite sink developed a white haze after about 8 months. Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser removed the haze with ease.

What mineral makes granite pink :
Orthoclase feldspar


Vinegar, with a pH of 2.8, is very acidic and as a result will etch any sealed finish on your granite. Typical etchings will appear as hazy areas, dull spots or rings.

How to clean composite granite sink :
According to a website by FRANKE fine sinks and baths, http://www.frankeksd.com/cleaninginstructions.php?node=30&cleanid=3, clean a granite sink by using a soapy nylon brush in circular motions. Rinsing and drying is very important in avoiding film build-up. Never use abrasive cleaning products. Please refer to the site for additional suggestions about cleaning stains.

Can use alcohol & water to clean granite?
no it is poisonous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PRO :
fade proof solid color throughout , resists scratching chipping and staining heat resistant up to 535 degrees fahrenheit (279 deg Celsius)

Granite Composite - The most durable sinks on the market today. Thanks to an extremely high density of rock particles at the sink's surface, these sinks offer supeiour scratch, chip and heat resistance. These sinks will weather hot pans, dropped utinsils, tomato sauce stains and other harsh conditions beautifully. And they offer heat resistance to 535 degrees Fahrenheit, which means a pan can go from stove to sink without burning or marring the surface.

Granite

Hi Kanegan,

Ya. Think for granite, must apply sealers. With sealers, the cons of granite seems to be resolved.

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From http://www.keidel.com/design/select/tops-matl-granite.htm

Living with Granite
Unlike marble, synthetic and laminate countertops, granite countertops will not blister, scratch or chip under normal use. It is heat resistant, so a hot pot can be placed on it without using a trivet or pad. Its cool polished surface is ideal for rolling out pastry dough. Granite countertops are a beautiful, durable and cost competitive solution for countertops.

However, granite is subject to staining and etching if not maintained with sealers.

Granite is porous and It will absorb oils, such as cooking oil and grease, leaving a permanent dark spot unless it sealed. Hairspray leave a residue, and many common foods and toiletries contain acids and other ingredients that may etch or dull the stone surface.

Protecting the Surface
Granite is a natural stone product and has a certain degree of porosity. Therefore, after installation, it must be cleaned and sealed. Only impregnating sealers that are semi-permeable are acceptable. Impregnators do not cover up the natural beauty of the stone and do not wear off like a surface coating.


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Will the contractor apply this sealer? Do u know how much is the sealer you saw?

Granite Countertop : Poison?

Initially I wanted to do granite, but I've read that granite gives of radiation and is bad for health. I tried to ignore that fact, and still wanted to go for Bianco Romano granite, which is white and resembles marble somewhat. Then who knows the stone supplier told me that granite is poisonous and ask me to switch to marble or lavastone. Really thankful she reminded me again! She said black and red granite is the most poisonous of all granites. Marble is often used in Italian kitchens. I almost wanted Carrara white marble, then contracter/supplier told me white marble will turn yellow in the future! So I decided to go for lavatop, which gives off strong energy and is good for health. But lavastone is not pretty looking, comes in black or grey only. There're color lavatops through glazing but currently not available in Singapore as supplier can't find large enough kiln. Anyway, have yet to confirm anything, so might change to quartz if it's prettier looking.

Kitchen Top : Reconstitute Granite

The best material to use for kitchen tops by far is reconstituted granite. It is scratch, heat and chemical resistent and it is as tough as nails. The only brand of recon granite you can get in Sg is Silestone - available from STILE near Sg Expo.

But it doesn't come cheap - nice colours start at around $160-190 per sq ft.
Ugly colours are about $60 but they are butt ugly. e.g. lime green.

Granite : Cons

Initally i wanted to choose granite top but decide to choose solid surface top instead bec of the following reasons :-

1) Lines between granite tiles.
Cos granite come in a certain size and for tops that is long, u can see the separator lines between granite. Asethetic wise not so nice

2) More porous than solid surface
It is more porous than solid surface and stains marks easily get 'eat' into the top. Also, it get burns easily, if u have hot pots resting on granite top.

3) Lesser choice of selections
The most nicest granite top is galaxy i tink.. the rest are not so nice lor..

Granite

From http://www.keidel.com/design/select/tops-matl-granite.htm

Living with Granite
Unlike marble, synthetic and laminate countertops, granite countertops will not blister, scratch or chip under normal use. It is heat resistant, so a hot pot can be placed on it without using a trivet or pad. Its cool polished surface is ideal for rolling out pastry dough. Granite countertops are a beautiful, durable and cost competitive solution for countertops.

However, granite is subject to staining and etching if not maintained with sealers.

Granite is porous and It will absorb oils, such as cooking oil and grease, leaving a permanent dark spot unless it sealed. Hairspray leave a residue, and many common foods and toiletries contain acids and other ingredients that may etch or dull the stone surface.

Protecting the Surface
Granite is a natural stone product and has a certain degree of porosity. Therefore, after installation, it must be cleaned and sealed. Only impregnating sealers that are semi-permeable are acceptable. Impregnators do not cover up the natural beauty of the stone and do not wear off like a surface coating.