November 30, 2022 igstone Aftercare, Countertops, QuartzCountertops, Maintenance, Markham, Quartz

How To Keep Your Quartz Countertops Lasting Long

How To Keep Your Countertops Lasting Long

A stunning complement to any kitchen or dining space is quartz countertops. Your countertop’s bragging-worthy aesthetic will get highlighted by its distinctive hues and patterns. Quartz is an excellent material for kitchen countertops because it is also one of the hardest materials to scratch, chip, or dent.

It’s critical to understand how to clean and care for quartz countertops.

To clean your countertops, use a rag and disinfectant spray. It’s crucial to keep your countertops clean if you’re frequently serving or preparing food there. In addition to ensuring food safety, this will help keep your countertops in good condition.

Make sure you apply a disinfectant spray designed especially for quartz worktops. Use a moderate disinfection spray because some abrasive or acidic liquids may damage quartz. As an alternative, you can use dish soap and warm water, which will also keep your countertops clean.

Remove any food or dirt that has become adhered with gentle scraping. There are some messes that soap, warm water, or disinfectant spray cannot remove. Instead, use a soft scraper, preferably plastic or a dull knife. Cleaning up those larger and stickier messes will be less frightening if you have one of these tools on hand.

Quickly clean up spills. Even if your countertop is sturdy and stain-proof, it’s usually better to clear up a mess as soon as it occurs. Doing this can prevent food from getting stuck to your counters or dirt from building up there. Additionally, removing spills quickly will keep your countertop clean for longer.

What Not To Do When Cleaning Your Quartz Countertops

Make use of your countertop as a cutting surface. Although a quartz countertop’s thickness and durability could encourage you to use it for cutting, it is better to avoid doing so. Although quartz appears sturdy enough to serve as a countertop and a cutting board, perfect scratch resistance is not always a given.

Place hot objects right on your countertop. Although quartz countertops are durable, they are not invincible. Never put hot pots and pans on your countertop; keep a trivet or potholder nearby. Although leaving a hot pan on your quartz counter for a short time could be OK, it is not a wise practice.

Setting heavy objects on your quartz countertops. Dropping heavy pots and pans, for example, can eventually cause damage to your counters. So always lay goods on your countertop with the utmost care, and avoid slamming anything down.

The purchase of quartz countertops should be considered an investment. Therefore, when working on these counters, you should adhere to the correct “does and don’ts.” If appropriately maintained, quartz countertops can outlive your house and even outlast it. Given its durability, it is imperative to follow the correct methods and refrain from certain behaviours to keep your quartz countertops looking brand new for years to come.

Toronto Countertop Installation

Imperial Granite & Stone is the showroom to visit if you’re looking for new kitchen or bathroom countertops in Toronto! The best selection of granite, quartz, and marble countertop options can be found at our countertop store. Our expert designers can assist you in making the best countertop decision.

Call us today at (905) 513-6906 or get directions to our showroom.

August 28, 2022 igstone Aftercare, Countertops, Kitchen, QuartzMaintenance, Markham, Quartz Countertop

How Do I Fix Chipped Quartz Countertops?

One of the most durable and well-liked materials for countertops is quartz. It is equally as solid as granite and has similarly lovely, if not more lovely, colours and designs. In addition, it is a highly resilient design made of stone and resin that can withstand countless years of use and abuse. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely immune to damage. Your quartz countertop won’t suffer from significant fractures or cracks, but you’ll probably notice chipping with time.

Don’t panic if your quartz countertops get cracked; there are several techniques to repair and restore them.

The facts and questions section below covers what you can do to fix minor chips and other damage to quartz countertops.

Clean the countertop and mark the location

Cleaning the surface, you’re working on is always recommended. While fixing a chip, even little dust or dirt specks could cause additional harm. Use a soft cloth and a nonabrasive cleaner to clean the surface. Before moving on to the next step, mark the damaged area with tape, and let the area dry. This guarantees precise adhesive application and shields surfaces from stains after that. Next, tape a perimeter around the affected area.

What is the make and model of your countertop?

What you do next may vary significantly depending on whether your quartz countertop is light or dark in hue. Superglue can be used to adhere to a countertop with a light tint. This one is ideal for light colours because it’s clear and dry. A tiny amount should be applied to the damaged area and flattened with a brush or spatula until it is flush with the counter’s surface. Let it cure and dry out.

Use a tinted epoxy adhesive with a dye of a comparable shade for darker quartz surfaces. Once you’ve got the correct concoction, use super glue-like techniques to apply it to the affected region.

Buffing and sanding your countertops

To get the smoothest and least noticeable effects, buff the area after giving your adhesive 24-48 hours to dry and cure. To smooth out uneven places, use a piece of sandpaper and carefully rub it over the damaged area. Use a razor blade if you need to reach inside to remove some parts in fine detail.

What if the issue is too severe to be repaired using adhesive?

To guarantee you obtain the safest and best results for your repair budget, it’s better to call in a professional if the damage is more extensive. Granite and quartz countertops are made to last a lifetime, and with the proper maintenance, they will.

Do you have questions about quartz countertops? Contact a countertop professional at Imperial Granite & Stone in Markham immediately.

Your countertop repair, kitchen remodel, or bathroom remodelling will showcase the most distinctive and appealing stone countertops by employing only the finest quality countertop materials. Installing quartz countertops in your Toronto home will give it years of beauty and functionality. Call or come by for a free estimate right away!

For a no-hassle quote or to book a viewing at our Markham countertop gallery, call us at (905) 513-6906 or visit us directly at 150 Ferrier St, Markham, ON L3R 3K3.

July 29, 2022 igstone Aftercare, Bathroom, Countertops, Kitchen, MarbleMaintenance, Marble Countertops, Markham

Common Misconceptions of Marble Countertops

Are you considering changing your current countertops but are hesitant to do so since you genuinely want marble ones because of all the negative press? You are not alone if the answer is yes. The good news is that much of what you’ve heard is untrue. For kitchen countertops, marble is a fantastic material choice that will last for many years.

Marble is one of home architecture’s most luxurious and frequently used materials.

But many customers avoid using this natural stone because of its numerous stories. So which five misconceptions about marble countertops are true? One of the most pervasive misconceptions about marble is that it is expensive, ornamental, or delicate.

This article will debunk some of the most widespread misunderstandings about marble and show why it makes for one of the best countertops for a house.

Marble Is Too Costly

You probably assume that marble is expensive since it has a beautiful appearance. However, numerous varieties of marble may be found, and the cost will vary according to the supply. All materials have a price inversely proportional to their rarity; marble is no exception.

If you know what you’re looking for, marble is inexpensive per square foot compared to granite and quartz and is simple to find. Additionally, the price of marble frequently does not represent its entire appearance. So, if you like the look of marble, purchasing a less expensive marble slab doesn’t necessarily equal a less expensive aesthetic.

Marble Maintenance is Difficult

Another misconception is this one. Similar to other natural stone countertops, marble is very simple to clean. However, natural stone tends to be relatively porous, so it needs to be sealed after installation. While the sealer won’t shield the stone from stains, it will give you enough time to clean up any spills before they penetrate deeply.

You only need to wipe down your marble countertops once a day with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth, then dry it. Next, you can prepare a paste out of baking soda and water to remove stains that won’t come out. Combine the baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. Then, scrape it off with a credit card before washing the area with a warm towel. The discoloration will be easy to remove. If not, repeat the process to get rid of it.

Marble Poses a Risk For Food Safety

Due to marble’s porousness, there is a belief that it cannot be used for food preparation. Marble is a porous material that can be a haven for bacteria. Still, the correct seal can be used in kitchens worldwide and is completely safe. Many experts cook their pastries on polished marble surfaces. When preparing food using marble, you may put your troubles to rest. Clean your countertops and make sure they are correctly sealed.

When a porous surface is sealed correctly, germs, etching, scratching, and discoloration are all prevented, and high-quality sealers can endure for years.

Marble Material Is Too Soft

Another myth that many homeowners hold is this one. Marble is softer than quartz or granite, but that doesn’t mean it won’t last for a very long period. When cared for properly, marble can last for decades. Even if there are scratches and etches, the stone will not be harmed because they are only considered surface damage. Additionally, it’s simple to revive and repair.

Marble Is Too Trendy

Different marble types and hues are available, although brown and black marble countertops are very common across the nation. You only need to glance at the numerous available marble examples to see that this is untrue.

Conclusion

Marble countertops are affordable, sturdy, simple to maintain, and available in many styles. However, it would be best if you considered giving it a shot because it is one of the most elegant natural stone materials. Imperial Granite & Stone professionals can answer your inquiries and review your countertop selections.

We are a dynamic countertop company designing stunning bathrooms and kitchens in Markham, the GTA and across Ontario for over ten years. We provide excellent quality, service, and delivery while specializing in granite, quartz, marble, and onyx. Therefore, we’ve got you covered whether you consider upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, or just changing your countertops.

July 12, 2022 igstone Aftercare, Countertops, Granite, Kitchen, Marble, QuartzMaintenance, Markham, Quartz Countertop

How to Care For Quartz Countertops

Your kitchen or bathroom countertops are probably the room’s shining beauty. When choosing countertops, there is a lot of consideration of the pros and disadvantages. So once the countertops are installed, you should do everything you can to ensure that they stay as intact and damage-free as possible.

Quartz countertops are maintenance-free and well worth the investment if you have them in your kitchen or bathroom.

You need to do a few specific actions to ensure that you keep your quartz countertops as beautiful as possible for as long as you own them.

Quartz is a tough and durable countertop material that is perfect for the abrasion and activity of a kitchen. But that doesn’t imply it can’t be damaged or that it won’t require maintenance to prevent damage to the stone. There are tried-and-true methods for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your quartz countertop.

The information on quartz countertops that follows will help you best maintain them in your home.

The Benefits of Quartz

Quartz is one of the most rigid materials you may choose for your countertop. Even though it is not entirely impervious to damage from scratches or irreparable, it comes close. It also provides a lot of style and appearance with quartz, which is twice as durable as glass and rugged as a knife blade. So you get the best of both worlds regarding the countertop’s useability, durability, and aesthetics.

Caring for Quartz

Quartz countertops demand similar maintenance to granite ones. Because the stone is porous, you should wipe up spills as soon as possible and keep the surface as dry as possible when using it. Additionally, it would help if you utilized cooling racks for hot goods and cutting boards whenever possible because using blades directly on quartz will dull them.

Sealing Quartz Countertops

While a sealer is not always necessary for a quartz countertop, it depends on how porous the particular stone cut is. The longer the lifespan of your countertop, the more sealant will be able to help the more porous the stone is. Nevertheless, applying sealer won’t harm you, making your countertop stronger and stain-resistant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz

Is it possible to find countertops that resemble quartz but aren’t?

Yes. Because quartz is such a diverse stone, individuals frequently mislabel weaker stone materials, thinking they are some quartz colour. This raises the price of a lower-quality stone. Be vigilant and confirm the legitimacy of your quartz.

How can I recognize if my countertop is quartz?

The simplest way to tell is to perform a hardness test on the material because quartz is complex and its replicas are not. So it is probably not quartz but a weaker material if a knife can scratch the surface or the substance cannot scratch glass.

Get the best quartz countertops for your home by discussing your alternatives with a countertop expert.

By responding to all of your inquiries about countertops, Imperial Granite & Stone can assist you in making the best choice for your renovation or new construction. Our area of expertise is our custom fabrication and installation of granite, quartz, marble, and onyx countertops in various colours, grades, and styles.

We have been enhancing the beauty of kitchens and bathrooms for homes across the GTA for over ten years. Call us immediately for a free consultation on your project to remodel your kitchen or bathroom countertops!

August 21, 2021 igstone AftercareAfter Care, How to, Maintenance

Maintenance Guide for Your Countertops

DAILY ROUTINE

You can properly maintain your stone by using water, dish soap, and paper towel or a damp sponge to absorb any spills after food preparation. If needed, use any non-abrasive cleaner such as Formula 409, Lysol, Windex, and Fantastic to wipe away excess. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly with a clean cloth.

TOUGH SPOTS

Leave any of the above cleaners to sit on the affected area for a few minutes;
Soak the affected area with pads of paper towels for 5 to 10 minutes;
Scrub the area gently with a non-scratch pad such as Scotch Brite pad in circular movement;
Rinse with clean water thoroughly;
Dry thoroughly.

For even tougher spots, use Soft Scrub Liquid Gel (with or without bleach). Leave the gel to sit on the affected area for a longer time and follow the same steps above. If needed, apply Windex streak-free as the final step to clean any gel residue.

REMOVING ADHERED MATERIALS

(gums, nail polish, paint, etc.).

Scrape the surface with a plastic putty knife or a razor. Quartz surfaces are tough and will not be harmed by razor edges.
Rinse with clean water thoroughly;
Dry thoroughly.
Any gray marks left by the blade can be removed with Soft Scrub Liquid Gel.
If necessary, use Windex streak-free to clean any gel residue.

CAUTION

Do not use abrasive scrubs. Instead, always use non-scratch pads such as Scotch Bride pad.
Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive oven and plumbing cleaners (Drano, Easy OFF, and Liquid Plumber). These chemicals will dull the surface finish.
Do not use products containing oils or powders because they leave a residue.
Do not use knives directly on the quartz surface. Instead, always use a cutting board.
Do not place hot pots, pans, or electric skillet directly on the quartz surface. Instead, always use trivets or hot pads. Extreme heat may cause thermal shock and crack the surface in the long term.
Minimize direct sun exposure to your quartz. Long-term exposure to direct sunlight may discolour the surface finish. Our quartz is only for interior applications.