Care and Maintenance

Can I put Hot Items on my Stone Benchtop?

We do not recommend this. Stone is considered heat-resistant as opposed to heat-proof, so don't place extremely hot items (such as pots and dishes from the oven) directly onto the benchtop as prolonged exposure to high-heat items can result in discolouration or even cracking. DO use trivets, insulated mats or boards to protect your surface.

How do I care for my stone products?

DON’T slide rough items along your benchtop.  Again, most of the stone products are scratch resistant but not scratch-proof. 

DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as Ajax or Jif. A general guide is to only use warm soapy water to clean your stone products however we do recommend you refer to the relevant manufacturer of your chosen product. Always test clean on a small and inconspicuous area of the stone if you are unsure of a products suitability.

DON’T leave spills.  Wipe up all food and liquid spills as soon as possible. Avoid allowing acidic products or food to sit on your stone surfaces, clean up any spills immediately. With natural stone surfaces this is particularly important, however even engineered stone products can be marked in this way. In addition to this do not place hot objects, for example pots or pans, onto your stone surfaces. This can cause cracking as well as burning or marking the surface in the case of engineered stone products. Instead, place a suitable heat mat onto the stone before placing hot objects.

DON’T ever sit or stand on your benchtop.  Whilst the stone is very strong, the under cabinet or substrate may not be, especially the thinner edge in front of the sink and hotplate. 

Care for natural stone products can vary on the material chosen as the properties of natural stone vary. All natural stone surfaces will be sealed initially by us at either point of fabrication or installation. Information can then be provided as to suitable products for your stone surfaces and a regime for how often they should be used in order to maintain the best condition for your surfaces into the future.

What stones require sealing and how often?

All natural stones benefit from being sealed at periodic intervals, however some stones require that sealing to be carried out more often to ensure the longevity of surface condition. In particular, limestone, marble and travertine need to be sealed at least annually when being used in kitchens due to being inherently porous. In the first year following install we would recommend sealing these products several times in order to build up a higher level of protection. Following that sealing can be carried out as per product manufacturers instructions.

In terms of granites, quartzites and other materials, porosity and durability can vary widely. Don’t hesitate to ask our staff for sealing recommendations based on the material you’ve chosen for your product.

All natural stone products we utilise are sealed before finalising installation.

Engineered and man made products typically do not require sealing.

Can I seal my natural stone products myself?

Sealing your stone surfaces is a quick job and can be easily handled at home.

First, ensure the surface is clean of any residue or marking. Using methylated spirits and a clean white rag give all surfaces a thorough wipe. Any markings that are particularly stubborn, such as dark marks, can be removed with a stone foam cleanser. Ensure that any film or residue from the cleanser is then removed using the methylated spirits.

Next ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly dry, any moisture within material can be trapped by the sealer and result in dark patches. Apply the sealer, we recommend Aquamix Sealer’s Choice Gold, using a clean white rag in a thin film over the stone. Do not apply the sealer too thickly as it will dry forming a heavy film which can effect the surface finish and is difficult to remove. You should upon applying the sealer be able to look upon it at a 45 degree angle and see it soaking into the material. After leaving it for approximately 20 minutes or as per manufacturers instructions, apply another coat. Several thin coats is better than one thick coat.

After sealing adequately and leaving time for the sealer to dry, at least 24 hours, drip some water onto the surface. Beading indicates that the material is well sealed.

Is it safe to keep my existing engineered stone benchtop?

Whilst fabricating engineered stone in an unsafe manner can be potentially hazardous, the final product in your kitchen is rated to be safe for you and your family. At Pacific Stone we pride ourselves on our safety practices and ensure that any fabrication work carried out in your residence or on commercial projects is done to a standard above and beyond safety requirements. All material we use has Safety Data Sheets available to ensure it is up to specification for use.

Warranty

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for information on Warranty of Products. For mineral crystalline silica-free surface products you will need to register with the relevant supplier of your chosen product. No supplier of Natural Stone offers a warranty of their product.