Marble and Granite Care / FAQ

How do I choose a natural stone contractor?
What is the best product for my kitchen countertops?
Is it difficult to care for natural stone countertops?
Do granite countertops need to be sealed?
Are natural stone countertops prone to staining?
Does PMG offer any type of warranty against stains?
How do I get started with my project?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I choose a natural stone contractor?

A: The best thing to do in your search for a qualified stone contractor is to ask questions:

• Ask your friends and family, as well as other professional contractors, for referrals and recommendations.
• Ask contractors for free estimates, and make sure to ask the representative questions when they arrive. It also helps to discuss your project in detail, and give the representative a good idea of your expectations.
• Ask contractors for references and be sure to check them. Ask if there is a showroom available so that you can view the workmanship of the contractor.
• Ask contractors about their products and procedures. Make sure that the natural stone that is offered is not “commercial grade” or substandard in any way, and find out where their stone is provided from. Also make sure that none of their work is contracted out to avoid the hassle of multiple sub-contractors.
• Ask to see proper licensing and insurance information. Ask if the contractor has any professional affiliations with organizations that can vouch for their industry skill level and commitment to service.
• Ask about turnaround time and be sure not to sign any agreements unless you completely understand all the terms presented and everything you and the contractor have agreed to is included.

Communication is very important to ensure you are choosing a competent company. Choose a contractor you feel comfortable working with; one that you believe is skilled and trustworthy.

Q: What is the best product for my kitchen countertops?

A:Without a doubt, natural stone is the best product available for any kitchen. Laminate and other solid surface countertops have become outdated, and natural stone has a classic beauty that will always last. Of the natural stones, marble is the softest and is more widely used in bathrooms and other areas with limited amounts of traffic and heavy-duty use. Silestone countertops, which are 93% natural quartz, are a good choice if you are looking for a more uniform look on your countertop. Silestone has the built-in antimicrobial protection of Microban and a 15 year warranty. It is also heat, scratch and stain resistant. Granite is completely natural and is the most durable and longest lasting product available. It can resist heat up to thousands of degrees, and diamonds (which is what granite polishing pads are comprised of) are the only stone harder than granite, making it virtually impossible to scratch. Granite is easy to clean and will not stain under normal use (see section regarding care of natural stone). In addition, no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, so it is easy to achieve a personal, unique look. Other natural stones, such as travertine, limestone and slate can also be used for countertops, but require much more maintenance as they typically come with a rough, unpolished finish, similar to a honed or flamed finish.


Q: Is it difficult to care for natural stone countertops?

A:Taking care of natural stone is actually very simple, and requires just about as much maintenance as any other countertop. Usually, all you need is warm water, soap or mild dishwashing liquid and a soft, clean cloth to thoroughly clean and maintain your countertops. With any counter, whether it be laminate or marble, it is best to wipe up spills immediately, and protect countertop surfaces with coasters, placemats, or trivets. However, with natural stone countertops you do want to avoid using abrasive cleaners, such as ammonia or bleach. In addition, with the quartz gemstone surface of Silestone, you get the added protection of Microban, which cannot be found in any other countertop product on the market. Microban fights the growth of microbes such as odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew 24/7 for the life of the product. While Microban is not a substitute for normal cleaning practices, it does make Silestone easier to clean and keep clean.


Q: Do granite countertops need to be sealed?

A:Because natural stone is porous, it is recommended that a sealant be applied to the surface of the stone to help protect its natural properties. Most granite companies use surface sealants that they claim protect against staining by creating a barrier that sits on top of the stone, resisting substances from penetrating into the pores. This is cost-effective for fabricators, but not ideal for homeowners for three main reasons:

1. Surface sealants wear off and require constant re-sealing (at least twice a year).
2. Surface sealants can give the stone a cloudy appearance.
3. Sunlight and the fact that the stone is unable to “breathe” through the pores can cause the sealant and/or the stone to change colors over time.

At PMG, we provide our own exclusive sealing system called IntenSeal, which means that for as long as you own your countertop, you will never need to re-seal to keep it looking like new. IntenSeal is a special premium silicone impregnating system designed to penetrate below the surface and bond with the natural properties within the stone. This prevents stains from food items such as cooking oil, wine and fruit juices.


Q: Are natural stone countertops prone to staining?

A:Because all natural stone is porous, it may tend to soak up stains. However, this is actually to the customer's advantage. You can reverse the stain by applying a chemical poultice paste, which will absorb the spill. After the paste is thoroughly dry, it is wiped off and the stain should be completely removed. You can actually make this paste at home with a mix of baking soda and club soda.


Q: Does PMG offer any type of warranty against stains?

A: Please see our Stain Protection Guarantee:

STAIN PROTECTION GUARANTEE
(Limited Warranty)
Potomac Marble & Granite Inc. (hereinafter referred to as PMG Inc.) hereby warrants that for as long as the granite countertop installed by PMG Inc. is in the original purchaser's possession PMG Inc. will, at the company's discretion, either repair or replace any portion of the countertop that has been stained by any food or beverage product suitable for human consumption. Whether the portion is to be replaced or repaired will be ultimately determined by a representative of PMG Inc, and the work will be done at no cost to the original purchaser. This warranty does not cover any staining as a result of neglect or abuse, nor does it cover stains from any items other than food or beverage products.


Q: How do I get started with my project?

A: The best way to begin your project is by contacting us for a complimentary consultation so that we can take precise measurements and determine the amount of your square footage. Once the measurement is completed, we invite you to visit our corporate office warehouse so that you may view and select the granite slab you want for your countertops. You may also view optional sinks and faucets which are available for purchase as well. We can then finalize the details of your project and payment options (whether cash, check, credit card or our 12 month no payments, no interest financing plan). Once everything is set, your beautiful new countertops will be installed within a week or less!