Sealing Porous White Granite Countertops...

Majestic White Granite treated with Meta Crème

Not all granites are created equal. For a homeowner this can be a concern when it comes to granite countertops, especially if the counter in question is a white or light colored granite. The reason is that lighter colored granites tend to be more porous than darker granites. Often these lighter granites are coated with epoxy at the quarry factory in order to help prevent staining. But that is more the exception that the rule. More often than not these granite slabs come to the fabricator untreated and unsealed. What this means practically is that for an unprotected or inadequately sealed counter not only water, but also various liquids (coffee, red wine, etc.) and food oils. can more easier seep into the pores of the granite. What to do?

Majestic White Granite treated with Meta Crème

First, whether your granite is dark or light, perform a water test. Pour a small amount of water onto an area of the granite and let it sit for ten minutes or longer. Then wipe up the water. Does the granite appear somewhat darker? If so, that means your present sealer isn't doing the job or there is no sealer there at all. Now water doesn't stain even though it darkens the stone. Over a period of time the granite lightens up again as the water evaporates and the stone dries. But other non-H2O liquids and food oils, if left on the granite long enough, can leave the granite with a discolored/stained appearance.

Majestic White Granite treated with Meta Crème

We started by stating that all granites are not created equal. Well, all sealers are not created equal. In my house at Frisco Lakes I have granite counters. The granite I have is Majestic White, a fairly porous stone. Nonetheless, when I moved in I treated them with a top tier silicone-based impregnator that I already had on hand. For a time it seemed to do the trick. Yet gradually I noticed darkened areas where water had been left on the granite. I decided to retreat the counters, but this time with a non-silicone impregnator called Meta Crème that I knew to be a superior impregnator. This product is somewhat more expensive but worth it. The technology of Mete Crème works on a microscopic level in which the treatment becomes a permanent part of the stone. And it does so without changing the natural appearance of the counters. Suffice to say, the naturally porous Majestic White granite counters, having been treated with Meta Crème are no longer darkening from water and are protected from even oil-type foods and liquids!

If you are interested in having your granite or marble counters treated with an impregnator to protect against staining and moisture intrusion I'd be more than happy to give you an estimate. Cheers...

Less is More: Simple Design Idea for Backsplash...

You are thinking of tiling your backsplash with a 3x6 or 4x8 subway tile. You think to yourself, "I want to jazz it up a bit!" So you start to consider different kinds of decorative tiles to intersperse as accents or a band. That can be a good idea, but not always. Backsplashes are narrow areas set between the counter top and the bottom of the upper cabinets. Often decorative tiles or accent bands can end up causing the splash area to feel busy or congested, i.e. too much in too small of an area. This can be especially true when the tile is set over a "busy" granite countertop. Still, it's a subjective judgment. What seems crowed to one person appears just right to another.

So, here's a simple idea to create an appealing look with a subway tile backsplash without adding deco tiles. Using the subway tile, simply change the layout at the bottom two rows of the backsplash lining up the vertical joints. Add a pencil liner or half round tile as a border division.


Then install the subway tile in the customary split joint fashion. Grout with a closely matching grout color. The result is an elegant look that will wear well on the eyes for years to come.
Less is often More...