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About Perry Vellenga
Expertise
Ceramic Tile/Marble. I can answer questions about floor preparation, tile selection, layout questions, performance of products, expectations of finish, compatabilities, questions about grout and epoxies, evaluating an installer, asking the right questions to check competence...more? 30 years this August 09'/ many years in commercial application from exterior finishes to Mall store fronts/ interior finishes like floor packages in stores inside Malls examples: The Limited, Lerner/NY, Lane Bryants, Bombay Co., ect...

Experience
I worked in an exclusive field of floorcovering called "Tenant Development" which is by invitational bid only, by way of a National bid list. These are large floor packages usually over 3500 sq. ft. of 18" x 18" Marble and Granite and many other types of Marble and sizes. They are specialty stores where the floor package can cost upwards of $50,000 for one store. I have also done "Structure" stores and J. Riggins stores, Express and Body Shop stores where wood flooring is used. Presently work for a National Flooring Company in the Residential new construction arena that covers most interior design elements..Granite Slab tops/wood flooring both job finished and prefinished ect..

You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Flooring and Carpeting > New Carrera kitchen countertops

Flooring and Carpeting - New Carrera kitchen countertops

Expert: Perry Vellenga - 11/5/2009

Question
Hi Perry,
I just moved into a new condo last week, which has brand new carrera (white with grey veins) marble countertops in the kitchen and in one bathroom. Sadly, I recently noticed how easily the kitchen countertop can scratch and since I just moved in one week ago--I'm worried about long term use. what can I do to protect/prevent future scratches or damage to this fragile surface? Can you suggest some sealing product or something I can use that will not yellow, darken or dull the marble's pretty white appearance? and if so, how do I use this? is there an optimal technique for application? or things not to do that people often make the mistake of doing? also, is there anything I can do for the current scratches i've recently made? they are small in appearance but I'm so frustrated that I've already flawed the counter. is it possible to somehow "buff" them out or reduce their appearance? lastly, I've heard some things can stain white carrera. is this true? can water also? Ugh, I'm so worried...
thank you so much.

-sarah

Answer
Thank you for your question Sarah,

While I love Carrera Stone it is a worrisome Stone to care for. I saw no mention of a spouse/kids situation so in "this" instance it will be beneficial for the survival of the fragile Stone. It will certainly need a sealer and I suggest a penetrating sealer rather than a
"color enhancing" sealer. The penetrating sealer will not change the overall color of the Stone, but will need to have at least two coats to have minimal protection against stains. Where you need to be careful is Carrera is a significant "absorber" of moisture....no matter "what" kind of moisture it may be. Water, wine, coffee, Coke...these sorts of things. So for instance if you just wet Carrera Stone it will "clear" over a bit (darken to a grey tone) until the moisture evaporate away. Of course the other potential problem liquids will "not" evaporate away without leaving in it's wake some stain to deal with. Also be aware that "make-up" in the bathroom can easily penetrate the surface right along with hairspray. So employing a sealer is a necessary evil for such a temperamental Stone. Almost any "color enhancing" sealer will first darken the surface and leave it dark when your done as well so you do not want to use that type of sealer. A penetrating sealer typically will clear the surface for a little while then will dry out and the light color will return. I use GranQuartz 355E as a penetrating sealer if you can find it. Also I would suggest that you employ a single first coat and then let it set and dry out to see how the Stone reacts to the penetrating nature of the sealer. When it drys out again and the white color return then you can apply the second coat. With the skittish nature of the Stone performing this process should be done in steps separated by a day or so being careful to observe the white countenance of the Stone every time you perform the coat. Now Sarah...I am not at all trying to spook or scare you with this process but common sense is required when dealing with "any" kind of Stone, in particular the sensitive one's. As for the existing small scratches, they can be easily buffed out by a Stone Restoration guy who do these kinds of things all the time but to be honest if you "live" in your home there will always be new ones that arise as you naturally use the space...not to worry. I would suggest that you purchase a nice large Corian cutting board which will compliment the Carrera. This will keep the bulk of preparation activities located to one spot where you can easily control what happens there. Typically water will not "stain" the Stone but some homes have "hard water" problems, which is water that has certain minerals in it that can leave scale or hard water spots on water left to evaporate from the surface. Shouldn't be a problem where water can be so easily managed...ok? When I apply sealer Sarah I purchase a pair of good rubber gloves to keep the sealer off my skin and also get a Hydrosponge (one of the orange ones from your local Home Improvement Store) and cut it into three equal pieces. I will use one and save the other two pieces for future applications. I will pour out the sealer right onto the sponge and going in the same direction over the top put a nice even coat on the top and having a clean terry cloth towel handy I will buff off the sealer before it dries. You can let it sit on the Stone for maybe a minute before you begin to buff it off with the towel. Let it dry out completely and do a little test with a few drops of water on the surface and see if it beads up...if it beads then you can leave it alone, if it doesn't then you will need to add more sealer with another coat until the water bead on the surface. Keep in mind that in order to maintain the protection of the Stone you will need to perform this process every 10-12 months. Ok Sarah, I hope this helps you with your project. Feel free to return anytime...

Perry V.

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