Stone maintenance & chemicals
In the stone maintenance industry there are two main types of chemicals that are utilized, water-based and solvent-based. Solvent-based chemicals do not contain any water and do not register a pH balance. These ingredients are only soluble in other solvents. Some examples of solvent chemicals are paint thinners, most penetrating sealers (impregnators), D-Limonene, and alcohol. Water-based chemicals are chemicals that contain water and have a pH balance. Chemicals mixed in water are soluble in water. There are a variety of water based chemicals such as neutral cleaners, ammonia, bleach, and most chemicals that have a pH balance. In order to determine the difference between solvent and water based chemicals, read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Most solvents have a flash point and can ignite. Most water-based chemicals do not have a flash point unless they contain a solvent ingredient to add strength to the product. For example, many degreasers contain D-limonene. In most stone care situations, if a stain or coating is water-based, then water-based chemicals are needed to remove it. Listed below are samples of the two types of chemicals:WATER-BASED: SOLVENT-BASED:
Alkalis D-limonene
Acids Alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide Siloxane
All purpose cleaners Acetone
Glycols Mineral spirits
Some product lines are derived of mainly water-based chemicals. The reason is due to the environmental concerns that solvent-based chemicals are harmful to our environment. Water-based chemicals are usually more user friendly. Remember to always wear proper protective gear when using any chemical and keep them all out of the reach of children.
More resources:
Granite Kitchen Design
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Granite Kitchen Design
Kitchens gallery. Custom fabricated granite countertops and marble vanity tops. Wide range of designs, edges, granite colors. work examples from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut.
Bathrooms New Jersey
Granite lends itself to a variety of locations in traditional and modern houses for hallways,stairways, living areas, bathrooms and particularly, work surfaces such as kitchen tops and vanity tops.
Bathroom Countertops
Granite and marble countertops require routine maintenance to look their best. Here are some basic care tips.