Countertops, 

Natural Stone

Client Background:

A homeowner faced a significant challenge with their granite countertop and travertine backsplash. The natural stone surfaces had endured nearly a decade of exposure without proper sealing, leading to severe staining issues. The use of an air fryer had exacerbated the problem, resulting in prominent oil and grease stains that had become deeply ingrained in the stone. The homeowner was hoping to restore the original allure of their kitchen surfaces and sought our professional assistance to address the damage.

Challenges:

1. Severe Staining

The air fryer’s oil and grease emissions had deeply penetrated the porous surfaces of both the granite countertop and the travertine backsplash, causing stubborn and unsightly stains that regular cleaning methods couldn’t remove.

2. Lack of Sealing:

The absence of proper sealing for almost a decade allowed stains to penetrate the stone, making the restoration process more complex.

3. Restoration to Original Condition:

The homeowner’s goal was to restore the natural stone surfaces to their original, like-new condition, which required a thorough and effective professional restoration process.

Restoration Process:

1. Assessment and Consultation:

We conducted an on-site assessment of the granite countertop and travertine backsplash. We examined the extent of the staining, determined the type of stains, and evaluated the condition of the stone surfaces to make sure the stains could be removed. We never want to over-promise and under-deliver. After examination, we felt confident we could effectively remove the stains.

2. Poultice Application:

Given the severity of the oil and grease staining, a multi-step approach was devised. Several applications of a specialized poultice were required to draw out and absorb the deeply embedded stains. The poultice was carefully selected to match the type of stains and the specific stone surfaces.

3. Stain Removal:

The poultice was applied to the stained areas and left to work its magic. Over a series of applications, the poultice gradually lifted the oil and grease stains from the stone surfaces. This process required patience and precision to ensure thorough stain removal without causing any damage to the natural stone.

4. Sealing:

With the stains eradicated, the final step involved applying a professional-quality impregnating sealer. This sealer would fill the pores of the stone to create a protective barrier that would help prevent future staining and ensure the longevity of the restored stone surfaces.

Outcome:

The restoration process successfully transformed the badly stained granite countertop and travertine backsplash into their original, like-new condition. The air fryer-induced oil and grease staining was completely removed, revealing the natural beauty of the stone surfaces. The final step of sealing provided the homeowner with peace of mind, knowing that their investment was now protected from further staining and deterioration.

Conclusion:

This case study highlights the importance of proper sealing for natural stone surfaces. Expertise and the application of specialized techniques were crucial in achieving the desired outcome for the homeowner. By addressing the staining issue and applying a professional sealer, the homeowner’s kitchen was transformed into a space that once again showcased the elegance and sophistication of granite and travertine.

Do you have stains on your granite, travertine or other natural stone and need professional restoration? We can help! Give us a call at (404) 984-5598 or use our CONTACT FORM to reach out to us.