Can I put something hot on the stone?
Topical finishes can melt, just like a plastic countertop would, if the temperature is high enough. Also, constantly putting hot objects on the counter could create shadows or even crazing. Thermal cracking is also a risk. Always use a trivet for hot pans and dishes.
Do I have to seal my countertops?
Yes, Squak Mountain Stone and Trinity require sealing after fabrication/installation to enhance their performance. Choosing to neglect this step will cause the counters to ‘patina’ much more quickly than most people want.
What should I use to seal the tops?
For Squak Mountain Stone, we suggest using one of two different products, depending on what is most important to you: pure Tung Oil or an acrylic topcoat product. There are, of course, many sealants on the market but the above two are the ones we know best. You and your fabricator should discuss what will work best for you.
For Trinity, a quality penetrating stone sealer will provide oil and water stain resistance. There are many brands on the market, with more and more low odor/lower toxicity water-based products all the time. Many of our customers have used carnauba wax to further enhance their tops.
I have Squak tops–So what is the difference between the oil and the acrylic?
Pure Tung Oil–a solvent & drier free plant oil–enhances the rich color of Squak, adds a warm, velvety sheen and feel, is very easy to renew, and provides excellent abrasion resistance and oil and water stain resistance. Its acid-etch protection is less than ideal though, and some installers may not be familiar with the oil.
Acrylic top coat sealers (there are many brands) provide the benefit of better acid protection compared to that provided by Tung Oil and other penetrating sealers. They are very easy to apply the first time, but as they scratch and wear, they are harder to renew. They cause only very minimal color change on Squak, and come in a variety of gloss levels.
How long will does the sealer last?
Repeated use of abrasives, abrasive cleaning pads, heavy cutting and scraping, etc, will erode the sealer in about 1-2 years or less. Some of the heavy use areas (around a sink or stove) may start to wear down in a few months. Using soft sponges with mild soaps, using cutting boards and trivets, and cleaning up harsh chemicals such as acids right away will prolong the life of the chosen sealer. Spot maintenance and sealer repair may be needed for specific reasons, such as accidents or because of repeated cleanings in the same area.
NOTE: Keep in mind that Squak Mountain Stone™ and Trinity are new materials without the extensive performance history of other conventional construction materials and these statements represent our best conclusions regarding predicted performance of sealers with our product.
Is Squak Mountain Stone™ stain-proof?
When finished with a topical gloss or matte sealer, Squak Mountain Stone™ is stain-resistant.This is not the same as stain-proof, Stain-resistance means that you have time to clean off liquids and items that may leave a stain. It also means that if a stain does appear to form, that it will be easier to clean off and remove with mild cleaners after a few cleanings. Stain-proof means that nothing will leave a mark, ever. Most topical finishes will eventually wear away, which will reduce the effectiveness of the counter’s ability to resist stains. To maintain the stain-resistance of the slabs, use soft sponges and mild cleaners to clean off all spills as soon as possible, and if the sealer appears to be wearing down (the counter underneath gets really dark as soon as water or a liquid comes in contact with it), then re-seal, per the sealer manufacturer’s instructions, or apply wax, until the counter no longer turns dark.
What will “patina” on my countertops really look like?
Good question! “Patina” is the evidence of your life in your kitchen or bath. It’s the rings from the ritual morning cups of coffee left on the counters all day long while you were at work. It’s knife marks from the daily preparation of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for your son’s lunch. It’s the mottled splattering of dark spots near the stove from the Sunday morning breakfasts you have with your family. And it can be the broken edges on the inside of the undermount sink from when your pot of spaghetti hit the side. The character your countertops develop over time will be a reflection of your own character.
Can I cut on Squak Mountain Stone™?
You shouldn’t. Squak Mountain Stone™ is very hard and will dull your knives if you make it a practice of cutting on the surface. And if you were to repeatedly cut in the same area of your countertop, you will likely start to develop cut marks and nicks in the sealed finish.
Will a topical sealer protect my counters from acid etching?
Yes, topical sealers do provide a barrier against etching damage from basic kitchen acids (citrus juices and vinegars) BUT this protection is limited and may be short lived. Meaning: you must always wipe up acidic materials from the counters as soon as possible. Acids actually damage the sealer itself, so if left for a long period of time, the acid may eventually wear down to the counter, causing permanent aesthetic damage. You should test the sealer where acids were spilled to make sure it is intact: Wipe the area down with a wet sponge. If the area turns dark right away, that means the acid has degraded the area. If an acid has damaged the countertop and left etching, simply and CAREFULLY use 200 grit sandpaper to smooth the etch and then reseal. Don’t worry if the color is different, it’s likely you will find that it will blend in with the rest of the inherent variation in Squak Mountain Stone™. Please see our Care & Maintenance guide before attempting to do any repair to your tops.
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