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By Dara Summers

Granite countertops are popular because of their beauty and durability. If they are cleaned regularly and well maintained, they will keep their polished look for many years. However, sometimes grease and soap residue build up, causing the surface to become dull and faded. Scratches and extended exposure to sunlight can also cause dullness. There are ways that you can restore the look of your granite.

Granite-Polishing Powder
If you have dullness caused by light and surface etching, granite-polishing powder may be able to remove it. Be sure to check with the manufacturer of your countertops before you use it, because the powder is somewhat abrasive. Normally, abrasive substances should not be used on granite. However, granite-polishing powder can remove shallow scratches, stains, and residue.

If the manufacturer approves the use of the powder, mix it with water to create a paste. Then wipe it into the countertop with burlap or a felt pad. Note that some polishes are designed specifically for light or dark stone, so be sure to choose the right one for your surfaces.

Acetone
Often kitchen countertops, particularly near the stove and sink, become dull from grease, oil, or soap. That is why regular cleaning with water and gentle dish soap are important. If the problem has gotten past the point of regular cleaning, you can use acetone, which acts as a solvent to dissolve oily stains. Scrub the surface with the acetone, using a soft cloth, and then rinse with warm water, and dry with a clean cloth.

Resealing
Granite countertops need to be regularly resealed. Most experts recommend that this be done at least once a year, or more if you notice that water is no longer beading on the surface. When you purchase your countertops, find out if your retailer has a maintenance plan that provides regular resealing.

If you choose to do the resealing yourself, check with the manufacturer or retailer to find out what product they recommend. Before applying the sealant, clean the surface. Apply the sealant with a rag or a spray bottle slowly and evenly. After it is fully dry, you can apply additional coats if you feel it is necessary. It is essential that you cover the surface in an even coat. After the sealant had dried completely, you can apply as many as three additional coats to provide the most effective protection.

Refinishing/Repolishing
If your countertop is badly faded, it may require professional treatment. Sometimes acidic substances cause deep etching that can only be removed by repolishing or refinishing. This requires specialized equipment, so you should call a stone restorer to do it. Contact the company that sold and/or installed your countertops to find out if they handle this, or can recommend someone who does.

Once your surfaces are restored to their previous luster, remember the importance of regular cleaning and care. If you have an outdoor kitchen with granite surfaces that are regularly exposed to sunlight, purchase a cover to protect it from the elements. These simple precautions will save you time and money.

About the Author:
Dara Summers is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Premier Surfaces, the premier source for Atlanta granite countertops and granite countertops in Alabama. Premier Surfaces is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality in both products and service. Visit Premier Surfaces at either of their Atlanta, Huntsville, or Birmingham granite showrooms or learn more about the company's selection of Birmingham granite at http://www.premiersurfaces.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dara_Summers
 
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Written by George Samford
Tile bathrooms provide the most attractive, durable and cleanable surfaces available. They stand up to repeated soaking, easily wipe clean, and always stay fresh looking. While they take a bit of work to replace, tile surfaces are a great bet if you're planning to remodel.
Not every tile is appropriate for your home, however. Bathroom tile comes in a range of sizes, shapes and materials that all provide different benefits and downsides. Depending on the look you prefer and how you use your bathroom, you may want traditional glazed ceramic, stone tile or even terracotta. Here's what you should know.
Glazed Ceramic
Glazed ceramic tile is what most people think of when someone mentions tiling a bathroom. This tile is simple, attractive and cost effective. It survives impact relatively well and has a glossy surface that makes it easy to clean, though grout lines may pick up some dirt. Glazed ceramic tile can be slippery when wet, however, and tends to make a bathroom look very conventional. This type of tile offers the largest variety of colors and finishes.
Unglazed Ceramic
Unglazed ceramic tiles, including traditional red terracotta, provide an alternative to standard glazed tiles. This material has a rougher surface and more natural look than glazed materials. It is extremely durable and works very well in bathrooms with a rustic look. This material can absorb water readily, however, so it may be a good idea to glaze it for use in the bathroom. Like glazed tile, unglazed ceramic is relatively inexpensive.
Extruded Quarry Tile
The term "quarry tile" can be misleading. This material resembles the stone tile once mined in quarries, but is now produced using an extrusion technique and is made primarily of clay. Extruded quarry tile still looks a lot like stone, however, with a rough surface that makes it comfortable and practical for flooring. This material tends to be very porous, much like unglazed ceramic, and should be sealed before use in the shower or other very wet areas.
Stone
Real stone tile gives your home an elegant look and feel that ceramics can't provide. This material offers a luxurious natural look and comes in a wide variety of colors and types. Granite and travertine are two of the most popular options. These tiles are relatively porous and may require sealant. Some stone tiles are also easy to scratch. This luxurious choice comes with an appropriately luxurious price tag, so be sure to budget carefully before you commit to using it.
Glass
Often used in mid-20th century bathrooms, glass is making a comeback for vintage looks. It offers many of the same advantages as glazed ceramic, with a transparency that can be appealing in walls or showers. Glass tile is more costly than its ceramic cousins, however. This material often comes in pre-designed sheets with patterns or color gradations built in. It works well on its own or in combination with ceramic and stone tiles as an accent.
Engineered Stone
This relative newcomer looks much like stone but isn't as natural. Engineered stone tile is made up of tiny bits of stone in an epoxy-based matrix. This material is more predictable and water-resistant than natural stone, with a surface that's harder to damage. It doesn't look as natural, however. Some homeowners take advantage of this material's man-made look, choosing "stone" tiles in bright, glittery colors. Engineered stone is relatively costly, but lower in price than natural stone.
Did you find this information useful? Get more great information on things such as basement ceiling ideas by visiting a great web resource dedicated to teaching people how to finish a basement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Samford