A poultice is an absorbent material applied to a surface to draw out a stain. It can be a powder, paper or a gel. The most common poultices in use today are powders. A number of powders are very absorbent and are ideal for stain removal. Some typical powders used in poultices are the following:
clays and fullers earth
talc
chalk( whiting)
sepiolite( hydrous magnesium silicate)
diatomaceous earth
methyl cellulose
flour
Clays and diatomaceous earth are usually the best. Do not use whiting or clays containing iron. When using acidic chemicals, the acids will react with the iron and may cause yellowing of certain stone surfaces. It is best to purchase poultice powder materials from a reputable suppliers of products for this purpose. Some typical paper poultices are:
cotton balls
paper towels
gauze pads
Paper poultices can be quite effective on mild stains. They are easier to apply than powder poultices and are also easier to remove. Gel poultices are usually thick chemical gels that are designed to be applied to a stain with the use of powders or papers. They work effectively with certain stains. When purchasing poultice materials ask if they contain stain removing chemicals or if they need chemicals added. Some powder and gel poultices contain chemicals, and all you need to do is add water. Never mix additional chemicals with a poultice that contains its own chemical formulation.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Friday, August 3, 2007
Stone is Number One for Kitchen Counters
Natural Stone is Number One for Kitchen Counters
A key element to making a kitchen both elegant and functional is a great countertop. According to the National Association of Home Builders, granite or natural stone is the number one choice for surfaces and countertops.
However, people are moving away from shiny granite and going for matte finishes such as soapstone and slate in kitchen countertops, says Tom Tessier of Thurston Kitchen and Bath in Eagle-Vail, CO. Many people are attracted to having soapstone as a countertop because of its soft feel. While it can easily scratch, soapstone won’t etch from acids, and stains can be rubbed out easily. Slate countertops are popular because of their high resistance to heat but are highly susceptible to scratches. A new smooth and durable countertop material on the market may provide an alternative: Jerusalem stone resembles the sandy tones of limestone but is not as porous and soft and therefore not as susceptible to stains.
Kitchen remodeling is one of the most common remodeling projects, and consumers dedicate a great deal of time and money to make their rooms elegant and functional. An easy place to start is with countertops. According to the National Association of Home Builders, granite or natural stone is the No. 1 choice for surfaces and countertops. However, people are getting away from shiny granite and going for a more natural look in kitchen countertops, said Tom Tessier of Thurston Kitchen and Bath in Eagle-Vail. Mat finishes like soapstone and slate are more popular than ever, he said.
Soapstone
Soapstone is quarried just like marble and granite with components of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite and talc. Many people are attracted to having soapstone as a countertop because of its soft feel; however, it can easily scratch. Soapstone won’t etch from acids, and stains can be rubbed out easily. Soapstone comes in blue, green and gray, and if mineral oil is applied consistently, it will bring out a charcoal-gray color making it look older and much more elegant.
Slate
Slate countertops are popular because of their high resistance to heat but are highly susceptible to scratches. Composed of seabed, slate stone reflects hues of dark green, blue and black. Just like soapstone, if mineral oils are applied to it, the colors will be enhanced to a darker glowing hue.
Jerusalem stone
A new countertop in the market is Jerusalem stone, which resembles the sandy tones of limestone but is not as porous and soft. People love limestone, but they’re afraid of red wine or tomato sauce staining it. As the name suggests, Jerusalem stone is quarried from areas around Jerusalem. Many people favor it because of its durability, which is like granite, and its smoothness, which is similar to marble. It sets up a nice framework for natural woods and for darker woods.
A key element to making a kitchen both elegant and functional is a great countertop. According to the National Association of Home Builders, granite or natural stone is the number one choice for surfaces and countertops.
However, people are moving away from shiny granite and going for matte finishes such as soapstone and slate in kitchen countertops, says Tom Tessier of Thurston Kitchen and Bath in Eagle-Vail, CO. Many people are attracted to having soapstone as a countertop because of its soft feel. While it can easily scratch, soapstone won’t etch from acids, and stains can be rubbed out easily. Slate countertops are popular because of their high resistance to heat but are highly susceptible to scratches. A new smooth and durable countertop material on the market may provide an alternative: Jerusalem stone resembles the sandy tones of limestone but is not as porous and soft and therefore not as susceptible to stains.
Kitchen remodeling is one of the most common remodeling projects, and consumers dedicate a great deal of time and money to make their rooms elegant and functional. An easy place to start is with countertops. According to the National Association of Home Builders, granite or natural stone is the No. 1 choice for surfaces and countertops. However, people are getting away from shiny granite and going for a more natural look in kitchen countertops, said Tom Tessier of Thurston Kitchen and Bath in Eagle-Vail. Mat finishes like soapstone and slate are more popular than ever, he said.
Soapstone
Soapstone is quarried just like marble and granite with components of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite and talc. Many people are attracted to having soapstone as a countertop because of its soft feel; however, it can easily scratch. Soapstone won’t etch from acids, and stains can be rubbed out easily. Soapstone comes in blue, green and gray, and if mineral oil is applied consistently, it will bring out a charcoal-gray color making it look older and much more elegant.
Slate
Slate countertops are popular because of their high resistance to heat but are highly susceptible to scratches. Composed of seabed, slate stone reflects hues of dark green, blue and black. Just like soapstone, if mineral oils are applied to it, the colors will be enhanced to a darker glowing hue.
Jerusalem stone
A new countertop in the market is Jerusalem stone, which resembles the sandy tones of limestone but is not as porous and soft. People love limestone, but they’re afraid of red wine or tomato sauce staining it. As the name suggests, Jerusalem stone is quarried from areas around Jerusalem. Many people favor it because of its durability, which is like granite, and its smoothness, which is similar to marble. It sets up a nice framework for natural woods and for darker woods.
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