Question 1

Can you make granite countertops darker?

Accepted Answer

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You generally cannot change the color of the natural stone, such as making granite countertops darker or lighter. Some people claim that certain chemicals will lighten or darken granite, but those will damage the stone and not provide uniform, expected results, so it’s better not to try. Similarly, some people ask whether they can stain over granite. Granite is beloved for its stain-resistant finish, so you probably won’t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.

Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.

Question 2

Does quartz get water stains?

Accepted Answer

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While quartz holds up well against stains of all kinds, it isn’t completely resistant. Make sure to wipe up water and other liquids as soon as possible to prevent stains. If you spot water stains on your quartz countertops, you can clean quartz counters in just a few steps using simple household cleaners, like dish soap or baking soda paste.

Question 3

What does a mason do?

Accepted Answer

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A mason lays brick or stone together, sometimes with mortar in between the bricks and stones, and sometimes without mortar, also called a dry-stack or surface bonding. Examples of work masons do include:

Brick, stone, or cement block houses and buildings
Freestanding stone or brick walls
Chimneys with wood-burning fireplaces
Cement block basement or crawl space walls

Question 4

What are the dull spots on my marble floor?

Accepted Answer

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If you notice dull spots on your marble floor, that could result from etching. If you’ve used the wrong type of floor cleaner in the past or left a spill unattended for too long, your marble floor may have suffered some surface damage. While there are ways to protect your natural stone from etching, you may have to call in a professional for repairs.

Question 5

Why do you cut stone with water?

Accepted Answer

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Using water when cutting stone drastically reduces the amount of dust that comes off the stone. It’s beneficial to cut down on the amount of dust for respiratory and other safety reasons, such as keeping your vision clear while using an electric tool. Even with protective eyewear, the dust can still cloud your safety glasses. You should always wear protective gear when cutting stone.