Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Give your granite smoother finish through Sandblasting



Granite is an intrusive igneous rock. Its daily use makes fades it shine and original color. So, what according is a possible way to bring back its uniqueness and originality that drives every ones attention? Well, sandblast granite can solve your purpose.

What do you mean by sandblasting?

Sandblasting is one type of abrasive blasting. It is the operation in which an abrasive material is forcibly pushed against the surface under high velocity in order to clean the dirt from the surface. This whole process is used either to smooth the rough surface or roughen a smooth surface.  It is one thing that is used for efficient cleaning of solid exterior and interior surfaces.
A lot of people might have heard about sandblasting as a modern method of craving over a rubber stencil which is a new form of art. It virtually creates any kind of art work. Embracing the numbers, words and adding designs on the monuments is the art of sandblasting.

Here is the detail description and preventive measures to be followed in order to carve a design on the granite:
1.   Clear the area of anything that could be affected by stray sand. Cover any exposed surfaces surrounding the granite with plastic sheeting or a tarp if you want to keep them clean.
2.   Thoroughly ventilate the area if sandblasting in a limited or enclosed workspace. Wear safety goggles and a painter's suit equipped with a hood. Put on a respirator before sandblasting to avoid inhaling dust particles from the sand. Read the rest of the instruction Here!
3.     Slowly increase the pressure till you do not get the desire output or until granite is free. For rough or difficult areas use short bursts of sand and sweep it down on remaining surface.

Sandblasting granite is considered to a modern art that gives a 3D appearance to the structures. It main objective is to clean and restore the household surface to its original bare condition. With less effort you can make your granite countertops appear as good as earlier.
Content Credit: ehow.com





Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Making of Granite Head stones in 5 Simple Steps


Creating a headstone is one of the hardest natural things. This stone is usually used to place over the graves. There are number of granite materials that can help you to make wonderful headstone. You can also engrave deceased’s name, date of birth and date of death and also adding personal message. 

History of Granite head stones

Since granite is a hard stone so, one needs to have perfect skills to carve with hand. There are number of methods that can make carving easier such as sandblasting over a rubber stencil and computer-controlled rotary bits. Granite Headstones have been used from the 19th century by the memorial industry. So, it has been very vital part of the history.

Taking care of headstone depends on the time one wants to preserve it. If they are required to be kept for long than headstone made from granite is the better option to choose. As its durability, attractiveness, long-lasting stone require less maintenance. Plaque headstones are usually made from either granite or bronze. A giant straight piece of stone used to be designed earlier and few of them can be found till today.

The process to create the granite headstone:
  1.  Drill, blast and saw large blocks of granite out of quarries. Transport the blocks to factories.
  2. Use automated polishers and saws to clean, polish and shape the stone. Cut the stone into various sized headstones.
  3.  Polish the surface of the headstone. Prep the surface for engraving.
  4.  Apply an adhesive-backed rubber stencil to the surface of the headstone. Use a computerized stencil cutting machine to cut the design and lettering out of the stencil.
  5. Remove the sections of stencil from the area to be engraved. Place the headstone in a special sandblasting room for the final carving.


Let’s examine the full process of making the headstone ready by visiting Here!

For permanent memorials - granite headstone is a good selection. These memorials can be designed beautifully with the prayer written in the remembrance of our loved ones. Another inexpensive source to make the headstones visible is to buy readymade kits. It is generally found online. Cleaning and designing the headstones will make the granite headstone shiny and long-lasting. This is the one last thing that you can do to your loved ones.   

Content Credit: ehow.com






Monday, April 15, 2013

Easy Instructions and Budgeted Ideas to resurface Granite worktops


Are you planning to renovate your kitchen? Want make your worktops shiny and appealing? The quality of granite has always been strong and best. Accordingly the price tends to be high. So, instead of replacing the entire worktop resurfacing will be cheap and affordable alternative.  Worktop resurfacing brings back the sleek and dazzling look of granite at minimum cost.

Tips for easy replacement of granite worktops

Granite stones are durable and can tolerated high use of chemical and heat. When used regularly the chances of stains, cracks, breakage etc. increases. It is not feasible to change it after every 6 months or so. We can either fix it from the manufacturer or DIY potential will remodel kitchen.

Especially, for those who think that DIY does not match their taste can call the professionals at home before you make all messing with your kitchen worktop. And for those who think that refacing can be managed by them then follow the below instructions:
  1.  Remove old formica by ironing it with a towel between the iron and the formica and, once the glue under the Formica is heated enough to be soft, peeling it back and away from the surface.
  2.  Allow the glue to cool and remove it by applying an adhesive stripper and scraping away any excess material with a small paint scraper.
  3.  Wipe the surface clean with a damp rag and allow it to air dry for a minute or two.
  4.  Apply a thin, even coat of contact cement to the entire surface with a rubber roller.
  5. Lay the new countertop onto the newly glued surface working from one end of the countertop towards the other end, pressing down on the material gently so that it adheres to the surface.

You can Click Here for further instructions and other necessary details.

In order to resurface the old worktop, it is advisable to schedule an appointed with manufacturer as they can visit home and take the measurements. But if you are enthusiast for DIY than all you need will be appropriate tools and material. All these things are largely found on the DIY stores. Go ahead and work carefully to get back the actual shine of your granite worktops.
Content Credit: wikihow.com

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Learn to Install Decomposed Granite to enhance your outdoors


Everyone wants their house to look beautiful and attractive. This is the reason why people spend their time and money to enhance the interior of home.  But don’t you think that in all this excitement you are ignoring your outdoors. The outdoors play very prominent role in the house. Have you ever thought to make your outdoors give an effective appearance? Well, than decomposed granite is the answer. Granite is a hard stone and is well known for its durability, elegance and cost.

Decomposed Granite Explained

There are several measures that can be applied that make it live for long run. Polishing, sealing, and cleaning regularly make granite look beautiful for years. But if these procedures are not followed properly than it can lead to dirt, cracks- when water pours in between granite and breakage than further breaks in to tiny stones. Now these little pieces appear to develop a reddish brown color that makes it actual decomposed granite. However, the natural look of decomposed rock granite is a beautiful complement to home of all styles.

Methods to install decomposed granite

  1.  First, measure the length and breadth of your walkway. Once you have your measurements, the next step is to step out and purchase the decomposed granite. Any leading home improvement store should supply it. You can give the measurements of your walkway to the sales person, and he'll give you an idea of how much gravel you'll need. *Tip: It's a good idea to buy some extra gravel and keep with you, for future use.
  2. Once you have enough decomposed granite, it's time to get down to business. Get your gardening gloves out and make sure you pull out all the plants, grass and weeds that have encroached upon your intended walkway. You'll need to use a spade to pull out the stubborn ones, but make sure you do this. If they're not plucked out from their roots, there are chances that they'll regrow and mess up the place. Let’s seek more knowledge on installing decomposed granite. Click Here


A decomposed granite serves a good addition to any front or backyard path or garden as well. There is no wonder that you can easily give a face lift to your outdoor space without spending much your time and money.  An efficient and attractive patio is alternate to stone or concrete. This surface allows water to swipe through forming a flexible and excellent material. If decomposed granite installed properly then it can firmly and nicely last for long years. 

Content Credit: buzzel.com

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

How to cut hard stone granite using Chisel


Granite is hard intrusive rock when compared with other stones. Small things such as polishing, sealing and cleaning can easily be achieved. But while using chisel – you need to be more careful because this big job of cutting granite is extremely hard and more difficult.

Instructions and tips when chiselling granite

During the use of power tools on granite you need to be more patient, take your time and keep in mind the techniques that are to be followed. This way it will be easy to remove the bigger chunks of stones more efficiently.

  1. Determine which way the grain of the granite runs. Like wood, granite has noticeable parallel growth lines that run across the cut surface. Granite should always be cut along the grain to ensure clean cuts.
  2. Knock off large chunks along the edges of the granite to get it close to the desired shape and size. Hold a pitching tool 1 to 2 inches from the edge of the granite and strike it with a chiseling hammer. Hold the pitching tool at an 80- to 85-degree angle, with the point facing the edge of the granite.
  3.  Hold a point chisel at a 55-degree angle at one end of the granite. Strike the chisel just hard enough that the point goes no more than 1/2 inch into the surface. Repeat the process along the surface to make a straight line. Make a series of parallel chiseled lines on the granite, with each line spaced 1 inch apart. For full description click here


Benefits of using chisel for granite worktops

Chisel can easily be used on home products and if you are thinking to reconstruct your countertops than it is good option to choose. Use of knifes on granite leaves marks on worktops. For the cracks and breakages, chisel hammers and other related tools that come in different shapes and sizes can be used to fix the problem. Correct use of chisel can break apart the granite layers in return of smooth and clean results. There are different types of chisel tools that can be used to shape and design the granite such as point chisel, tracing chisel, chisel hammer, and toothed chisel.

If you have no idea about the method of chiselling granite then it is advisable to take professional help. They can guide you for the start and later you can apply the same instructions and follow the methods.


Content Credit: ehow.com

Monday, April 8, 2013

Some Easy tips on Polishing Granite


Now day’s granite is excessively being used in home as well in workshops. Trendy and well polished granite is a common preference of every homeowner. But regular use of granite makes the countertops dirty and dull. So, do you want your granite worktop to shine as new? Are you unsure to clean and maintain your stained countertops properly? In order to give your worktop a perfect look -  “Granite cleanser” is a safer and durable option to make your countertop shine and luster.
Apply some simple instructions to bring back the original granite for your home:

Organize countertop for right cleansing. Remove all the kitchen appliances and other accessories from the countertop. It will help you to wipe each area properly.
  1. Apply the granite or stone cleanser to reduce the sticky residues on countertop. Also, follow the instructions mentioned on the product. It is the best way to remove sauces and lines immediately. 
  2.  Take a warm soft sponge and wipe it properly till the dirt, remaining crumbs and dust are not removed. 
  3.  Wait for the countertop to dry and stains signs to disappear.
  4. Next, spray a little amount of granite polish on to a soft sponge. 
  5. Wipe the worktop surface with granite polish. Then evenly spread the polish all around the granite surface.
  6. Take a soft, clean white cloth to rub the polish on to granite.
  7. If still any streak is left on granite then extra polish can be used. Just add small amount of polish on the sponge then buff and dry it thoroughly. 
  8. Micro fiber cloth can also be used to buff and dry the countertops. It is best used if the countertop remains wet or soggy.

The above instructions can also be applied to clean your bathrooms, room’s shelves and other areas furnished with granite worktops. 

So, get ready the immense, perfect and featured granite worktops.  It’s just that one affect that seek the attention of all guest and customers. 

Saturday, April 6, 2013

How to attach or glue granite Countertops


Granite worktops are largely being used to give a modular design to kitchens, bathrooms and other workplace. It also offers wide range of colors and natural beauty that gives a perfect touch of grace and elegance at home.  Granite is considered to be one among the expensive and stylish materials. On the other side, granite is solid stone that is tremendously heavy and requires adequate help to hold for proper placement.

Constant measurement becomes necessary while thinking of installing the granite countertops. There are several ways to install granite countertops at home. Gluing underneath plywood is necessary to level the granite slab. Depending on the type of installation there are several different types of glue are involved. Epoxy, Mastic, General Adhesive and silicone are the various types of glue. It also prevents your granite countertops from major breakage and minor crakes.

Follow the instructions to glue the granite worktops:
  •   Measure the size of the granite countertop area and cut a sheet of 3/4-inch thick plywood to the same size. Then place the plywood in the area where the granite countertop will be placed.
  • Brush rubber paint onto the plywood. You may use plastic sheeting instead of the rubber paint; either one will work. The rubber paint or the sheeting keeps moisture from building up between the wood and the granite, resulting in mildew or rotting of the wood.
  • Now apply epoxy glue underneath of the marble slab. Place 3 to 4 spots of glue on 18 inches along with the back surface of the granite. You can also apply silicone around the edges of the plywood.
  • Rotate granite slab upwards and keep the granite portion onto the plywood item. Make sure that granite is immediately placed where it's likely to be put.  All these instructions are compulsory in order to fix in its best location.

If you are looking for some more information then Click Here

Glue keeps the granite strong just like a stone. As above mentioned glue types can either be applied at the time of installation or utilized for the repairing purpose as well. To retain the thickness of the countertops epoxy glue can be used. It joins the two pieces slabs and maintains their level for long run. Mastic and General Adhesive glue are generally used to bond all type of granite construction.

Content credit: ehow.com