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I have received numerous calls lately concerning
fading of black granite counter tops. Black granite should not fade. Black granite imported from Asia is sometimes doctored with dyes and oils to darken
surface. The fading is nothing more than
dyes and oils being removed. Unfortunately,
only fix is to re-polish
top. This can be costly.
Before purchasing a granite top perform
following test to find out if it has been doctored.
Get a clean white cloth and apply some acetone (nail varnish remover) to
surface of
granite. If any residue or black color is observed on
top, do not accept it, it has been dyed.
Take a piece of
"granite" you want to test and spill a few drops of lemon juice onto it. If you see that under
drops of lemon it develops very quickly dark spots, it means that it's a very absorbent stone and I would advise you against it. If it takes, say, a minute or so to be absorbed, then you're dealing with a level of absorbency that's easily controllable with
application of a good quality impregnating sealer.
So, in short be careful where you place your order and always seek specialist advice. The void between a good stone and a bad stone is huge,
price between a good stone and a bad stone is smaller than you think but can be costlier.

Edward Green owns and operates the highly successful Marble Master Ltd Company. Marble Master specializes in Restoration and Refinishing of all types of natural stone and consultancy services to Architects, Restoration Companies and Interior Designers. http://www.marblemasteruk.com