You can get a pretty good bargain on borders in closeout bin at your wallpaper store or home improvement center, but make sure they have enough of border to go around area you want to cover as these bargains are usually close outs and you might not be able to get more!

Since most wallpapers come pre-pasted, applying border is easy. A backsplash area is usually pretty small so this project can be done in an afternnon. When selecting your border, think about your overall theme or color scheme of kitchen. You want to pick something that complements it and, of course, pick one that is washable so that you can easily remove all "splashes" that occur during normal kitchen activities.

Stains in stone are something that should be left to professional. Sure, there are many quick fix websites offering advice but let me tell you, if you don't get it right first time it may be that tile will need replacement and finding a match is nearly impossible.

Nowadays, Stone Seals and sealants are in abundance, but which one is right for you?

Firstly - Never let builder, renovator or floor installer apply seal. The seal is an arduous task that needs careful consideration and correct application. I probably remove over 10,000 sq mtrs of poorly applied Lithofin stain stop a year where application has basically wiped it onto floor leaving it porous and not sealed at all. So householder has not only paid for Lithofin seal but for us to remove it and provide correct sealer for stone.

"The Correct Sealer" I hear you cry. Yes, I am afraid to say that they are many types of sealer for many different stone types and what tasks stone needs to do. Firstly there are water based and solvent based sealers. Other questions to consider are;

Does stone get heavy traffic? How often is stone cleaned? what type of beverages does household use? Any Allergies within residents? Type of finish preferred (matt), (Shine) etc?

DO we use water based?