These Beautiful Limestone Countertops Said Goodbye to Dullness Thanks to a Professional Stone Honing in Bluffton, SC

October 29, 2020

When they first moved into their house in Bluffton, the new homeowners fell in love with the beautiful, classy limestone counter in the kitchen. It gave their home the shiny, luxurious look they always desired. Unfortunately, years of traffic and spills took their toll on the lustrous stone surfaces. They also noticed the countertop became increasingly difficult to keep clean as time went on. Dirt had accumulated in the open pores of the stone surface, and, more recently, they noticed that any drink or food that fell onto the surface would cause it both to stain and etch.


They tried all kinds of cleaning products and methods but despite their best efforts, the counter never looked clean. That was when they decided to start looking for answers online. They found that these issues can happen when the stone is not properly sealed. They were not sure how to proceed because there was no point in re-sealing the surfaces in their present state. They noticed that people who had experienced the same issue as theirs had had their surfaces honed. Many of them recommended seeking professional help, so the homeowners searched online for stone honing experts in Bluffton, SC, and found Sir Grout of the Lowcountry's website in the top search results. After they browsed the website and saw the video testimonials from previous customers, they decided to schedule a free in-home evaluation.

On the scheduled day, our team of experts arrived at the customer's house to assess the situation. The homeowners told our techs about their efforts to keep the countertop clean and how they hoped they could restore it. After they thoroughly inspected the surface, our team noticed they were heavily damaged. Grime had accumulated on the stone's pores and the cleaning products the homeowners had used caused the surface to dull and etch.

Even though the damage was heavy, our experts assured the homeowners their lovely limestone countertop could be restored with a stone honing service. This process involves removing the top layer of the stone to reveal a much cleaner surface. Our crew would also seal the surface with Stone Armor to keep it protected from spills and daily wear and tear. The customers agreed to the service and scheduled an appointment for later in the week.

Keeping your stone surfaces properly maintained is the most important step you can take to preserve their lifespan. Despite their smooth appearance, stone surfaces are porous, which means they are exposed to all kinds of external agents on a daily basis. For this reason, after they are installed, stone surfaces must be sealed to protect them from damage. However, sealants can be washed off over time, making the once protected natural stone susceptible to harm again.

Bad cleaning methods and products can also compromise the looks and integrity of your stone surface. Heavy scrubbing paired with acidic solutions can result in etch marks and stains which cannot be removed by normal means. People often try to restore stone surfaces on their own, but what they do not know is that stone restoration requires special equipment that should only be handled by dedicated professionals in the field of hard surface restoration.

On the agreed-upon date, our experts returned to the customer's home to get the job done. To start, they thoroughly cleaned the surface with a pH-neutral stone-safe cleaner and a high-speed scrubber. This cleaner also contains properties that can help inhibit the growth of common household bacteria, mold, and mildew. Once the countertop was clean, they honed it using low-grit diamond pads. Our techs progressively increased the level of grit until they obtained a beautiful honed finish. They finished the procedure by polishing the counter and coating it with Stone Armor. This is an impregnating sealant that seeps into the stone, protecting it from damage.

When the team finished the job, they showed the homeowners their brand-new looking countertop. They were thrilled by how Sir Grout of the Lowcountry had managed to restore the surface to their former glory. They thanked our team and said they would recommend our services to their friends and family.

Before leaving, our experts gave the homeowners some tips on how to properly maintain the counter. They first recommended wiping away any spills as soon as they happened. Certain foods and drinks have components that can easily damage the surface by seeping into the stone. Second, they suggested cleaning the counter once a week using a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner like Sir Grout's Natural Hard Surface Cleaner. Unlike most products, this cleaner is safe for natural stone. To finish, the team advised the clients to keep a check on the counter's sealant at least every three months. To do this, they suggested the homeowners place a few drops of water on the surface. If the liquid is absorbed, then it means the surface must be resealed.

Are you tired of trying to clean natural stone surfaces on your own? Don't worry, Sir Grout of the Lowcountry can do it for you. We have the necessary tools and expertise to offer the bests tone honing services in the industry. Call us at (843) 920-5559 or fill out the "Request a Quote" form on this website to schedule a free in-home consultation today. If you also want to keep up with our latest news and promotions, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.

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