Granite Suitability Tests

Lemon Test - The lemon test is to determine the ability of your granite to resist etching.  Follow the steps below:

• Place a wedge of lemon or lime, cut side down, on the sample overnight.
• Wipe the sample in the morning and hold it at an angle to the light.
• Check for a rough spot where the lemon was placed.
• Etching will appear dull and rough.

Etches normally occur where calcium or calcite is present in the make-up of the stone.  If your sample reacts to the lemon wedge, we do not recommend this for your kitchen.

Water Absorption Test - Test the suitability of your granite to resist water absorption.  The tighter the grain the less absorption. 

Follow these steps:

• Place a few small drops of water on the sample
• Let stand for about 15 minutes.
• Wipe excess water.

After wiping the excess water, you may notice a dark spot.  This means the granite has absorbed the water and could be stained.  A sealer is recommended.

If you wipe the excess water and there is no noticable difference, they the granite has a tight grain structure and will be more resistant to staining.

If the granite sample absorbed the water IMMEDIATELY, it is very pourous and extra care is needed.  We recommend a quality sealer to help prevent staining.

Contact your fabricator for specific care and sealing procedures for the stone you have selected.

All FabNet Members can use this information on their website.  Please include a credit line for "The Fabricator Network.com" with a link.