1. Marble
Possible Defects:
· Etching: Dull spots from contact with acids (like lemon juice or vinegar).
· Staining: From oils, wine, or water if not sealed properly.
· Scratches: Due to its softer nature.
· Cracks or Chips: Caused by impact or heavy weight.
Prevention:
Regular sealing, use cutting boards, and clean spills quickly.
2. Granite
Possible Defects:
· Fissures (natural lines): Often mistaken for cracks but usually harmless.
· Chipping: Along edges or corners from hard impact.
· Uneven Polish: If not finished uniformly during fabrication.
· Water Spots or Dullness: From hard water buildup or lack of sealing.
Prevention:
Sealannually, avoid dropping heavy items, and use soft cleaners.
3. Quartz (Engineered Stone)
Possible Defects:
· Resin Discoloration: From prolonged sunlight exposure (especially outdoors).
· Thermal Shock Cracks: From placing hot pans directly on the surface.
· Chipping: Around sinks or edges from impact.
· Color Variation: Between batches if not from the same lot.
Prevention:
Use trivets, avoid outdoor installation, and confirm lot match before fabrication.
4. Porcelain
Possible Defects:
· Edge Chipping: During cutting or installation if tools are dull.
· Warping: Rare, but may occur in large thin slabs if improperly handled.
· Surface Scratches: From abrasive materials (though uncommon).
· Color Variation: Slight tone differences between tiles or slabs.
Prevention:
Use proper handling tools, clean with soft cloths, and confirm shade consistency before installation.
5. Sintered Stone
Possible Defects:
· Edge Chipping: Can occur when cutting or during heavy impact.
· Minor Warping: If large-format slabs are not supported evenly.
· Pattern Inconsistency: If mixing slabs from different production runs.
· Surface Scuffs: From rough handling during transport.
Prevention:
Use professional fabrication tools, handle carefully, and source from the same batch for consistent design.
