Variation of Color and Texture All cast Natural Stone, Honed & Polished products have a degree of expected variation in shade, texture and veining. These characteristics are part of the stone, are to be expected and enhance the beauty of the fireplace mantels. Minor Repairs Occasionally during shipping or handling when installing a chip may occur, fortunately repairs are simple and all materials necessary are included with your mantel package. We send a two part mixture that when combined form a thick paste that creates a patching and caulking compound that matches the stonecast material and color. It is simple to apply for repairs as well as caulking seams. Product Surface Mantelpieces are sealed at the factory to protect the finish and help prevent stains. However, natural stone is a...

Repairing Scratches The only way to remove a scratch completely is to re-surface the entire piece, which is neither practical nor cost-effective. Fortunately, most scratches can be camouflaged by following this simple procedure. Equipment needed: A small propane torch, household paraffin wax, a sharp single-edged razor blade. Instructions For Repairing Scratches Begin by heating the surface area for at least one minute with the propane torch. After the surface is very hot, place the bar of paraffin wax directly on the surface, moving it back and forth several times. The wax will melt into the scratch. Once you have a coating of wax on the scratched area, remove the bar of wax. Allow the wax to dry completely, then carefully remove the excess wax with a sharp razor blade to...

Cleaning Natural Stone Marble: Dust the stone surface with a clean cloth and then use only a mild liquid detergent like Dove with warm water on a soft damp cloth. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Once cleaned, you may apply a polish recommended for marble surfaces. Do blot up spills immediately to prevent staining. Do use 0000 steel wool and mild soap to remove dirt from crevices. An SOS pad can also be used but may lightly scratch black marble. Don't use products that contain vinegar, lemon juice, ammonia, alcohol, or cleaners that contain acids such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, Windex, or abrasive cleaners like Soft Scrub. Sealing And Enhancing The Polish On Marble A good quality...