|
Ask any question, share
your knowledge, or offer your services!
|
Repair of
broken items
| Issues: |
cracked counters, broken
items, etc. |
| Q 2203: I am using a
resin glue to repair granite.
When I apply it, how do I clean the excess glue without harming
the stone? Ferdmann, July 12,
|
| R2:
I recommend to use the Red Devil scraping blade which they use for
windows to remove away the excess. Blunt the 2 sharp corners before
using. Remaining residue can be easily remove by thinner or sealer
and adhesive remover. TAN, Singapore. |
| A 2058:
I inherited a pair of nightstands from Germany with marble
tops, one is broken in two - can it be glued????
If so, with what type of glue? The other has a rust colored stain,
although the origin is unknown. Is it safe to start with a
peroxide solution to treat before moving on to stronger solvents?
Thanks, Karon, June 13, |
| R1:
Dear Karon: Yes it can be glue with epoxy glue for stone. Don't waste
your time with the rust stain. It will never come out. Maurizio, USA |
| A 1831:We have tumbled
marble in our foyer that has developed some cracks. We won't be
able to replace it right now. Is there something we can use to repair
or fill the cracks? Stephens, May 14. |
R2:
Dear Stephen: Yes, there's a way, but it's my own personal technique
than involves a
little rotary tool with a special blade to widen the crack with, and
then filling it with epoxy glue to match the color. After proper curing
(24 hours), you have to sand it flush with the surface of the stone,
and use finer grit until you get a finish as close to factory as possible.
I don't consider that a DIY project. I also know that no other stone
restoration company knows about this technique (besides those that
I trained). Maurizio, USA |
| R1:
Without looking at the floor I would suggest a cementious grout. Mix
it up to the consistency of soup so that it will fill and settle in.
It may take more than one application. This will fill the cavity until
you deem it time to replace the tiles. If they are really tight cracks
use non-sanded grout. Regards, Steven, USA |
| |
| A 1828:I am having Uba
Tuba installed in a new home. On one countertop,
I have a huge "Y" shape crack, You can feel the crack with
your finger (there is a noticeable ridge). They have also chipped
around the sink (not smooth finish) On my backsplash, they have also
cracked in two places the granite all the way through. Where there
is a seam there is a chuck missing which it looks like they are trying
to fill in. I have told them that this job was unacceptable and have
asked for replacement or maybe a new installer. The home builder is
saying that they are not done yet & that everything is fixable.
Is this true? Regards Maria, May 14.
|
| R2:
Yes, Everything you
describe is reparable. The salient point to extract from the builder
is whether after the repairs are done, will the builder stand behind
the repair enough to guarantee your satisfaction. Or properly restated,
if you don't like the repair will they replace that which you don't
like? Regards, Steven, USA |
| R1:
Dear Mary: Giving you
the benefit of the doubt, no, those cracks are not reparable.
Insist to have your countertop replaced completely. Maurizio,
USA |
| A 1813: I just had a
brown "quartz type" granite
installed on my kitchen countertop. I found a crack
along the bullnose edge. The owner said this is natural. The crack
extends through to the underside. Is this true? You can feel the crack
along the top too. Duce, May 14.
|
R1:
Yes, In
many materials there are fissures or cracks that can be seen and felt.
As long as the counter is well supported and installed properly then
the crack will not get worse. However, it is not yet determined whether
the crack was there prior to being installed as your counters.
Do you notice other fissures? Can the person who installed it come
out and do something like filling the fissure with epoxy and polishing
smooth? Ask these questions.
For my own interest, Did you look at the slabs prior to having counters
made from them?
Regards, Steven, USA |
| A 1809:The Granite
slab installed in my new home has a 3 inch jagged
crack that goes through the slab (top & bottom). Can
this be repaired to look "perfect" or does the slab need
to be replaced? Goldrag, May 14.
|
| R2:
The repair will not
be invisible, but can be done well enough so that you won't feel the
crack. Regards, Steven, USA |
| R1:
Dear Goldrag:
Every case is different, but, in the vast majority of the instances,
the only way to repair the crack is to replace the slab. Maurizio,
USA |
| A 1801: I have a granite
counter top that was cut too close to the sink. Chunks
have fallen out. What do you recommend to fill the voids.
I'll worry about matching the color later 2) My kitchen is black granite
abou1 inch thick and overhangs about 1 foot. People often heavy lean
or want to jump up and sit on this ledge. Can the granite withstand
such pressure or will it break? Love your site, Thanks,Dr. Mike, May
14. |
| R2:
1)The overhang
should have some supports underneath. So, yes, be concerned. They
are known as corbels, or brackets. Purchase some load bearing ones
soon. 2) Some colored epoxy or polyester resin should do the trick.
Have the fabricator perform the repair for you. Regards, Steven, USA
|
| R1:
Dear Dr. Mike:
Get hold of a pro about the chippings. While he is there, let him
assess the overhang thing. If your granite is 3 cm. thick (1 1/4")
and the overhang is no more than 10", max. you should have any problem,
Yet ... jumping up and down on it?! ... I wouldn't that! Maurizio,
USA |
| A 1800: We are about to buy a house
and requested granite tops for
the kitchen. The granite tops look great - HOWEVER, we noticed what
appeared to be a crack in one of the counter tops on the bar. The
crack also appears on the underside to the granite. Is there a bell
ringing test as with crystal? When we pointed this out to the builder
he agreed. He was wondering why the top had been polished with the
crack. The supplier visited and stated that it was not a crack but
a vein in the granite and that is normal. Are we being taken? Thanks
John ,May 14.
|
R2:
I don't know. Some
stones to have veins and fissures. It depends on the material.
Did you review the material before counters were made from it? Regards,
Steven, USA |
R1:
Dear John: without
seeing it it's hard to tell, but for what you report to us, I think
that, yes, you've been taken. No natural veining (fissure would better
define what your fabricator is trying to say) can ever appear on the
bottom of the slab. That's a crack, all right and you don't have to
accept it (sorry, no "best test"!). No, the fabricator did not
polish over the crack. Fabricators don't polish stone, they only cut
it to size (already polished by the factory) and polish the edges,
period. Maurizio, USA |
| |
| A 1723: Is an epoxy product
such as Sonneborn's EpoGel appropriate for
mending broken exterior marble and EpoFil for crack
filling? Walt, April 17. |
| R1:
Check the UV tolerance of the epoxies selected. Regards, Steven, USA |
| |
| A 1710: We have about
a 2000 sq ft Saturnia floor.
It is hollow throughout. Lippage and cracking has developed.
The builder feels replacing just the cracked tile and using a product
called "inject-a-floor" in the rest (about 1900 ft) and
then grinding down the floor to remove the lippage will solve the
problem. Do you agree? Sally, April 15. |
| R3:
I don't know. Without seeing the floor I can't help you. If you trust
your builder, then trust the builder's judgment. If not, call an independent
stone installation or refinishing professional to inspect the floor.
Regards, Steven, USA. |
R2:
Dear Sally: Nobody could give you an intelligent answer without actually
inspecting the
installation and having a whole bunch of technical information. I
guess you will have to give a builder a chance, providing that you
put in writing, in non uncertain terms, that if anything will go wrong
within a year, they will be responsible. Maurizio, USA. |
R1:
Dear Sally: Without actually seeing and -- most importantly -- testing
the installation it's hard to tell. It would be just a guess.
All I can tell is that previous experiences that sound similar to
the one you're reporting, and that I had the opportunity to witness
in the (even recent) past, they all turned out to be totally faulty
and without a real remedy, short of a total replacement of the floor,
after proper rearrangements of the joist, subfloor, etc.
Considering the size of the job, I strongly encourage you to get hold
of an expert to evaluate the situation. I'd really love you kept me
posted. Maurizio, USA |
| A 1679: We have an incredibly
heavy marble swivel chair
(3 intact) one we dropped and cracked down the middle while
trying to glue the seat to the pedestal base. Is there
any possibility of repairing it or getting it repaired? Thanks, Nola,
April 9. |
| R1:
Laticrete makes a 2 part glue that will most likely hold it together.
It is pink in color. Mark, USA. |
| A 1586: After installation
of a 7000 dollar granite countertop which
I love, I have noticed a hairline crack coming from
an inside corner. It goes through the thickness of the slab, an
inch and quarter, and travels about one foot into the slab. After
coming to the house to view it and the company rep was initially very
cooperative about finding a solution and 'making us happy' but then
never returned our phone calls. After repeated requests to come to
terms, their only offer was to put on an epoxy and polish, leaving
us with damaged merchandise that might further crack. My first choice
would be to remove the piece, approx 2' x 8' but it is seamed in and
they said it was not possible and might break the remaining pieces.
They also didn't know if they had any matching granite. So our only
recourse would be a financial compromise. What would be fair, since
it is about one third of the entire job? We felt that one third back
was a fair offer. We are taking the risk in the future it will split
apart and need considerable repair. Also we have to 'baby' the area
next to the stove, making sure nothing of any weight is put on it
- forever. So my questions are - what is a fair settlement and if
a piece is seamed in, is it permanent and are you not able to remove
and replace? Thanks for your advice, Mclab, March 25. |
| R2:
Depending of the type of granite, fissures and cracks are sometimes
the nature of the product, thus being natural. If you chose a specific
material with the understanding of it's natural characteristics, then
I feel you should compromise with the fabricator. Maybe have an understanding
that if this crack opens up more, then the fabricator is responsible
for taking the necessary steps to fix it on sit. If you chose a material
that does not have these characteristics, then the fabricator should
replace the specific piece if they have a matching lot, otherwise
replace the entire kitchen with a new lot. Regards Rob, USA. |
| R1:
Dear Mclab: I don't want to go into the "fair settlement" thing. The
only thing I can tell you is that removing a part of the countertop
-- especially if it's not sandwiched in between two other sections
-- is not a problem at all. Finding matching granite could be, though.
Maurizio, USA, |
| A 1582: I recently had
Blue Wave Granite installed in my kitchen.
Upon installation there were no apparent fissures or cracks. Four
months later many, many cracks are appearing, why is this occurring?
Thank you, Monica, March 23. |
| R1:
Dear Monica: Installation failure. Sorry. I hope I'm dead wrong, but
you're gonna have a hard time to get the problem rectified ie.the
whole countertop replaced, that is! Maurizio, USA, |
| A 1563: I'm hoping
you can give me some insight on a problem I am having with my granite
countertop. I believe it is a common color called
Baltic Brown. It's not the greatest quality of granite that I have
seen for it has a lot of pits. My house is 2 years old and I
have a hairline crack along my kitchen sink (the front of it)
it keeps growing. I noticed it after about 9 months of living
in the house. It started out at an inch long and now has grown
to 2 1/2 feet and it is pitting! I have contacted the
subcontracter who put it in and he said there is no way the crack
was there when he put it in. My builder has asked me to gather
some information and that what has led me to you. I have never dropped
anything heavy on the counter or banged it. Sometimes the kids or
I lean against the sink while doing dishes. (FYI we are
all of normal weight!) I would greatly appreciate any advice
you could give me. Vicki, March 20. |
| R4:
Dear Vicki: It's a tough call, my friend! You will need an expert
to check your situation out. Your only possible recourse is if the
expert finds out that there was no sufficient support under the stone
where it cracked. I also guess that it was not rodded, but that, unfortunately,
is only a recommendation, not a requirement. Maurizio, USA, |
| R3:
Have the builder come out and inspect the cabinet supports. The granite
is not adequately supported. As to who will pay to have it fixed,
is any one's guess right now. Regards, Steven, USA, |
| R2:
Please check if the construction which bears the countertop, is solid.
Arja, Finland. |
R1:
The material Baltic Brown used in the sink normally is very strong
and according to my personal experience of similar use for over 20
years I have never had this type of problems.
Have you perhaps put a very hot sauce pan or similar on it without
any underneath protection? If this is the case then you should try
to stop further cracking with the use of "epossydic resin". First,
you should try to get this type of resin from a dealer/your contractor
and apply it on the crack and let it dry for at least a couple of
days. This should stop the development of the crack. Kristina, Finland. |
| Thanks
for your response, but to be clear, the crack is in front of the sink,
there is only 3 inches, depth wise, of granite in front of the sink
and no room to set a hot pan on. Besides, I never set hot pans on
my granite. I cannot fix the crack with epossydic resin, for it is
2 and a 1/2 feet big now and growing. They tried that when is was
smaller, but it still grew and just looked like a filled crack. What
I am looking for is what you think could have caused this. I hope
you'll be able to take the time and respond again. Thanks Vicki |
Referring
to your message of Friday last. I have now discussed the matter with
our people here. However, they say that it is not possible to give
any answer as to what has caused the problem without seeing it with
their own eyes. Therefore the best would be to contact
a granite manufacturer who also do fixings of granite and marble slabs
in similar projects.
We are sorry but we cannot be of more help to you.
Wishing you the best for a Happy Easter time. With kindest regards,
Kristina. Finland. |
| A 1538: We have a slab
of Cardoso stone acting as a table top.
Recently my daughter managed to break the corner off (100
x 50mm). Would we be able to get this polished off by a regular stonemason?
(we were thinking that we could change the style from square corners
to round corners) Many Thanks, Fiona. March 14. |
| R1:
Dear Fiona.. Although it is possible that a stone mason could do this
job for you, you would probably get better results by going to a granite
and marble counter top fabricator. These shops would have the necessary
equipment and skills to do the job. I am not familiar with Cardosa
stone, but if it is a polished surface, most masons would not have
the polishing equipment necessary. Good luck, JVC, USA, |
| A 1489: I also have an
alabaster chandelier on which
the main alabaster plate has cracked through the middle. It is separated
in two pieces but fits neatly together. Can it be glued together?
If so, how and with what type of glue? Thanks, Mike, March 4, |
| R2:
Yes, use a standard stone polyester epoxy. Back cut a little or drill
inside the stone so that the glue does not go to the edge and create
a visible line. You can color the epoxy with fiberglass colors but
it is better not to fill the seam if you do it like the above. Paul,
USA, |
| R1:
Dear Mike: Yes, it can. The ideal would be to use epoxy glue to match
the color (but then, it ain't easy to match alabaster!), but it's
not easy to find and to use. The next best thing, I'd use "Crazy glue".
Maurizio,
USA, |
| A 1466: I had a
granite countertop install
with 3 large cracks / fissures 13" long going across the grain.
We told them to stop the installation but they didn't , saying the
flaws were natural and we would have to accept them. Please advise
me! Being Leined on Greg, Feb 22. |
| R2: Dear
Greg, There are several aspects to consider here. Most importantly,
did you personally inspect and choose the granite slabs used in the
manufacture of the benchtops? If not why not? If you did
and the slabs did not have the cracks that you describe, then you
have a serious complaint against your installer. Cracks of the
size and orientation described, in granite, would be regarded as a
structural defect as well as an aesthetic one. When you run
your fingernail across the cracks can you feel them? Can you
see if there is a small depression in the cracks? When you wet
the area of the granite and let it dry, is the crack noticeably darker
after the adjoining granite has dried? Are you sure that the
cracks are not small veinlets of a mineralogical composition different
to that of the host granite? Unfortunately, you did not mention
what the granite was called. Although very uncommon, it is
possible to get natural fissures in granite. Most of these fissures
would be structural and usually they are healed (filled with another
mineral that has been introduced at a later stage). Another
type is related to elevated fluid activity during granite crystallization
but, in these, a tell-tale sign is the occurrence of well-shaped crystals
lining the fissure. Because you described that the cracks cut
across the grain, there is a high probability that they are not natural.
If the cracks are en echelon, there is good reason to believe
that they are related to the quarrying technique (i.e. due to the
explosives used). Take some photos and have an experienced stone
scientist look at your problem and then take action if you need to.
(Dr.) Hans, Australia |
R1:
Greg, I am not sure what to say to you. I think everything depends
on interpretation. Some fissures are characteristics of the material
so if they remove the countertops would you choose the same material
again?
There are situations where the fissures can be filled and polished.
Would you accept a repair? If you had to take them to court would
they fold their tents and capitulate? I am sorry that I can't think
of an adequate solution for you. My experience is that I don't let
situations like this occur without trying to work it out with my customers.
Regards, Steven, USA |
| |
|
A 1380: The top section of my marble
parsons table has broken in half. Is there any way to repair
this? I've wondered if I could glue the two halves to a plywood base.
Is there any glue that would hold it together? The broken piece is
about 5 feet long and 18 inches deep. It is a slab about 1/2 inch
thick. There is a 3 - 4 inch lip around the edge. The marble is called
"Italian Rose". Please help. Karen, Jan 28.
|
| R3:
The cracks will eventually run through and
crack the top. You may use a polyester resin to fill out the cracks.
The resin will hve to be suitably pigmented to match colour and then
the top will have to be refinished to remove excess resin leftovers.
Regards Arun, India, |
| R2:
Karen, Maybe it can be repaired, maybe not.
Look in your yellow pages for a granite and marble fabricator, and
have them check it out. They will probably want to rod the back in
addition to the glue work. There are glues formulated for this kind
of work, and coloring agents to add to the glue (epoxy or polyester).
Good luck JVC, USA, |
| R1:
This is not a repair I would like you to carry
out. If the piece has a number of veins in it, then I believe a good
fabrication facility could repair it for you where it won't be quite
so noticeable. If it does not have a lot of veins, then I believe
it can still be repaired but you will see the line. Regards, Steven,
USA, |
| |
A 1356: I have a travertine
dining room table for about 15 years. The crack is
now running (lightly) across the width, topside only. What
can I do to stop it from enlarging? Will it eventually run
through and crack the marble? Jan 21.
R1:
You can start with trying to see how
the stone flexed enough to cause a surface crack. You can call a fabrication
facility and have them reinforce the table top with steel, and try
and epoxy impregnate the crack. The crack will always be visible but
this may stop it from continuing. Fair warning though, no one will
want to pick it up without having you tell them it is not their responsibility
if it breaks while they work on it. Regards, Steven, USA,
|
| |
|
A
1254: I have an antique sandstone chess
set. It belonged to my father, who has passed away. In
shipping, two of the pieces are broken. How can I fix them?
Can you fix them? Please send me any and all information that
you can, as this chess set is very sentimental and I would like to
fix it. Sincerely, Kristin, AZ. Dec 12.
|
|
R2:
Kristen, Take
your chess set to one of the fabrication facilities in Scottsdale
and they should be able to fix it for you. Best regards Steven, USA,
|
|
|
|
R1:
Dear Kristin: Yes, those
two pieces can be fixed, but don't expect an invisible mending. Polyester
glue to match the color should be used, then, when properly cured,
shaped with a special tools to blend in with the shape of the piece.
Maurizio, USA, |
|
|
A
1233: How can I re-attach the arm of St. Michael to the statue
on my grandmother's headstone? John L.
Dec 3,
|
| R2:
The reattachment can be complicated because adhesive alone will
not do the trick. You need professional assistance. The arm needs
to be cored out on both sides of the break and a stainless steel rod
needs to be glued with epoxy in there. Then the aesthetic portion
of the repair can start polishing and filling as necessary. Steven,
USA,
|
| R1:
What is the composition of the statue? Marble, Granite, ???? If is
stone - you can use a rapid setting epoxy putty designed for this
purpose. Art, USA,
|
|
A
1215: I understand that there are some kinds of chemical - liquid
Epoxy with color mixture to help repair
crack lines on marble. It's a color mixture that comes in a tube
and the epoxy glue is transparent and mix with a hardener. Please
advise the cost of the material and the supplier. Thank you &
warmest regards, Chong, Nov 25.
|
| R2:
Chong, There are many such products for the restoration and repair
of marble & granite. I will say many times it takes experience
to do the repair properly. Try and find a stone fabrication facility
or a stone restoration facility in your area to do the work for you.
Best regards, Steven, USA, |
|
| R1:
There are several manufactures (brands) and many supply sources. There
are two types of product.. Epoxies which are usually a 50-50 mixture
and polyester resins which use a small amount of hardener. Both work
well, but personally I prefer the polyester types because of there
fast cure time and the fact that the repaired stone can be worked
soon after mending. JVC, USA, |
| A 1110:
I have a slab of marble which has been broken in 3 pieces,
I am an artist and plan to make a table of them. Could you give
me an idea of a recommended adhesive-
epoxy which I could use to bind them together? It is a marble,
which varies from a light bright green to a gray, and is very soft
(like powder) in spots, and crystal like in others. Gina, USA, Sept
24. |
|
|
R4: I
would suggest that you use either an epoxy or a polyester type resin
adhesive for this repair. The epoxy will make for an extra strength
repair but will require a minimum of 24 hrs to cure. The polyester
will set up much faster but will not have as much strength. Both
would probably be suitable. Both can be colored with pigments. Give
our customer service dept. a call to discuss in detail. Bob, USA.
|
|
| R3: There
are many epoxy and polyster adhesives formulated for stone on the
market. Check with a local counter top fabricator or marble tile retailer
as to how to order some, and follow the mixing directions closely.
In fact, a local counter top shop (marble / granite) may be your best
solution as they will have the epoxy, coloring agents to hide the
glue joint, and the necessary clamps to get a good glue joint. JVC,
USA,
|
|
|
R2: Dear Gina: All epoxy-type glues are pretty good.
I can't recommend a particular brand. The fact is that you should
consider "rodding" to do a good job. I have a
problem, though: I don't like the way you describe that particular
marble. It sounds like very inconsistent. As a mechanic, I wouldn't
bother. Maurizio, USA,
|
|
| R1: You have to inherence the parts with steel rods
in the bake. Use transparent glue and add color (pigment).
Pini, USA, |
|
A 1098:
My mother bought me a small but very pretty vase
made of sandstone. It broke during her travel,
the pieces fit together perfectly but I don't know what to use to
bond it together. Please help me. Thank you, Carolyn,
USA, Sept 11,
|
| R2: When we repair objects
like your vase, we ask questions first. How are going to use the repaired
item? Will the vase hold water? Do you expect the repaired item
to look as if it had never broken? Since the pieces go back
together perfectly, we could use flowing polyester adhesive.
If you want the vase to hold water, we would use epoxy. Either would
then require us to hone the vase after it is repaired. We could not
guarantee an unobtrusive repair. Best of luck, Steven, USA, |
|
| R1: Dear
Carolyn: I always try to keep it as simple as possible. Go to your
local supermarket, go to the section where they keep the glues, get
a little tube of household cement, follow the direction, and ... Voila!
(You will always see the seams where it was broken, though). Ciao,
Maurizio, USA, |
| Q 919:
I have an antique cabinet with a marble
slab top. The slab broke into two large pieces. Someone
said there is a way to bond the marble together.
Is that true and how is it done and with what material? Please help
me if you can. This piece was my great grandmothers and is very special
to me. Terrie, USA, March 28, |
| R2: Yes, of course, there are ways to glue
your marble back together. The type of bonding agents available are
either epoxy cement, or polyester two-part glue. They both work very
well, but there's a little tiny problem: They don't work by themselves!
And, since they are not user-friendly, nor are they the final stage
of the process, you're better off looking for a fabrication facility
and / or a stone restoration company that could do the job for you.
Just for your information, you have to first mix the cement with some
coloring agent to match -- as much as possible -- the color of the
marble; second, you have the put together the two pieces on a flat
surface, with the good face of the marble upside down; third, you
have to let the whole thing cure for a couple of days; fourth, you
have to rod the back of the slab (the part that is now upside) with
2 or more metal rods, according to the width of the slab (1 rod every
4 inches is a good rule of thumb; fifth, once the rodding is done
properly and properly cured (another couple of days) you turn the
slab with the finished part of the marble upside, and check that along
the cracks there are no voids (if there are fill them with the colored
glue and let cure for a couple of days); sixth and finally, you grind
along the crack to make the glue become flush with the rest of the
slab, then you hone and polish the whole thing. Did I scare you good?
I sure hope so. Get a professional! Good luck! Maurizio, USA, |
|
| R1:
The best method with
materials that would be accessible to you would be to use a 2-part
epoxy type adhesive, available in most hardware stores. One of the
best to use is the type that comes in what looks like a double barrel
syringe, which ensures a true 50/50 mix. Follow the instructions on
the package to "glue" the two piece back together. When you press
the two pieces of marble together after applying the epoxy to both
broken edges, be sure to have the pieces press together as tightly
as possible and stay tight until dry. Depending on the size of the
marble piece, many a times its own weight will hold it tight. If not
use clamps if possible or use strapping tape and tape tightly together.
Some material will "squish" out. Wait until the epoxy just starts
to thicken (or gel), then using a razor blade carefully to cut off
any excess material flush with the table top. Let cure fully. Bill,
USA, |
See Profiles of Experts
Comments? Complaints? Compliments? info@findstone.com
The views expressed in this section are not of FindStone.
|
