With over 17 years of excellence in the industry, we are committed to providing homeowners, builders, and designers with top-quality products that elevate the ambiance of any space. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know for proper cast stone mantel care, ensuring its longevity and enduring beauty.
Understanding Cast Stone Mantels
At Mantels Direct, our cast stone mantels are crafted from a stone composite similar to concrete, offering durability and versatility. Available in a variety of styles, sizes, and finishes that mimic the elegance of wood, travertine, limestone, and more, our mantels are designed to complement any aesthetic preference.
Variation of Color and Texture
All cast natural stone, honed or polished 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.
Care and Maintenance
Regular Cleaning
Keep your cast stone mantel looking its best by regularly dusting with a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris. You can easily clean the surface with just warm water and a clean white towel. If the surface has become soiled, you may use a solution of 1 part mild detergent, such as Formula 409, with 3 parts warm water.
Thoroughly rinse the entire area with clean warm water to remove any detergent residue. If you require a stronger cleanser, retail home stores or stone and tile stores sell general purpose stone cleaners. Do not use products containing acids or alkaline as they may damage the surface of the stone.
Minor Repairs
In the event of minor damage during shipping or installation, we provide a repair kit with all necessary materials to quickly and easily fix any chips or dings.
Handling Spills
Promptly clean up spills using a neutral cleanser and cold water to prevent stains. Avoid using acidic or alkaline-based products, as they may damage the surface of the stone.
Preventing Common Stains
Take precautions to prevent stains from candles, plants, food, beverages, and burnt logs/sparks by using protective measures such as trays or containers.See below for more details.
Sealing
Mantelpieces are sealed at the factory to protect the finish and help prevent stains. However, natural stone is a porous surface so stains may still develop if spills are not removed immediately. To further protect the grout joints and the surfaces it is strongly recommended that all new cast stone mantel products be resealed after installation.
It is recommended that you use a high quality sealer that can be purchased from a local home center or tile and stone retailer. Test any new sealer on an inconspicuous spot to ensure that you are satisfied with the outcome before sealing the entire surface area. When apply a sealer make sure that all surfaces are clean and dry and then carefully follow the instructions provided on the product packaging.
Shipping and Customer Support
Rest assured that your mantel will arrive safely thanks to our careful packaging and free shipping. Our dedicated call center and live chat support are available to assist you with any questions or concerns, ensuring a seamless experience from purchase to installation.
Preventing Common Stains
Cleaners
Do not use acidic or alkaline based products when cleaning stone as they may etch the surface. It is best to use a solution of warm water and mild detergent and a clean white cloth.
Plants
Even a sealed stone surface can get water damage so it is best not to place plants directly onto the stone.
Candles
It is very difficult to remove wax from the surface of cast stone so it is best to have a plate or other container under your candles to catch any dripping wax.
Smoke
Smoke can stain a cast stone surface so be careful with your fireplace ventilation system.
Food
Foods containing oils can stain cast stone so it is best to avoid placing food near the stone surface.
Beverages
Although liquid spills can generally be cleaned up without damage if caught early and blotted dry, it is best to prevent accidental spills by not placing cups or glasses containing liquid near stone surfaces.
Burnt Logs/Sparks
You should exercise caution when pushing burning logs around in a wood burning fireplace as sparks can etch the surface of the stone when they land. Also, when cleaning the inside of your fireplace, always cover the stone surface to avoid unsightly soot stains.
Investing in a cast stone mantel from Mantels Direct is not only a statement of elegance but also a commitment to quality and durability. By following these simple cast stone mantel maintenance tips, you can preserve the beauty of your mantel for years to come, creating a focal point that enhances the warmth and charm of your home. Thank you for choosing Mantels Direct for all your fireplace mantel needs.