​The latest trend is surfacing is porcelain slabs. You may also hear "ultracompact" or "sintered stone," but it all refers to the same material, which we will refer to as porcelain. Some brand names are Laminam, Techlam by Levantina, Dekton, Neolith, and Infinity Surfaces.
​ 
​The category is rising in popularity for several reasons:

Aesthetic Appeal
The slabs are man made, using digital technology to create the most realistic marbled, wood, metallic or concrete designs. For a marbled design, the manufacturer will find the most beautiful slab of real marble, and scan it with an industrial grade scanner. The design is then digitally printed on the surface of the porcelain slab, creating a slab that is almost indistinguishable from the natural stone.

Durability
​ Porcelain is an extremely durable product--it can withstand extreme heat, and is nonporous, so no need to worry about staining! The matte finish is extremely durable and can be cleaned with a Magic Eraser for some brands. The polished finish is created by applying a layer of glass to the surface, creating a shinier finish than quartz and stone. You do need to take care not to chip the edge of the countertop or the sink cutout. 

​Unlimited Uses
​Porcelain can be used for more than just countertops...it makes an excellent surfacing material for walls (shower, accent, or full backsplashes), range hoods, flooring, exterior cladding, or even around a pool. The uses are virtually unlimited. 

It is a "green" product in that the ingredients all come from the earth, no harsh chemicals are used. The main ingredients are clay, quartz, and feldspar. Through the process of heat and pressure, the feldspar melts, becoming the glue that hold everything together.  Unlike quartz, it is absent of resins, therefore a UV stable material suitable for outdoor applications. 

There is no doubt that you will see more use of porcelain in the future.  For full slabs, and displays, please visit our showroom. Click here for directions and hours: travertineartisans.com/contact.html

Congratulations!  You purchased your dream countertops of quartzite, marble, granite, or other natural stone.  Now what?  How do you keep them in top condition?

**Please note that the tips below are for NATURAL STONE ONLY, not manufactured quartz, which requires no sealing.

All natural stones have some degree of porosity.  The more porous a stone is, the more susceptible it is to staining. For the most part, darker stones tend to be less porous and absorb less liquids than lighter colored stones.

To help prevent discolorations or staining of the stone, we recommend applying a penetrating sealer at least once a year. Penetrating sealers soak into the second layer of stone, and do not alter the appearance. 

We have tried many sealers over the years, and 2 of our favorites are Tenax Proseal, and Lustro Italiano.

After thoroughly cleaning and drying your countertop, apply sealer to countertop using a soft cloth.  Let soak in for 5-10 minutes, then remove excess with a clean dry rag. 
Sealer may be re-applied if it soaked in the stone quickly.  

​That's it! Easy peasy. 

If you are concerned that your countertop needs re-sealing more often than 1x per year, you can test it.  Place a few drops of water on the surface of the countertop.  It should bead up and stay there.  If the water absorbs within minutes, apply a coat of sealer for more protection. 

**Some sealers have a strong smell as they are solvent based, use care around children, pets, and those with sensitivities.