How does a natural stone turn into a countertop?

Much of what makes granite so unique is the history behind the stone. At G&L Marble showrooms, where granite slabs are neatly stacked in bundles for viewing, it is easy to overlook the long process of getting granite into your kitchen. So how does a rock become a countertop? 

 

First, the granite must be discovered. Natural stone quarries are located throughout the world. Every continent has its own distinctive rock types and colors. Through a process of prospecting and studying geological surveys, sites are chosen for their structure, color and marketability. These sites may be located in extremely remote locations such as Madagascar, The Amazon region of Brazil, or in the desert region of Namibia, located on the continent of Africa. Once a site is chosen, and mining licenses are obtained by following strict environmental guidelines, quarrying begins.

 

Next the granite must be extracted from the earth. Extraction is a process of drilling and wire sawing to release huge benches of stone. The benches are then drilled and split into blocks. The finished blocks on average are 10’x6’x6’ and can weigh as much as 40 tons. Blocks are inspected for any cracks, major flaws and for color range.

 

Transportation from the quarry to the processing plant is varied depending on the location of the quarry. From our desert quarries in Namibia, many of the blocks trucked 1200 miles to our plant in South Africa. Other blocks are sent by truck to the port of Walvis Bay, Namibia and then transported by ship to Italy for processing. Upon arrival at the processing plant, blocks are selected for cutting. Using 40 ton Gantry Cranes, the blocks are positioned on large trolley carts and pulled under the gang saws for cutting. The gang saws are enormous machines. The massive blades are aligned and spaced on a large carriage up to 18’ wide. Driven by electric motors the carriage is pushed and pulled back and forth. While the blades are moving, a cutting slurry comprised of steel grit and water is poured over the blocks to provide the abrasion for the cutting.

 

Granite Countertops in Savannah   Granite Countertops in Knoxville  Granite Countertops in Birmingham

 

Completion of the block cutting requires between 2-7 days (depending on the hardness of the stone). The quality of the cutting is dependent on the skills of the gang saw masters who are in charge of the cutting. Because of the variables in stone hardness, density, the slurry, blade tensioning, and cutting speed, the sawing process requires constant monitoring by the masters. The rough cut slabs are then thoroughly cleaned with water and prepared for the next phase of processing.

 

The next phase is determined by the specific type of stone. Many of the granites quarried today go through an epoxy process to enhance the quality of the stone. For example, the large quartz crystals found in some granite have fissures or crazing to them. The fact is, if there weren’t fissures it would not be quartz. These characteristics are inherent to that mineral. These fissures are not defects, as we say in the stone industry, “Mother Nature doesn’t make mistakes”. However, with today’s epoxy technology, a greater variety of exotic granites can be processed for countertops. 

 

The epoxy process begins by loading the slabs into an oven to completely dry the stone and bring it to an even temperature before the epoxy is applied. Epoxy resin is poured and then troweled on in a thin layer over the entire surface of the slab. Slabs are then rolled into a vacuum chamber drawing out any air pockets so the epoxy can penetrate deeply into the slabs. The epoxy is then oven cured into extremely hard coating. 

 

The polishing process is the same regardless of whether a slab has been epoxied.

The polishing line is a long conveyor-fed machine which sends the slabs under 21 separate grinding, then polishing heads. The polish is achieved by a series of grits on rotating polishing heads starting from a very coarse 60 grit diamond abrasive to 1800 grit polishing bricks. When the epoxied slabs are polished, all the epoxy is ground from the surface. What remains is the epoxy that has penetrated below the surface into any fissures, pits or voids. After quality inspection the slabs are ready to be bundled, loaded into a container and shipped. Once the slabs have been packed into bundles (think slices of bread in a loaf), they are loaded into shipping containers. These containers are then loaded onto a cargo ship bound for different destinations. Our containers (shipped from all over the world) are brought into the port of Savannah or Charleston. Shipping times vary depending on the port of discharge, however, 4-6 weeks is typical travel time from any factory to our warehouse.

 

Upon arrival at the port of entry, customs clearing along with the random USDA inspections take place. Once cleared from the port, the containers are then loaded onto a truck bound for our Winston, GA warehouse.

 

At the warehouse, the containers are unloaded by overhead cranes, then staged for quality control. During quality control each individual slab is inspected for any processing defects, cracks, quality of polish etc. From our main warehouse bundles are shipped to our showroom locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Birmingham, Destin, High Point, Jacksonville, Knoxville and Raleigh. The handling of the slabs (weighing in excess of 1200 lbs) is done by use of overhead cranes or mechanical loading booms. At our showrooms the slabs are on full display for customers to make their selections. Our showrooms are equipped to layout a bundle of a chosen material so the customer can actually pick their individual slabs. Upon selecting and approving specific slabs, the customer then contracts with a fabricator to cut and install their countertops. Fabricators place the customer’s slab order with G&L and we ship to their shop within 2-3 days from placing the order.

 

When looking at a granite countertop, it is hard to imagine the extensive and time consuming process it has undergone before arriving in your home. Thousands of miles have been traveled and hundreds of hands have extracted, polished, trucked, shipped, received, measured, cut and installed that piece of stone. Natural stone has a history in regards to its formation, but simply getting from the earth to your home is a story in itself. It is this story that explains why people who enjoy their granite countertops. appreciate natural stone. Every piece is as unique as the homeowners themselves. This appreciation of natural stone separates granite from “just another building material”. Yet despite the many processes that are involved, natural stone remains very competitively priced. In many cases it is priced lower than solid surface products, even though solid surface is produced at a fraction of the cost. Natural stone is in a class by itself. The only truly natural choice is natural stone.

Granite Countertops in High Point  Granite Countertops in Destin  Granite Countertops in Atlanta  Granite Countertops in Jacksonville

 

What you need to know about Installing Marble in Kitchens

 

 

The speech. You know the one. You tell someone you want marble countertops in the kitchen and you’ll hear it-probably more than once. People will tell you you’ll never be able to drink red wine again. They’ll tell you you’ll need a degree in chemistry before you will be able to clean the counters for the first time. Bottom line, they’ll tell you no. But you’ve seen marble kitchens in the magazines. You’ve been to Europe. You remember the white marble in the soda fountains of your youth. So what is everyone so afraid of?

                        The truth is, you can put marble on your countertops. It is after all, your kitchen. You could upholster the countertops with silk if you wanted to...it all boils down to how much maintenance you are willing to live with. So how much time and energy is involved? We’ve spoken to the Marble Institute of America (MIA), stone fabricators and homeowners to compile what it’s like to live with marble. Here’s what we found out.

                        Typically when a homeowner is looking for natural stone countertops the first stone they think of is granite. The reason for this is granite's reputation for durability and performance in the kitchen. According to the MIA, granites are undoubtedly the most popular stone type used in countertop applications today. These stones are some of the hardest, offering high levels of resistance to abrasion, scratching and heat. The primary minerals in the granite are resistant to virtually all chemicals commonly found in a residential setting.

                        Marbles on the other hand are made up primarily of calcite crystal. Due to their mineralogical makeup, all marbles are vulnerable to either abrasion or chemical attack. Scratching could occur from common kitchen utensils. Lemon juice, tomatoes, vinegar and any other acidic solutions would etch the surface, removing the polish on the stone. Although red wine is the most commonly feared liquid near a marble kitchen, foods that have both acidic and oily qualities are usually more harmful because the oil acts as a carrier into the stone. Salad dressings and marinades are common culprits.

                        The use of abrasive cleaners must be avoided for the same reason-no bleach or ammonia based products should be used. So how do you clean the counters? There are many marble friendly natural stone products on the market. If you have someone come in to clean your home, be sure that they are only using the products that you provide, not the strong chemical based commercial cleansers typically used. Because of the high absorption rate of most marbles, a sealer should be applied to help slow the rate of water and stain absorption into the stone. Depending on the life to the sealer, it will need to be reapplied periodically. Sealers are readily available on the market and can be easily applied by the homeowner.  However, many homeowners have a misconception about stone sealers. Even though a stone is sealed, it does not mean that it is an impervious surface. The sealer can help slow the absorption process, but it does not mean that no staining will occur. Although sealers have improved in recent years, there is not a product that will completely protect marble from staining or etching. It is simply a characteristic of the stone that this will occur.

                       

Granite Countertops in Savannah   Granite Countertops in Knoxville  Granite Countertops in Birmingham

 

 

The vulnerability of the polish on marble is one of the reasons marble is often honed when used in the kitchen. Removing the polish helps to camouflage the wearing of the stone and makes the surface have painted, or "aged" effect. It is difficult to see etches or rings on the stone when it is honed because the entire surface has already gone through an etching process in order to remove the polish. Jennifer Van Horn is a homeowner with honed Piel Serpentine marble in her kitchen. "I like the honed marble surface because the veins and pattern of the stone help to hide the surface dirt on the counter. I have polished concrete where my range is and it shows every little thing. On the marble, it's hard to tell what is part of the stone and what isn't." This camouflaging effect is one of the benefits of having a marble with veins. A white marble with little veining, for example, would be more likely to show wear, while a darker material with more movement would help to blur the line between stains and variations within the material.

                        So how do fabricators feel about installing marble in the kitchen? Mike Knox of Stonecutters Guild in Huntsville, Alabama, responds, "Here's what marble will do in your kitchen-it will ring, it will stain, but it will be beautiful. Most of my clientele has traveled the world and they see painted marble, they see that there is nothing more real than that. I love working with marble and if a client wants it, I'll do it. But I'll also tell them that they are not going to call me every week to clean up an orange ring or a glass ring. If the homeowner is not going to appreciate what marble does and how it looks as it ages, I won't do it in their kitchen." John Howard, a salesperson in the G&L Marble Atlanta showroom is in agreement. "In the last few years more and more homeowners are asking for marble or limestone for the kitchen. They see it in magazines, their designer tells them about it, and they want it. I always tell them about the staining and the scratching and if they still want it, then I say 'go for it'. However, there are people that want the marble to look brand new forever, and for those people I don't think marble is a good idea."

                        If a homeowner is hesitant to have marble in vulnerable areas of the kitchen, for example, around the range, then mixing materials in an option. Installing granite in the work areas and marble in the areas that receive less traffic is one way of having the best of both worlds. Kitchens today often combine more than one cabinetry style or finish, and the same is true of countertops.          

                        In the end, the only person that can answer the question of whether marble is right for the kitchen is the individual homeowner. Homeowners need to ask themselves what their needs are and have the proper expectations of marble as a work surface. Every kitchen is used differently. Some kitchens are used more than others. Some kitchens are used by small children. Some kitchens are designed to look as if they have been there for many years and would benefit from an "aged" surface, while others may be served better by a countertop that looks the same as it did the day it was installed. Regardless, with more natural stones on the market than ever before, there truly is a natural stone out there for everyone. It is simply a matter of determining which is the right choice for you. 

 

Granite Countertops in High Point  Granite Countertops in Destin  Granite Countertops in Atlanta  Granite Countertops in Jacksonville

 

Natural Stone Sinks are a great option for today's Modern Atlanta Kitchen

Have you considered having a Natural Stone Kitchen Sink?

Natural stone is already known as a classic material for use on the countertops of today’s kitchens and bathrooms.  Now natural stone is turning a very utilitarian object - the sink - into a piece of art.

The new stone sinks that are available on the market are not really “new” at all.  Stones had been used for sinks for hundreds of years.  So why has the stone sink be recently re-discovered?

First and foremost, stone sinks are used for aesthetic reason.  Homeowners are often drawn to the seamless look of a sink that blends with the rest of the countertop.  In order to meet the demand for this look, more and more stone fabricators are creating sinks of the same granite that has been crafted into countertops.

Beyond the aesthetics of stone sinks there are also practical benefits.  Sinks that are created from stone slabs have unmatched flexibility of size.  The sink can be fabricated to a custom dimension that suites the design of the space.  This means that the kitchen or bath design does not have to be limited to accommodate the standard sink sized that most sink manufacturers offer.

Install a Natural Stone Sink

In addition to flexibility of size, stone sinks also boast the ability to add custom features.  Drain boards can be carved into the countertop, which enables liquid to flow directly into the sink.  Custom depths can be created.  The number of dividers in the sink can be altered, so a sink can be long and trough-like or divided into separate sections.  The sinks can also be customized to accommodate a cutting board that fits over the sink.  Custom faucetry can be worked into the stone sink design simply by drilling a hole into the sink to accommodate the faucet.  Stone sinks can be installed as “undermount” sink or can feature a traditional apron front.

The popular “vessel” sink is being interpreted using natural stone including granite, marble, limestone, travertine, onyx and soapstone.  Along with the many stone options now available, there are also several options for how to install vessel sinks.  The sink can be set into the countertop so that only a small amount of the top edge of the sink is visible.  Or it can “sit” on top of the countertop to show off the entire bowl-shape of the vessel.  The vessel can also hang from brackets on the wall to accommodate wall-mounted faucetry.  A stone vessel sink can be placed on a stone pedestal, making it an option to replace the traditional porcelain pedestal sink.

Natural stone sinks combine flexibility in size, shape and color with the strength and beauty that has made stone countertops a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

The intrinsic beauty of a stone sink is enhanced by the fact that no two sinks will ever be exactly alike.  This fact alone makes selecting a stone sink an artful, natural choice.

Granite Atlanta by G&L Marble

Superior service and selection with over 200 varieties of granite in stock.
 

Granite Atlanta by G&L Marble delivers the finest in natural stone for tile and flooring throughout Atlanta and Georgia. There is a style and color appealing to any discriminating taste.

Come visit us and select your tile!

Showroom: Atlanta

Granite Marble Slate Limestone Travertine Onyx

Natural Stone Flooring Quartz - Masada Stone IceStone -"Green" Eco-Friendly Countertops Tile Mosaics

The showroom is stocked with thousands of slabs on display which customer can view and immediately reserve for purchase by the fabricator of their choice. In addition to kitchen counters, the Granite Atlanta showroom also has on display a large variety of tiles, mosaics, and trim pieces for floors, walls, or to simply compliment any existing or on-going project. Save time and money by speaking to a stone expert!

Slabs and Countertops
Granite Atlanta is by G&L Marble,which owns and operates nine granite quarries in Namibia, Africa, along with a processing factory in South Africa. The quarries produce approximately 25 color selections that are processed into slabs and tiles at various factories and distributed throughout Atlanta and all of Georgia. These colors can be seen in our showroom on Armour Drive in Atlanta.

Want to come see and feel the differences in materials? A stone expert is available at our showroom to help you make the most sensible decision.

Because G&L Marble, who brings you Granite Atlanta, imports and distributes natural stone from all over the world (including the United States), we have a great opportunity to be a part of an industry that has grown by leaps and bounds with improved technology and resources. Our showroom in Atlanta and our eight other U.S. city locations, and our global distribution network are the means by which we promote the ever-changing colors, finishes, and available sizes of stone to the public and the trade.

There are literally hundreds of slabs and colors to choose from. The prices for slabs and tiles are as varied as the colors. Availability, color, and country of origin are major factors that affect the price of natural stone slabs and tiles. Many granites are offered at the same price, or sometimes less than man-made products. The natural movement and pattern flow, colors, and crystals of granite are properties that even though attempted, remain unmatched by any man made surface.

Need help finding a good, honest fabricator? We can help you find one in your area.

So what is so special about granite?

A simple answer is every single piece! Whether it is a slab, tiles or any other dimension, you will not find two pieces exactly the same. Because granite is extracted from the earth in its natural form, each piece represents the earth's formation at that particular place in the landscape. This is what makes up the 'look' of natural stone. The movement, veining, size of crystals and colors are geographically unique to the history of that region, the climate's cycles, and the shifting of the earth's surface. Granite is millions of years old. If the crystals could talk, we'd hear quite a story...probably stories of dinosaurs and mammals, volcanoes and icebergs, pyramids and kings, earthquakes and tsunamis. How cultures began and how our ancestors survived. Without question, granite is durable.

Do you have a favorite place in the world? Maybe you've been there. Maybe you're from there. Maybe it's the state you live in. When you select granite for your home, you have the opportunity to express yourself. Through history or geography or just feeling passionate about the colors themselves, granite can be your keepsake of a place that holds true to yourself.



Granite's hardness and porosity vary depending on the region from which it hails. Some are very hard and dense and some are not as hard and are more porous. When you apply a penetrating repellent known as a 'sealer', the pours of the granite absorb the liquid which in turn repels food and liquids from penetrating the stone. This is as easy to do as applying furniture polish to your wood. It does not coat the stone, it is absorbed by it. This is the only 'maintenance' required for your granite countertops. The hardness of your granite and the type of repellent you choose will determine if you need to seal your stone once a year, every 5 years, or anything in between. Sealers are available through any stone professional or retail store specializing in stone.
Granite slabs come from blocks that when excavated from the earth are cut into either a 2cm (3/4') or 3cm (1 '') thickness. Since the blocks usually range from 7' in length to 11' in length, the slabs sizes will range as well. If seams are an issue for you, keep that in mind when you make your slab selection. Good fabricators and installers are craftsmen. Often times the seams or joints are so tight they are difficult to notice. Often the movement in the stone overshadows the seam, and often the slabs will be large enough that a seam or joint is not required. Not all fabricators are craftsmen, so ask for references.
There are literally hundreds of granite colors to choose from. The prices are as varied as the colors. Availability, color, and country of origin are major factors that affect the price of granite. The natural movement, colors, and crystals of granite are properties that even though attempted, can be unmatched by any man made surface.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For hundreds of unique and beautiful selections of granite and natural stone, visit Natural Stone Atlanta ; info@naturalstoneatlanta.com ; 404-592-5597

Which is better: NATURAL STONE VS. MANMADE MATERIALS for countertops?

Having been a part of the stone industry for 18 years I  still feel the excitement and energy of learning about stone. Seeing new colors, new techniques and more countries becoming involved in such a unique industry encourages that excitement. When challenged with the question "why granite as opposed to any other surface," a thousand reasons raced through my mind and I thought (out loud), "given the choice, who wouldn't choose granite?"
The fact is many people don't select granite for their countertops. Many choose man made surfaces known as "Solid Surface" such as Corian, Gibraltar, and Surrell which are actually plastics. These materials will scratch, but because they are so soft, you can repair them by sanding the surface. However, over time repeated sanding will dish your countertops. When considering Solid Surface keep these things in mind:
-There are about 125 different colors to choose from.
-Solid Surface will burn. You cannot move a hot pot directly from the oven or stove on to your countertop.
-Because it is a softer material, you may save a glass or two.
-This is the only material that appears seamless. The seams will be less noticeable than either granite or engineered stone.
-It will stain. However, abrasive cleaners should be able to remove most stains.
-The seams will be less noticeable than either granite or engineered stone.
-Available in a matte finish only.
-Solid surface will not harbor bacteria; bacteria do not eat plastic.
-Cost: Low end is $35-50 per square foot, and can run up to $85 per square foot.
There is another manmade countertop surface known as "Engineered Stone." These products include Cambria, Zodiaq, and Silestone, to name a few. Engineered Stone is a resin-based quartz material manufactured to imitate natural stone. Each manufacturer of engineered stone produces their own color pallet of approximately 35 colors. When
considering Engineered Stone for your countertops keep these things in mind:
-Engineered stone is harder than plastic, however it can scratch.
-Seams are more evident than solid surface (if seams are an issue for you)
-It has a stain resistant surface.
-Because it is harder than plastic, it may cost you to replace a glass or two.
-Because it is a resin based material, a hot pot directly from your oven or burners will affect this material. You should let your pan cool for few minutes before placing on countertop.
-Available in matte and semi-gloss finishes.
-Engineered stone will not harbor bacteria; bacteria do not eat resin.
-Cost: Low end is $45-60 per square foot, and can run up to $100 per square foot.
Granite is a natural product. There are approximately 400 different granite colors from which to choose. When considering natural granite for you countertops consider this:
-Granite will not burn. You can set pots directly from your oven or stove onto your countertops.
-Since it is the hardest surface, you may have to replace a glass or two.
-It is not a high maintenance product. It only requires sealing every 1-5 years, which makes it a stain resistant surface.
-Spots that occur from food and liquid can be removed. There are products on the market specifically to do just that. Available at stone specialty stores and from any stone professional.
-Granite in a kitchen application will not scratch (the only things harder than granite are not typically found in a kitchen).
            -Available in polished, honed, brushed and antique finishes.
            -Granite does not harbor bacteria; bacteria do not eat stone.
-Cost: Low end is $40-65 per square foot, with special pricing sometimes going down to $30 range. High end is $75-100 per square foot. Exotics $100 and up.
----------------------------------------------------------
Granite Atlanta ; info@graniteatlanta.net ; 404-592-5597

How to install flooring slate

PLEASE NOTE:
Before you begin grouting slate tiles & only when the adhesive is fully dried should you consider the next phase, if you do not let the adhesive dry fully you may experience lifting of your slate floor tiles after installation, they must fully bed & the adhesive must cure/dry properly.
Before Grouting
Clean The Slate First
It is advisable at this stage to remove any debris or adhesive that may have oozed up between the grout joints or been left on the surface.
You are now ready for the next phase of the installation but before you can begin grouting slate tiles, you must first clean the floor & seal it. To do this you will need your bucket & large sponge
Begin by ¾ filling the bucket with clean luke warm water, then start from one end of the room wiping the surface of the tiles with a rinsed sponge, DO NOT saturate the floor. Depending on how dirty the slate tiles are I recommend that you wash out your bucket & get fresh clean water when it begins becoming dirty. Doing this enables you to have a nice fresh clean floor when the water has dried off the surface ready for you to seal your slate tiles.
You must now let the floor fully dry & I would recommend that you leave it overnight to dry at room temperature.
AN IMPORTANT TIP FOR YOU
If you have purchased Indian or Chinese Slate & especially Chinese Slate, make 100% sure that these tiles are fully dried before you seal them.
Ready For The First Seal
Your now need to get your small sponge roller & painters tray. Before grouting slate tiles you must seal them. So pour some sealer that you have been supplied with in to the painters tray & then lightly seal your slate tiles.
DO NOT over apply the sealer, try to spread it well with the roller, you should easily get 12 – 15m2 coverage for every 1 litre of sealer that you have, if it is over applied you will be left with blotches, so spread it evenly over the tiles but not to thick.
By sealing your slate tiles you are blocking the pours of the stone, this will then enable the grout to float over the pin head sized holes on the stone & not stick within the pours, the grout should now be easily removed when it is applied & you are now ready for grouting slate tiles.
A Tip For You
All natural slate or stone needs to be sealed, do not try to save a few pounds/dollars by cutting corners & not sealing your slate tiles prior to grouting slate tiles, you will be left with a hazy mist on the surface & you will find it practically impossible to remove, (TRUST ME, I HAVE SEEN IT HAPPEN).
Grouting Slate Tiles
Now the sealer has dried you are ready to grout your slate floor, you will need a clean bucket, fresh water & your chosen device for mixing. Read the grout manufacturers label prior to mixing any grout.
Mix a small amount of grout in the bucket for your first attempt, it is better to mix to little than to much on the first attempt as you will get a feel for how much water you will need for your second attempt at grouting slate tiles.
A Tip For You
I am assuming you are a beginner at this so I would suggest that you aim to work on 8 – 10m2 at a time, between grouting & cleaning.
“Why? I want to do the whole floor in one go”, you say.
Because if you are grouting slate tiles by yourself, you will need to clean/wipe off as you go along, you cannot grout a whole floor in one pass, by the time you get to the opposite end your starting area will be drying & the grout is a pig to remove if you leave it on the surface for to long.
How To Grout
Apply the grout with your rubber float (as shown in Part 1 “Slate Flooring Installation”) along the grout lines, it is best to grout across the grout lines on a diagonal ensuring that the grout is well pushed in to the grout joints. By pushing the grout in to the grout joints you are removing any air that may be trapped, the air can cause hollows that can render the grout lines weak in places & may over time pop out if the grout is not applied correctly.
Remove as much excess grout as possible with your rubber float as you go, you will find it much easier to clean if you do this.
Now you have grouted 8 – 10m2, get a clean bucket of luke warm water & a clean sponge & start as soon as possible to clean the grout off the tiles, ring out the sponge before you wipe, do not saturate the tiles with water, it is best to wipe once then turn your sponge over to wipe with the other side, then rinse.
Use clean water for every 8 – 10m2 you grout, if your water becomes to contaminated with excess grout you will be forever cleaning.
A Tip For You
When cleaning the tiles, wipe over the grout joints on a diagonal, do not follow the grout lines with your sponge, you will remove grout from within your grout joints, lightly wiping the slate tiles on a diagonal causes you to keep almost level with the top of the tile.
Make sure you have removed all grout & stubborn clumps on the first clean, when you have cleaned the floor once this way, clean out your bucket & sponge ready for the next pass.
Repeat the grouting process until all the floor is grouted & cleaned as described above.
I now suggest you clean the whole floor again with fresh clean water & a clean sponge, I know it is hard work & you are tired but you will thank me if you do, the cleaner the floor the better it will look on the next phase of the installation process.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Floor tile specials at Floor Atlanta
info@flooratlanta.com