FAQs
Dedicated memorials specialists in Sydney
WHAT IS GRANITE?
Granite is a natural volcanic igneous rock containing mineral crystals of quartz, feldspar and mica. Granite is formed as molten magma cools slowly deep underground, allowing the crystals from the minerals to grow large enough to be easily seen by the naked eye.
When molten magma is cooled under great pressure, the resulting granite is extremely hard, being able to endure great weight and force. Enormously durable, granite is highly resistant to weathering, making it an excellent material for memorials.
Granite is stronger, has less water absorption and in general is more resistant to staining than marble.
WILL THE POLISH ON GRANITE WEAR OFF?
No. The polished surface of granite is not an applied polish. Granite is polished in much the same way raw opals are polished. Optimum results are achieved only after completing a multi-stage wet polishing process.
Polished granite surfaces are highly resistant to weathering and maintain their polished appearance over centuries.
HOW DURABLE IS THE LETTERING ON GRANITE?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RAISED AND INCISED LETTERING?
WHAT IS A PHOTO-ETCHING?
HOW IS A GRANITE MEMORIAL CLEANED?
Absolute minimal maintenance is required for a polished granite memorial:
Polished Granite - Polished surfaces easily wash with water and a sponge. Abrasive cleaners and materials can scratch the polished surface and should never be used. Never use wire brushes or steel pads, only use soft bristle, non-scratch brushes and sponges.
Granite memorials should be carefully swept or dusted before applying any pressure to the surface to prevent dirt and grit causing abrasive action on the polished surface.
Oil and grease should be soaked up quickly and not wiped from surface as it will spread and penetrate the surface, leaving a stain. The residual stain can be partially dissipated into the granite by absorbing with a non-oily solvent, i.e. Toluene, white spirits, methylated spirits.
Melted candle wax can soak in and stain granite. When the granite is heated by the sun, candle wax melts, penetrating the surface, resulting in stains that cannot be fully removed.
Unpolished Granite - Unpolished surfaces may need high pressure water blasting once every few years or so, depending on climate & positioning of the memorial.
Gold Letters - Squeeze a clean wet sponge above lettering to allow water to gently flow down over the gold. Never touch the gold with hands or fingers - oils from the skin will react with the gold and cause it to discolour. Never wipe gold, as every contact removes a minute layer of the gold leaf. Gold can be re-gilded when required, but only by a skilled tradesperson.
DO YOU CATER TO ALL NATIONALITIES?
CAN YOU CUSTOMISE MEMORIALS?
WHAT IS A PHOTO-ETCHING?
HOW MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?
DO YOU PROVIDE LAWN AND KERBED MONUMENTS?
CAN YOU ADD AN INSCRIPTION TO AN EXISTING MEMORIAL?
WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN?
DO YOU PROVIDE MEMORIAL RENOVATIONS AND THE REFURBISHMENT OF INSCRIPTIONS?
DO YOU PROVIDE MEMORIAL ACCESSORIES?
Dedicated memorials specialists in Sydney
WHAT IS GRANITE?
Granite is a natural volcanic igneous rock containing mineral crystals of quartz, feldspar and mica. Granite is formed as molten magma cools slowly deep underground, allowing the crystals from the minerals to grow large enough to be easily seen by the naked eye.
When molten magma is cooled under great pressure, the resulting granite is extremely hard, being able to endure great weight and force. Enormously durable, granite is highly resistant to weathering, making it an excellent material for memorials.
Granite is stronger, has less water absorption and in general is more resistant to staining than marble.
WILL THE POLISH ON GRANITE WEAR OFF?
No. The polished surface of granite is not an applied polish. Granite is polished in much the same way raw opals are polished. Optimum results are achieved only after completing a multi-stage wet polishing process.
Polished granite surfaces are highly resistant to weathering and maintain their polished appearance over centuries.
HOW DURABLE IS THE LETTERING ON GRANITE?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RAISED AND INCISED LETTERING?
WHAT IS A PHOTO-ETCHING?
HOW IS A GRANITE MEMORIAL CLEANED?
Absolute minimal maintenance is required for a polished granite memorial:
Polished Granite - Polished surfaces easily wash with water and a sponge. Abrasive cleaners and materials can scratch the polished surface and should never be used. Never use wire brushes or steel pads, only use soft bristle, non-scratch brushes and sponges.
Granite memorials should be carefully swept or dusted before applying any pressure to the surface to prevent dirt and grit causing abrasive action on the polished surface.
Oil and grease should be soaked up quickly and not wiped from surface as it will spread and penetrate the surface, leaving a stain. The residual stain can be partially dissipated into the granite by absorbing with a non-oily solvent, i.e. Toluene, white spirits, methylated spirits.
Melted candle wax can soak in and stain granite. When the granite is heated by the sun, candle wax melts, penetrating the surface, resulting in stains that cannot be fully removed.
Unpolished Granite - Unpolished surfaces may need high pressure water blasting once every few years or so, depending on climate & positioning of the memorial.
Gold Letters - Squeeze a clean wet sponge above lettering to allow water to gently flow down over the gold. Never touch the gold with hands or fingers - oils from the skin will react with the gold and cause it to discolour. Never wipe gold, as every contact removes a minute layer of the gold leaf. Gold can be re-gilded when required, but only by a skilled tradesperson.