The worst DIY projects we’ve ever seen
We’ve all been there; you’re really excited about a new project, you go out and buy all the equipment you need, only to come home and realize you don’t know what you’re doing. It can happen to the best of us. But for some reason, people seem to think that if the task at hand involves rocks or stone surfaces, they can improvise without any prior experience or training! They end up with a project that looks more than a little dull.
The worst part is when they start bragging about how easy it is! “I used [nom du produit], and it worked like a charm”. We don’t believe you. We also don’t want to hear about your bad DIY projects involving stones or stone surfaces until you’ve at least taken a course in stone masonry! That’s why we’ve created this blog series to help people understand how not to ruin their own homes with bad DIY projects involving stone or stone surfaces.
Painting granite
We see a lot of Tiktok videos of people painting their granite to look like marble. We understand that marble is beautiful and looks really cool when you paint it on your countertop. But we also think you should know that there are other options that won’t destroy the integrity of your stone surface.
Granite is an incredibly durable material with a smooth, glossy finish that doesn’t hold paint well. This means that if you want to paint your granite countertops, you’ll first have to abrade them (roughen them) so that primer and paint can adhere. If you’re not prepared to sacrifice the integrity of your granite for a temporarily trendy aesthetic, then don’t paint your countertops. Self-adhesive wallpaper will give you the look you want with much less long-term damage.
Home cleaning solutions
You know that vinegar is an excellent all-purpose cleaner, but did you know that it can’t be used on stone surfaces? That’s right! Stones such as limestone, marble or travertine react to vinegar as an acidic cleaner with aggressive effects. It can even cause burns or engravings on the stone surface.
People also like to use bleach, which has the same effect. Even if the stone is white, don’t use bleach on it. We know that some people tinker with their cleaning products to save money, but trust us: the right cleaning solution will save you money in the long run. Don’t risk the integrity of your stone with bleach or vinegar!
Repairing your own stone
It can be tempting to restore your own stone. Not only is it a fun project, but it can save you money and give you something to do. But depending on the severity of the damage, you may need professional help.
Most people can repair small chips or cracks themselves, but they can’t see everything that’s going on beneath the surface. A professional can truly assess the integrity of your stone and suggest appropriate solutions, rather than simply masking a problem.
The experts know that every natural stone is different and requires a different approach and procedure. They use specialized equipment and products to help restore natural stone. Professionals and experts have appropriate training and knowledge of the procedure, and follow each step systematically. What’s more, they can obtain professional-quality products that ordinary people don’t have access to, guaranteeing the safety and quality of the repair.
It’s easy to get carried away by the excitement of a good deal, but don’t let an incredible price stop you from doing quality work.
At RocArtz, we offer the best quality stone at the lowest possible price. We believe great design should be affordable for everyone, and that’s why we’re here to help you get the best deals for your projects. Visit our Pointe-Claire showroom today and talk to an expert about what we can do for you!