Problems with Leathered Absolute Black Granite

[graniteman]

We use a product called Tenax Ager on every honed or leathered absolute black jobs. We've never had a problem with rings or staining but we are careful with cleaning up the excess liquid. The ager will leave the stone darker.

[Stone Dude]

The one thing that I have found works well to prevent finger prints is 2 steps.

I did some tests on honed and brushes Black Absolute a while ago, several different pieces, and some Red Dragon that we brushed.

First, I would recommend an enhancer over a regular impregnator. This will even out the color and provide good protection. The BA doesn't really need protection, but it will just make it that much easier to clean up without smudging.

MB-21 is an odorless enhancer that comes in pints. Easy to wipe off

CEX 100 is a quart of 100% solids. It cuts 50/50 or 2:1 with mineral spirits. Makes 2-3 quarts. UV resistant

The second part of the process was the 2 part Wipe n Seal. Carmine uses this regularly and can chime in. It is a quick, 2 part micro coating. It is designed for glass, but work on granite and metal fixtures as well.

[dustinbraudway]

I will say cex 100 works awesome.

[AJ25]

So I thought I'd post an update in case anyone else runs into a problem similar to my original post.

I had a granite restorer strip all the enhancer/sealer off with acetone and poultice. Everything came off (took several hours) and we ended up leaving it bare without any sealer whatsoever. While the granite is not quite as dark (and glossy) as it was, we aren't having any further problems with those smudge marks. In fact, we are able to finally use our counters without fears of making marks. Yes, they do show fingerprints more than when they had sealer, but finger prints can be wiped up easily...the same can't be said for the marks we kept getting when the leathered AB was sealed. And as someone else in this thread mentioned, I'd rather have fingerprints than the mess we were dealing with! We are very happy with our counters now and only wish our original fabricator knew not to put sealer on leathered AB.

Thanks to everyone for their input and suggestions.

p.s., they also buffed the edges a bit and they look better, not perfect, but better.

[Darryl Miller]

We are all glad that you found satisfaction for your problem. Thanks for posting the update!

[innstone]

Huh, Dan R. Was right?
Well, I think we should still disagree with him regularly, he's bound to be wrong eventually, and that's when we will strike

[Dan R.]

Huh, Dan R. Was right?
Well, I think we should still disagree with him regularly, he's bound to be wrong eventually, and that's when we will strike

[Mark Meriaux]

I am glad to hear that most of your concerns have been resolved, and that you have a better understanding for the long term care and maintenance for your countertops. Best wishes and I hope you enjoy your granite for many years to come!

[Frosty]

A mitred edge like that would be scrapped here in NZ. That's not even close to a satisfactory standard for our market. Sure leathered AB has it's challenges but a decent tradesman should be able to handle them easily.

[Solid Rock Oregon]

I have never had any problems brushing/ Leathering absolute black. Yes it is very hard stone and brushing it can be challenging but it is possible. The miter can be corrected with epoxy. Filled and touched up in the house.
I agree with other comments about the sealer. It needs to be striped and Ager Tiger from Tenax applied. the grey area might be epoxy or tape residue from the mitering it too can be removed with a fair amount of effort. Amaze and a heavy bristle brush has worked for me in the past.

[Jc8333]

Bringing up and old thread here but quick question here...I see the general consensus is to NOT seal Absolute Black...would it be the same rule of thumb for Vermont Black leathered granite?