Story Surfaces is Built to Last
Story Surfaces premium porcelain slabs are Made-in-Italy and designed to meet the highest standards for kitchen countertops, flooring, and other surfaces, providing exceptional resistance to high temperatures, stains, chemicals, and scratches. These products are also suitable for outdoor use, as they maintain their characteristics even when exposed to sunlight and various weather conditions.
Whilst Italian porcelain is made to withstand the effects of everyday living and general household products and activities, it is important to treat it as a premium surface. This will ensure that the care it was created with continues a legacy of excellence in your home.
How to Care for your Story Surfaces Products
Cleaning After Cutting and Installation
It is essential to clean the surface thoroughly after cutting and remove any residues to prepare the ceramic surface for use.
Use clean water and dry with a paper towel or, preferably, a microfibre cloth. Repeat until the surface is completely clean.
Particular care should be taken to remove any epoxy resin residues from joints between vertical and horizontal surfaces. Epoxy resin adheres to surfaces rather than being absorbed, making it harder to remove once hardened. Remove these residues when they are still fresh using soft sponges, cloths, and suitable cleaning products recommended by the manufacturers.
Routine Cleaning
A damp microfibre cloth and pH-neutral liquid detergent are sufficient for routine cleaning. This method helps maintain the appearance and quality of your Story Surfaces products.
Do Not use abrasive sponges, steel wool, stiff brushes, or detergents containing hydrofluoric acid or its derivatives. These can contribute to damage of the surface finish.
Avoid detergents containing waxes or brightening agents, as they may leave a film that dulls the surface.
Special Cleaning
For persistent marks, use a soft sponge and a specific detergent suitable for porcelain surfaces.
Do not allow the detergent to evaporate on the surface. Always rinse well after using detergents of any type to ensure no residue remains on the surface.
Always perform a preliminary test with any cleaning agent on a concealed or unused part of the surface to ensure compatibility.
Care Instructions by Finish
Silky Finish: Requires greater care due to the delicate surface texture. Avoid using harsh alkaline detergents, particularly if left on the surface for an extended period. Always use neutral or mild cleaning solutions and avoid leaving any cleaning agents on the surface longer than necessary.
Natural and Polished Finishes: These finishes can be cleaned with standard neutral detergents. For persistent stains, use a slightly abrasive sponge with a degreasing product if necessary. Avoid exposure to acids and strong alkaline substances to maintain the finish’s integrity and shine.
Structured Finishes: Generally more resilient and can handle slightly stronger cleaning solutions for persistent dirt and stains. However, always avoid abrasive tools and ensure any cleaning product is well-rinsed.
Heat Resistance
Story Surfaces porcelain is highly resistant to high temperatures and thermal shock, making it safe for direct contact with hot pots and pans.
Additional Considerations
Promptly remove any stains, especially those from substances like coffee, red wine, or juice, to prevent surface encrustations.
Do Not use abrasive powder or paste detergents, abrasive sponges, or steel scourers on glossy or smooth surfaces.
In general, avoid using strong acid or alkaline cleaners. For dirt that is difficult to remove with a sponge or microfibre cloth, a melamine sponge (commonly known as a magic eraser) can be effective.
Hygiene
The non-porous nature of porcelain makes it resistant to bacteria and mould, ideal for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. The material does not release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), making it a safe choice for food preparation areas.
Conclusion
With proper care following the guidelines above, we are confident that your investment in Italian porcelain will continue to bring beauty and durability to your home, becoming a cherished part of your story for years to come.