Marble restoration is the process of grinding out imperfections and restoring stone surfaces to their original appearance. It also includes removing stubborn stains and etch marks. It is recommended that you hire a professional service to perform this task.
These professionals are highly trained and will know how to remove stains without damaging the stone. They can also advise you on how to avoid future stains.
Damaged or Damaged Areas
Marble is heavy and brittle, so it can crack or chip when it sustains damage. This can occur from simple daily household tasks, such as using a knife or dragging furniture over the marble. It can also occur from prolonged exposure to acidic materials, such as cleaning products, wine or citrus.
A stone restoration expert can polish a damaged area of the marble, smoothing it and making the scratch or etch less noticeable or invisible. In more serious cases, a professional may need to remove and replace the marble.
A resurfacing of your marble surfaces will rejuvenate them, removing any scratches, chips or dull spots and leaving you with fresh marble that looks brand new. It can also cover deep burn marks and other severe damage. The process involves using a progression of diamond pads until the preferred finish is achieved. It is important to use masking tape around the affected area to protect it from accidental damage during the process.
Stains
The best way to avoid stains on marble or other natural stone is to wipe substances as soon as they spill. If you are unable to stop a stain before it sets, the following do-it-yourself tips might help:
Organic stains, like those from coffee, tea, wine and food can be removed with a solution of 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia. Oil-based stains can be lifted with acetone or mineral spirits.
Stains from etch marks are much more difficult to remove than organic stains. Etch marks are the result of acidic spills such as wine, fruit juice, milk and even urine damaging the top layer of your natural stone surface. This damages the finish and makes it appear dull and rough. This can also lead to yellowing of your marble over time due to iron leaching into the stone. This can be prevented by having your marble surfaces sealed regularly. To treat etch marks and other difficult stains on your marble, apply a poultice (a mix of whiting and low to medium concentration of hydrogen peroxide) to the affected area and wrap in plastic. Allow this to sit for about 24 hours, rinse and dry.
Dirt
Natural stone is porous and can easily absorb moisture, which can cause damage to the surface. Everything from water on a mop to spilled coffee can soak into marble and leave behind stains that make it look dull. It’s also vulnerable to stone etching, which happens when acidic liquids like vinegar or lemon juice come into contact with it.
Either way, you’ll want to remove dirt and stains as soon as possible before they start wearing down the surface of your marble and damaging it. A well-planned maintenance schedule can help preserve your marble and delay the need for more invasive restoration procedures.
A basic cleaning routine should include daily dry dust mopping with a clean rayon mop and weekly damp mopping using a quality PH neutral stone soap alternated with clean water. It’s also a good idea to use area rugs or doormats at entrances and exits and to put furniture on pads or coasters to prevent scratching.
Cleaning
Marble requires a much different approach to cleaning than other materials because it can scratch and dull easily. It also requires the correct abrasive and tools to remove dirt from its surface. This process is known as honing. Its purpose is to smooth the stone down and create a more comfortable surface for people to walk on. This process is not as easy as sanding down wood and it takes skill and experience to perform this step properly.
Material and supply costs can include things like chemicals, cleaning abrasives, polishing compounds, and protective coatings. The costs of these supplies must be balanced against the cost of raw materials and employee wages. Many stone and marble restoration companies also have a budget for equipment maintenance and repairs. This budget can help them avoid expensive breakdowns that reduce productivity and damage the equipment. They may even have a dedicated team or technician who oversees this. This person ensures that all equipment is inspected, cleaned, and lubricated regularly to minimize any potential issues.