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1. How can I take care of stone surfaces?
It is best to mop frequently using a clean dry dust mop. This will minimize the amount of abrasive dirt and grit that is tracked indoors. Mats placed at each entrance also help. Other stone surfaces can be cleaned using water and stone soap supplied by The Marble Clinic. Do not use acidic detergents (lemon, vinegar), or scouring powders or creams. For cleaning soap scum on bath, shower & other wet areas, there are special soap scum removers available from The Marble Clinic. Avoid using ammonia. Using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum between cleanings. To minimize water spotting on vanity top surfaces, a good quality marble polish preserver can be applied.
2. Is it necessary to call in a professional to remove stains?
Most small stains can be removed without a professional, but the right product must be used. The Marble Clinic can provide you with kits and detailed instructions to do small jobs yourself.
3. Is a lot of dust created during grinding?
No. The grinding and polishing methods are wet procedures, therefore eliminating any dust.
4. What is the general process you undertake when restoring a lobby?
First, the contractors fill and repair all open fissures in the marble, using a matching colored epoxy. These are the veins that you see in marble. Certain stones develop more than others due to oxidization. On a job like this there is usually a small percentage of this work that needs to be done. Then, the marble and granite is polished with the company's "wet-diamond" grinding system. This is done to remove all scratches and etch marks. The contractors then scrub clean all grouting between the marble slabs. The marble and granite is finally polished a second time using refinishing compounds to restore the stone to its original luster. One coat of impregnating sealant is the finishing touch on the lobby flooring, to protect the stone from dirt and non-acidic staining. Refinishing of this magnitude should be done once every five years,. Our employees then return once a year or so to do minor polishing or correction work. Such a process, done properly, keeps a lobby looking new.
5. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to just wax the marble floor once in a while?
No. Periodic waxing can cause discolouration, and a careless approach to refinishing can be costly. Since natural stones consist of minerals, the use of chemicals can easily affect them. The wrong chemical may not only change the colour of the natural stone, but may even permanently and adversely affect the stone.
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