Marble, Granite and Other Natural Stone Maintenance Procedures

Natural stone is one of the most sought-after upgrades in a home as well as an office. Providing both versatility and timeless beauty, it’s no surprise that marble and granite are the most popular natural stone option. They stand up well indoors and outdoors. These natural stones are are used in high traffic areas thus requiring regular care and maintenance.

Natural stone care and repair experts always recommend a three step process for proper care and maintenance of stone surfaces. This includes cleaning, sealing and polishing. Experts say that we need to clean our stone surfaces often. Even if your surface appears clean, the safest bet is to clean it daily and after every meal preparation for kitchen countertops. The most minuscule particle could have a detrimental effect on your natural stone.

The next step in stone care is to seal the stone surface frequently. Sealing stones such as granite frequently provides effective and maximum surface protection. On using a proper sealer, it will penetrate the stone surface and provide a long-lasting resistance against scratches and etches. The ultimate step is polishing which has dual advantages to offer. Firstly, polishing restores the beauty of a natural stone. Secondly, it reinforces the protectiveness of the seal and also prevents soap-scum build-up in case of shower walls and tub surrounds.

When is to apply a granite sealer and how often to re-seal granite & marble countertops are common questions. No wonder homeowners want to protect their beautiful and expensive property from unwanted stains. Not all granite or marble need to be sealed. If a stone cannot absorb anything, even an impregnating sealer won’t sink in. But the good news is if a sealer doesn't penetrate a particular stone surface, neither will a stain. Frequency of sealing and re-sealing depends on the type of stone and the quality of the sealer.

Many homeowners are tempted to use all-purpose cleaners or bleach to keep stone surfaces clean, but these types of cleaners may actually damage your stone permanently. Cleaning products that contain vinegar, lemon, alcohol or other acidic ingredients can dull the surface, reducing the stone’s luster and reducing the effectiveness of the sealer. Ammonia-based cleaners should also be avoided as they can cause the stone’s surface to get etched and scratched over time thus leaving stone resurfacing as the only viable option.

The Marble Man’s stone experts are specialized in the treatment of various stone related problems and provide 100% satisfaction though dedicated service. From granite repair, stone benchtop maintenance to marble floor restoration, you will find here all the top stone works under one roof. For more information, contact The Marble Man stone restoration team today. 

Keywords: natural stone care, natural stone repair Sydney, stone care Gold Coast, stone maintenance Brisbane, marble repair Newcastle, granite polishing Sunshine Coast, stone restoration Central Coast.

Get the Best Natural Stone Repair & Restoration by The Marble Man

Who doesn't prefer marble over other natural stones when it comes to beautification of their dream house? In fact, it is the most widely used natural stone both at homes and offices where elegance and beauty is a major concern. Marble looks elegant and adds value to your home or office immediately on installation. But it’s good to remember that beauty comes with some hardships! Even though marble is hard as a stone, it’s softer than other natural stones like granite, and so the finish that we enjoy on our marble countertops and floors can be damaged over time. The greatest concern relating to marble is its proper cleaning and maintenance as well as timely restoration in case of severe damage. 

There is a popular misconception that being a stone, marble doesn't require any maintenance. This is far from the truth. Marble will scratch, etch and stain easily and also lose its shine and luster if not maintained properly. So, it’s clear that all marble surfaces need some type of care and maintenance. Your marble needs restoration techniques depending upon where it is used— floors, walls, countertops, vanities or shower walls. If you have a marble floor, wall, countertop vanity or shower that has become etched, lost its shine & beauty or is in need of repair, then it is probably time to call a professional stone restoration expert such as The Marble Man in Gold Coast. They extend stone care and repair service to several places in the QLD and NSW regions.

Now, the most important thing is to decide what exactly your marble surface requires once it suffered some damage. Should the floor be polished, crystallized or honed? In our previous articles we have discussed the difference between polishing, honing, grinding and crystallizing. So we do advise you to hire the services of a reputed marble floor restoration expert such as The Marble Man to ascertain the damage as natural stone restoration demands a great degree of skill and experience. 

The major difficulty with marble is that it is highly porous and soaks up any liquid spills immediately. It will also react with acidic and alkaline cleaners. Cleaners including vinegar, alcohol or any other lemon-based cleaners can be highly destructive and will etch the marble. The best way to maintain your marble floor, wall or countertop is to attend to the spills immediately using a soft cloth, mild liquid detergent and water premixed with baking soda.

At The Marble Man, Australia's top natural stone repair and restoration company, you not only get services according to your needs but also valuable advice and instructions from their expert technicians regarding periodical cleaning and maintenance of your natural stone. Their services are class apart and most importantly their after-care services and periodical follow up sessions give them an edge over the other marble care companies. For more information on marble polishing, cleaning and repair, give a call to this excellent stone restoration specialist on 1300 627 626 or visit their Website for a FREE quote.

More Stone Restoration Tips and Usage Ideas for Marble, Onyx, Travertine and Limestone

Marble, Onyx, Traventine and Limestone are beautiful natural stones. They provide unique colors and patterns to make your home more appealing. The chemical composition of all these stones is more or less the same and their maintenance is easy. They should be cared for in the same manner to enhance their looks and lifespan. Let us take a closer look at these natural stone varieties-

Marble, travertine and limestone are very sturdy and durable. They can be used in fireplaces, floors and bathrooms. Onyx however should be only used in areas of the premises where the traffic is low. When you are using all these natural stones, it is very important for you to use discretion on where to place them in your premises. These stones are susceptible to etching due to acids. The chemical composition of acid will eat away at the stone. You will be able to identify this when you find the appearance of dull spots on the surface of the stone. However, when you use a honed or a textured surface, this can be effectively minimized.

If you accidently spill anything on the surface of these stones, ensure you wipe them off instantly. The nature of marble stones have always signified elegance and the patina that this beautiful stone makes tells the stories of meals and moments that you have enjoyed with loved ones.

When you have installed these stones in your home, you should immediately ask Stone Restoration experts to find out their sealing processes. If these stones are used in countertops, it is important for you to clean them daily. All the spills should be cleaned immediately. Most liquids have an acid component and if you do not clean the spill on spot, the etching of the stone takes place. When you have countertops made of these natural stones, ensure you place all cooking and hot items on placemats.

These stones should always be well sealed. Any stone surface that is well sealed will always be resistant to stains. In case, stains do occur, there is nothing to worry about. There are powder and liquid stain removers you can use for wiping them off. In case, you do not know which one to use, you may ask specialists like The Marble Man in Gold Coast to guide you. They provide all stone restoration works servicing Sydney | Canberra | Newcastle | Central Coast | Brisbane | Gold Coast | and Sunshine Coast.

Therefore, if you wish to maintain the shine and sheen of these beautiful natural stones, it is very important for you to call in experts like The Marble Man to seal and polish marble, granite and other natural stone surfaces. This will enhance the durability of these stones along with the life span. To contact these passionate and dedicated Stone Restoration professionals for your natural stone benchtop, floors etc., please visit their Website or Call now on 1300 627 626.

Some Simple Guidelines on Granite Care and Maintenance Sydney, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast etc.

Granite is a popular natural stone that people use in their homes. It is a strong and durable stone that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Research and studies have shown that granite is not affected by bacteria thanks to being high in density. Another great advantage of granite is its non-responsiveness towards acids. This makes it the first choice for sanitary and bathroom ware.

The Marble Man- a popular marble maintenance, restoration and polishing company in Australia, suggests immediately after installation, the granite stone should be applied with a penetrative sealant. This will enhance the lifespan of the stone.

                               

There is a test to check on whether your new granite countertop or slab needs to be sealed-

Sprinkle water on the granite stone. If the water beads up, it is sealed. If the water does not make round beads, follow the instructions given below- 

• Ask experts on the ideal sealant to used on your granite stone. The sealers for honed or textured granite are different.
• Experts generally recommend neutral cleaners for daily wiping and cleaning of granite countertops, tables and vanities. When natural stone and marble cleaning and maintenance professionals arrive at your home for sealing, ask them on how to follow up with daily care.
• The best part of granite is it is resistant to staining. In case a stain occurs, do remove it with a good quality stain cleaner. It is wise to take suggestions from experts and follow the directions of use precisely. When the stain is removed completely, ensure the whole area is clean and reseal as above.
• Granite stone polish is available in the market. You can use them safely for retaining the shine and sheen of the natural stone. With them, you are able to get a nice finishing touch to the granite stone. You just have to apply a thin coat to the stone and allow it to dry. Once it is done, you can wipe it off. 
• Please note that if you have a granite floor, then stone polish is not recommended. Since the floor is large, it is more economical for you to opt for concentrates available in the market. They are also good for textured and honed floors. They are strong cleaners and help in the maintenance of shine and sheen of your floor with success. In case, you are not sure on what concentrate to buy, you can ask granite and marble cleaning experts for the same.

For more valuable granite and marble cleaning & maintenance tips, please visit The Marble Man.

Care and Maintenance Ideas for Marble Countertops and Floors

Nothing can express the elegance and luxury of natural stone surfaces. It has been used in homes and commercial establishments for more than thousands of years and is prized for its variety of colours, patterns, beauty and durability. Natural stone, however needs maintenance; knowing how to maintain can help to keep them long lasting and fresh looking.

Marble Grades: Marbles are installed as tiles. There are different kinds ranging from soft to much harder according to its composition. Some are very solid and some have sand veins running throughout the marbles which do not suit for flooring. The veins may add beauty to the marble floor, but after constant foot traffic for a long time, the veins will have a tendency to crack. They are suitable for walls where heavy pressure is not applied. 

Know your Stone: Marble is a mixture of limestone and sand. It is little harder than limestone but because of the lime content that reacts well with acids. So you have to be careful in cleaning with acid polishes and the way to use them on the marbles. 

Care and Maintenance for marble floors and countertops: Marble has aesthetic merits and though it has limitations with delicate varieties, marble is considered as a durable material. The frequency of maintenance and the type of maintenance depend on the location where it is installed, daily intensity of wear and tear it is subjected to and how far you want to keep it glossy.

Some of the dos and don’ts for Marble surface:

• Clean up the spills immediately to prevent stains.
• Use trivets or mats under hot cookware and hot dishes.
• Use place mats under scratching items like chine ceramics and silver utensils.
• Use coasters under glasses to prevent the contact of citrus juices or alcohol. 
• Clean surfaces with professional cleansers.
• Use professionals recommending sealants to protect the stone.
• It is good to keep the toiletry products in a tray to prevent the surface exposure to damaging chemicals.
• Dust mops the marble floors regularly.
• Use doormats inside and outside the marble floors and place area rugs on the marble floor.
• Do not leave the spills on the floor for longer time.
• Do not use cleaners containing acids such as grout cleaners, tub cleaners and bathroom cleaners.
• Do not use, bleach, vinegar, ammonia or any other general purpose cleaners.
• Do not use scouring powders and abrasive materials such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
• Do not use alkaline cleansers that are not specifically formulated for stone.
• Do not place the toiletry products directly on the counter top surface.
  

Use marble cleaners with neutral pH as both acidic and alkaline materials have equal effect on the material. A highly polished marble tile is more likely to get scratched. If you want a shiny and clean appearance of the marble floors, stone benchtops and countertops, it is very much essential to have routine professional maintenance, viz. sanding, honing and polishing. This will help to maintain a polish mirror finish and buff out deep cracks. Usually marble and limestone requires maintenance at every quarter. The frequency may depend on the type of stone, its finish and the foot traffic it receives. In some season like winter, it requires more attention as the products we use for melting the snow truly damages the surface. 

If your marble surfaces are looking careworn because of neglecting for years, poor installation or misguided cleaning methods, you need not replace it. Inappropriate methods of installation and cleaning may lead to very expensive repairs. It is good to approach professionals like The Marble Man for marble floor restoration and maintenance guidelines. They can impart a new beautiful finish to old marble floors. They are well known for all types of stone maintenance, stone repair and natural stone restoration processes in the Queensland and New South Wales regions. 

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Granite and Marble Benchtop- Useful Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

There are so many reasons to choose marble and granite flooring for your home. They are hard and durable as well as look stunning and can completely transform your rooms into amazing spaces. However, being natural materials, they demand special attention. The major issue with granite and marble cleaning is that these stones do not have similar properties as those of a ceramic tile and hence can be damaged by conventional cleaning methods. Knowing how to clean marble and granite is important and requires an extra little effort.

Prevention is far better than cure. Natural stone cleaning experts always recommend use of floor mat at the entrance of the house so that dirt, dust and small stone particles are trapped and prevented from entering the house and damaging the floor. Cleaning marble or granite floor and protecting them from probable stains comprise few easy steps:

• Take a soft cloth and put small amount of recommended stone cleaner or mild dishwashing soap and cold water on it.
• Gently rub the stain in the direction of the grain in straight line. Always test the product by applying it on a small area first.
• When the stain disappears, use a clean and dry cloth to buff the area and bring back the shine. 

If your stone benchtop shows some marks or is stained, what can you do?

Read on:

• When benchtops are badly stained, there's no better cure than drastic action. So cleaning up spills immediately protects the bench top from further deterioration.
• Anything acidic should not be used for cleaning. Do not use abrasive cleaners to clean stone bench tops. Always clean up wine spills as it is also acidic.
• Remember to read the manufacturer's instructions before using a product.
• Use mild detergent or soupy water to clean the stain on bench top and then dry it using a soft dry cloth.

The most common mistake we do while cleaning natural stone is using cleaners or other products not suited to the type of stone. This can be very harmful. Let's find out the things that we should never use while cleaning marble or granite:

• Conventional floor cleaning products. Instead use specialized marble cleaning product.
• Ceramic tile cleaners. They are unsuitable for marble or granite.
• Anything that’s either very acidic or very alkaline such as vinegar.
• Rough cloths or pads.
• Vacuum cleaners. The wheels and hoses can scratch the stone surfaces. 

Dealing with Natural stone repair and maintenance is an easy job now with the efficient assistance and trustworthy services of TheMarble Man, Australia's best natural stone restoration company. Its trained technicians offer expert advice on maintenance tactics and when exactly your stone needs repair and restoration. For more information on natural stone restoration in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney etc., give them a call now: 1300 627 626.

Italian Marble Outdoor Fireplaces – Installation and Maintenance Tips

You will find there are several shops that give you Italian marble outdoor fireplaces unique and appealing in looks. Italian marble has the benefits of being durable. It can be cleaned up easily too. Many homeowners also use Italian marble for their floors. The fireplace models available in the market are easy to install. 

Italian marble adds great aesthetic value to our homes and when you are about to install an outdoor fireplace made of this special marble, there are certain things you have to take care of. They have been listed below:

• When you have decided to install an Italian marble fireplace in your home, it is important to determine the right location for it.
• Check and find out shops in the area or online that sell the best products.
• Always select top quality products. The costs may be high but in the long run you get a durable and better-looking product.
• You may check stores during the holiday season as many of them provide attractive discounts. You will save money on good products.
• When you are about to buy Italian marble fireplaces for your home, ask experts. You should ask them for feedback on quality and design.

Italian Marble- Some Interesting Facts

Italian marble can be shaped and moulded into any design. This is the biggest advantage of this type of marble. When you are choosing the marble for the outdoor fireplace, it should be sturdy enough to withstand the climate of the area- both heat and cold. Italian marble for your outdoor fireplace is a wise choice although the costs of its installation are expensive. However, in the long run, it is worth value for your money.

Several shops have a unique collection of Italian marble outdoor fireplaces for your needs. These fireplaces give your home a mind-blowing appeal. It is prudent to approach shops that are reputed and follow all building codes while installing your outdoor fireplace. Check reviews and only approach credible shops after reading real life customer testimonials.

Maintain Your Italian Marble Fireplace with The Marble Man in QLD & NSW

The Marble Man is a credible and reputed marble and natural stone maintenance, repairs and restoration Company in QLD, servicing Sydney | Canberra | Newcastle | Central Coast | Brisbane | Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast| The skilled and passionate experts here can be called to take care of your Italian marble outdoor fireplace to maintain its sheen and durability for a long time. The costs of service are affordable and the friendly professionals here give you valuable tips on how you can take care of your prized outdoor fireplace. To contact them, please click here. 

Use of Travertine in Bathrooms and Its Maintenance Tips

Choosing the right natural stone for bathroom can be quite challenging as several aspects such as sanitization, cleanliness, acid resistance, porosity, etc. have to be kept in mind. Natural stones have various applications in bathrooms and are used for flooring, wall, vanity tops, sinks and tub surrounds. Besides marble and granite, which are commonly used in bathrooms, travertine has been widely recognized as a suitable stone for use in bathrooms for its highly elegant look and wide availability.

Travertine's Suitability for Use in Bathrooms

Travertine use in bathrooms is not a very easy choice because travertine is porous. This leads people to believe that it’s impractical for areas where water is almost always present. However the truth is that travertine can definitely be used in bathrooms. It just depends on what type of finish you choose and if it’s installed correctly. If done properly, you will find that travertine is one of the most suitable stones for bathrooms. As per recommendations by experts, the best travertine tile finishes to use for bathrooms are honed-finish and tumbled-finish as they are able to withstand spills that commonly take place in a bathroom.

Installation and Maintenance

If you wish to use travertine in bathrooms, firstly find a reputed installer to install the travertine as the best way to maintain bathroom tiles is to get it installed perfectly. Thereafter, it is important that you seal it using appropriate sealers. This will prevent the travertine from absorbing water and getting stained, thus rendering it easier to maintain. However, remember that sealing can only prevent the stone from staining but, not etching. Though there are several types of travertine finishes, the best finish that removes concern related to etching is the honed-finish, the reason being its dull and matte texture.

No Vinegar Please

It is a common myth that you can safely clean practically anything around the house with vinegar. But, it is not so in case of travertine. Never make the mistake of using vinegar or any other acid-based product to clean travertine as they can permanently damage the natural stone surface. Nevertheless, travertine tile is a great choice for bathrooms not only because of its beauty, but also for its simple maintenance. Travertine in bathroom is easy to clean and hardly shows water spots.

Contact Your Favourite Stone Restoration Specialist

With The Marble Man experts, being just a call away, stone repair and stone maintenance seems to be the least troublesome task. Services of this top natural stone restoration company in Australia, ranges from maintenance of stone benchtops to marble floor restoration. They have a team of experienced technicians who service Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, Central Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. 

For any information or advice related to stone care and maintenance, contact the Marble Man now and get a free quote. Tel: 1300 627 626; website: The Marble Man