Stains on Stone Surfaces - Dos and Don'ts of Stone Care & Restoration

Marble and other common natural stone surfaces are porous, so stains can occur if spills are not addressed properly on time. Professional stone restorers can remove any stains on marble, granite etc. using the right products and methods. 

Our first step is to check whether the stain is organic or oil-based, and based on it we decide on a suitable stain removal method.   

The best way to minimise damage from stains is to professionally seal the stone surfaces after installation. The level of stains or spills the natural stone can be exposed to will be a decisive factor in selecting the type of sealer to be used.

Given below are some guidelines from The Marble Man stone restorers to safeguard your beautiful stone surfaces from staining:

STAIN DOs

1. Identify the stain if possible as this will determine the treatment. It could be water based (some paints), alcohol based (wine, spirits, marker pen), oil based (grease, cooking oil), metal based (rust), organic (coffee, tea, milk, food, bird droppings, make-up, tobacco), or biological (mould, mildew, lichen).

2. Consult your stone care professional and tell them as much as you can about the stain. They will advise you on how to best treat the area. This is the safest way to avoid damaging your stone and to ensure that the stain is completely removed. A simple solution may be provided for you to try yourself, but if not, removal by a technician may be recommended.

3. Test the area first if treating the stain yourself, to ensure the treatment is suitable, even if using a recommended treatment or product.

4. Treat the stain ideally before it dries or as soon as possible with a recommended treatment or product only.

STAIN DON'Ts

1. Avoid using chemicals unless recommended, as these may damage the stone or set the stain if not appropriate.

2. Avoid using heat especially on albumin based stains (containing protein) such as blood or milk as it may cook and set the stain.

Application of Poultice- the Stain-removing Paste for removing stains from natural stone
The most effective and common method used by a stone care professional to remove a stain from natural stone is to apply a poultice. A poultice is made with a powder and a special treatment product, which is determined by the type of stain.

The powder is mixed with the treatment product to form a paste, which is then thickly applied to only the affected area. It is covered with plastic wrap, the edges sealed and small holes made to allow the powder to dry. As the mixture dries, it draws the stain from the stone and absorbs it.

This process can take up to 48 hours and sometimes may need to be repeated several times. After removing the poultice the area is washed with pure water and polished with a soft cloth and a cleaning product suited to the stone.

This method is effective for removing common stains such as coffee, iodine, blood, chewing gum, ink, paint, rust, acidic liquids, efflorescence (a white substance which can develop on some stone), graffiti, water, mould, mildew, lichen, dull and coloured spots etc.

Call our office today on 1300 627 626 to arrange an obligation free stone restoration quote. Visit our website to get a clear idea of stone restoration processes.

How to Maintain Your Costly Stone Surfaces- Stone Care Tips for Every Homeowner

Regular care is a must for your stone surfaces.

Natural stone surfaces that are regularly and correctly maintained will retain their magnificent look and feel for longer. There is no meaning in having costly stone surfaces if they don’t look fabulous. A little expertise from The Marble Man can do the wonders - stone care, stone restoration, marble repair etc. 

Benchtops
Clean the stone surface with a recommended product such as S-P Cleaner and a soft damp cloth after use to avoid the build up of bacteria and substances that may scratch or etch the surface. Spills are to be removed  immediately as acidic substances such as juice, coffee, tea, vinegar and wine will etch the surface of marble or limestone benchtops. Rinse the area after cleaning with fresh water to remove all excess dirt and detergent and dry with a soft cloth. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or scourers, as scratches are highly visible on a glossy surface.

Floors 
Sweep floors on a daily basis to prevent dirt from scratching the surface under foot and accumulating in the grout. A broom with soft bristles may be used but the most effective and gentle method for cleaning smooth surfaces is to use a Microfibre Mop, which has a soft pad. It can be used wet or dry. The mop we recommend comes with a large swivel head which makes sweeping quick and easy. It picks up the dirt and dust as it glides and can be easily manoeuvred into corners. The microfibre pad can then be removed and rinsed thoroughly.

Vacuum rough textured stone surfaces, as this is more effective than sweeping. The suction will pull the dirt from within the textured surface.Mop on a regular basis after sweeping or vacuuming. Damp mopping can be carried out with a damp Microfibre Mop to pick up any residual dirt after sweeping. Wet mopping or washing should be carried out with a wet Microfibre Mop, warm water and a recommended product such as S-P Cleaner, to give a more thorough clean. Rinse the stone floor after mopping to ensure the dirty water is completely removed from the surface.

Showers
Remove soap scum effectively by using a recommended product such as Stone Deep Clean and a recommended white pad scourer such as the Scrub-a-dub. DO NOT use acidic or abrasive products such as Ajax, Jif, Exit Mould, Domestos, Shower Power etc as these will dull the surface of the stone, especially marble and limestone. To prevent the build up of soap scum and mould the cleaner must be gentle enough not to damage the surface but effective enough to cut through the build-up and kill bacteria.

Remove mould effectively by using a mild bleach solution of 1 cup household bleach to 4 cups water and apply with a sponge, only to the affected areas. Leave on for no more than ten minutes then rinse off thoroughly with water. DO NOT allow bleach to accumulate on the floor of the shower, as it will dull the surface. Rinse the entire area. DO NOT mix bleach with ammonia, as it will cause a toxic chemical reaction. Be aware that over time if not done correctly this procedure may dull the stone surface.

Dry the area as thoroughly as possible after cleaning to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. Stone tiles in showers must be sealed professionally after installation and silicon applied in the corners and around edges to prevent moisture from accumulating behind the tiles. The grout must also be sealed professionally to prevent it from holding water and encouraging mould growth.

Outdoor areas
Sweep outdoor areas weekly with a medium bristled brush, as dirt can accumulate quickly and settle in the grooves of textured surfaces.

Hose the surface monthly using clean water and a mild neutral stone detergent such as S-P Cleaner to remove excess dirt. A heavy duty clean should be carried out yearly. If neglected, outdoor areas can look dull and stained due to the accumulation of dirt and pollutants. Many outdoor areas have slip resistant, textured surfaces, which can become difficult to clean if left too long without maintenance.

Remove organic growth such as algae, moss or lichen as soon as possible using only a scourer recommended by your stone care professional such as the white Scrub-a-dub. DO NOT use a wire brush. Clean the area with a sponge and a mild chlorine solution of 1cup chlorine to 4 cups water to kill bacteria. 

Furniture and ornaments

Dust furniture and ornaments regularly with a damp cloth to trap any dirt on the surface of the stone as a build up of dust, oils and dirt, can etch the surface of some stones. Repeat with a clean, dry, soft cloth to polish and remove streaks.

Clean monthly with a recommended product such as S-P Cleaner, but DO NOT use products such as Mr Sheen as these will leave a waxy build up on the surface of the furniture or ornaments. As they are not subject to the same wear as a stone floor they do not need cleaning with detergent as often. Regular dusting and wiping with warm water and a soft cloth should suffice.

Visit our website for more info on stone care and maintenance. Call our friendly staff on 1300 627 626 for a free stone restoration quote.

How to Identify and Remove Stains from Natural Stone Surfaces

The use of natural stone in your home or office is a great investment that will render years of beautiful service. It accentuates the beauty of our homes and workplaces and requires only timely maintenance practices on our part so as to preserve its worth for a lifetime. 

There are high chances of natural stone getting stained due to regular domestic and commercial use. Stains are of different types and require specialized procedures for their removal. It is absolutely essential that we seek professional help for removing difficult stains to prevent further damage to the stone. However, being avid users of natural stone we should also learn how to identify the common stains and go about removing them ourselves so that our stone doesn't undergo a permanent damage by the time the professionals reach us.

Identify the Stain in Your Stone Surface

• Oil-based Stain- This is mostly created by grease, cosmetics and cooking oil and results in darkening of the stone. Such stain should be cleaned with soft liquid cleansers, ammonia, mineral spirits or acetone.
• Organic Stain- Created mostly by coffee, tea, urine and paper, it leaves a pinkish-brown mark on the natural stone. Sunlight and rain can remove the source of such stain in the outdoors. For indoors, we would recommend use of 12% hydrogen peroxide and little amount of ammonia for removing the source of stain.
• Inorganic Stain- Stains resulting from iron, copper or rust creates a reddish-brown color and takes the shape of the material. Metal stain can be removed by poultice but, for stains created from rust, professional assistance is advised for natural stone restoration.
• Ink Stain- Caused by pens and markers, these stains are easily recognizable. Light colored stones should undergo the bleaching process or application of hydrogen peroxide whereas, for the dark colored ones, application of acetone is recommended.
• Biological Stains- For stains created by algae, fungi or moss, dilute ammonia, bleach or hydrogen peroxide may be used. However ammonia and bleach should not be combined due to its harmful effects.
• Acid Stain- Acids generally create etch marks on the stone and should be removed with great care. Sprinkle marble polishing powder on the wet surface and rub it with a damp cloth or with the help of a polisher till the etch mark disappears. In case of etch marks, one should seek the help of professionals as they employ modern and innovative techniques for stone repair that completely remove these marks from the stone surface.

The Marble Man Advantage

Stains and etches can damage your stone permanently unless you get it removed in a timely and professional manner. The Marble Man specializes in the art of natural stone repair, marble floor restoration, maintenance of stone bench top and other stone restoration jobs. With the help of innovative machines, they will get the stains permanently removed from your natural stone and restore its original freshness and value. 

If you have any difficulty in identifying the type of stain or finding its removal procedure, you can contact The Marble Man stone restorers for effective stone care solution. Make a FREE Call today on 1300 627 626 for a stone restoration quote.

Resurfacing & Repolishing Benchtops, Vanities and Bartops

Resurfacing Benchtops, Vanities and Bartops - Full Polish

The Marble Man team does the resurfacing of benchtops, vanities and bartops without disturbing your kitchen, and within days, and in a very cost effective manner. Our tradesmen will be tidy and clean up after themselves.

The resurfacing process is used when the surface is scratched and has deep etch marks.  It is the most common type of restoration used for benchtops and bar tops. The resurfacing can be used on marble, limestone, onyx and travertine and if used will bring the bench tops up to as good as new again. 

To resurface the stone benchtops we use diamond-impregnated pads with special wet polishing machines. The resurfacing of benchtop procedure involves the grinding of the marble, working up through a number of grits to a final polish. The whole benchtop is then polished using our wet diamond-polishing compound, which will return a natural high-gloss to the marble benchtop (without the use of waxes).  The result of this resurfacing process brings the stone benchtop back to 100% of its original glossy finish. 

Benefits:

• Removes all scratches, etching and dull areas.
• Returns a natural high gloss to the benchtop surface again.
• The area will be easier to keep clean.
• We give you a natural glossy finish without the use of waxes.
• Cost effective.

Resurfacing Benchtops, Vanities and Bartops – Honed Finish

The resurfacing process for a honed finish is used when a duller honed finish is required for benchtops and bar tops. This type of resurfacing can be used on marble, limestone, onyx and travertine and if used will bring the bench tops up to as good as new again. This is used to produce a lower maintenance and more economical finish to high use benchtops. Sealing after honing is required as the pours of the stone are left open during the honing process.

To resurface the stone benchtops we use diamond-impregnated pads with special wet polishing machines. The resurfacing procedure involves the grinding of the stone, working up through a number of grits to a honed finish. Adjacent walls and cupboards are masked off so that water-based slurry produced by the polishing machines does not damage those areas. The result of this resurfacing process brings the stone benchtop to an evenly honed smooth surface.

Benefits:

• Removes all scratches, etching and dull areas.
• Returns a brand new natural honed finish to the surface again.
• The area will be easier to keep clean.
• Cost effective.

Repolishing Benchtops, Vanities and Bartops

The re- polishing process is used when only light scratches and or etch marks have occurred to the surface of the benchtop or bar top. It can be used on marble, limestone, onyx and travertine and if used on only light damage this will bring the bench top or bar top up to as good as new again.  The re-polishing process is more economical than a full resurface.

Polishing the marble bench tops involves lightly resurfacing them using a light dry abrasive. This will remove all smaller scratching, and light etching on the surface of the stone. The whole bench top is then polished using our wet diamond-polishing compound, which will return a natural gloss to the marble bench top (without the use of waxes). This is why we insist on using the light abrasive prior to the diamond-polishing compound. This brings the bench top back to approximately 70% - 100% of a new bench top depending on damage.

Benefits:

• Removes small scratches and etching on the stone surface in the grinding process.
• Returns a natural gloss to the dull and etched stone surface again.
• The area will be easier to keep clean.
• We give you a natural glossy finish without the use of waxes.
• Area will be longer lasting than waxy finishes.

The Marble Man Advantage

The Marble Man has continued to grow since it was founded in 1992 by Shaun Roberts, current owner and Managing Director.

The Marble Man now has a team of stone restoration specialists servicing BRISBANE | GOLD COAST | SUNSHINE COAST | NORTHERN NSW | TOOWOOMBA and other areas throughout QLD and NSW.  It is the largest specialised stone restoration company in Australia and continues to grow due to its reputation for providing quality service.

Call their office today on 1300 627 626 to arrange an obligation free stone restoration quote.
For more details, visit Website. 

New and Improved Way of Natural Stone Restoration Technique

Marble scores around 3 whereas granite gets 6 or 7 on a scale for determining the relative hardness of a mineral according to its resistance to scratching (MOH scale). Thus, marble surface is susceptible to wear sooner than granite, but can be restored with honing and polishing.

The Marble Man team employs a new and improved way of stone restoration technique that protects and enhances the longevity and natural beauty of your beautiful stone surfaces. Our experienced technicians know how to reanimate even the most stained and dirty stone surface and are specialized in restoring, resurfacing, polishing, and sealing your marble, limestone, travertine, onyx or terrazzo surfaces. Our services also include excellent quality stone cleaning services, repairs on cracks or chips and stain removal. 

Polished natural stone benchtops, bar tops and vanities can become dull, scratched and stained over time from cosmetics and incorrect cleaners.  These often look like white, dull marks that you cannot remove with cleaning.  These require professional restoration and polishing. The most common types of natural stone benchtops, bar tops and vanities we polish are marble, limestone, travertine, onyx and terrazzo.  

We can also polish some reconstituted stone benchtops depending on the type of damage.  Granite is more difficult to polish but in some cases can be improved.

The stains generally look like dirty, dull ring and drip marks and can spoil the natural reflection of a marble or stone benchtop, bar top or vanity.  The benefit of having a natural stone benchtop or vanity is that it can be completely restored back to its original pristine condition.

The Marble Man uses the latest technology in diamond abrasives and polishing compounds to return a natural glossy, smooth finish to your marble, limestone, travertine, onyx and terrazzo kitchen benchtops, bar tops and vanities. We first grind the surface of the marble or stone benchtop or vanity to remove all stains and scratches.  We then use several grades of abrasives to achieve a smooth, uniform finish before using our special diamond abrasive polishing compound to return a brand new polished, smooth, natural reflection to the surface.

Benefits of The Marble Man's polishing and restoring works:

➡Removes unsightly dull stains, scratches and etch marks.    

➡Restores the original natural polished finish to the marble or stone surface. 

➡Brightens the room as the natural stone looks like new again. 

➡You get The Marble Man’s 8-point satisfaction guarantee.

CALL US TODAY on 1300 627 626 to organise a FREE Marble Man stone care evaluation and to discuss polishing your natural stone benchtops and vanities. All stone restoration works done by The Marble Man will have an 8-point satisfaction guarantee.