Stone Care Services as Advised by Australian Stone Advisory Association

 

The Australian Stone Advisory Association (ASAA) is a not-for-profit organisation constituted for the ‘benefit of the public by the promotion of Australian Natural Stone and the coordination and sponsorship of events and ventures and endeavours in the Stone Industry in Australia.’

The main aim of ASAA is to provide detailed information about the generic characteristics of every type of natural stone which will be of great help to consumers and stone specifiers. It also intends to educate the consumers regarding the installation, care and maintenance of natural stone surfaces.

The ASAA conducted two seminars in Sydney in November 2016 delivering significant presentations at Rydges Hotel, Camperdown.

Colin Cass, Techtile Consulting, had done a presentation on the Stone Industry & Consumer Law which addressed the following points:

• An overview of consumer law and supplier obligations.
• ​What is different about the natural and engineered stone industries.
• ​How to minimise consumer complaints.
• ​What to do if a matter is heading to the Tribunal.

In the second presentation, Ron Powell, Architect Former manager, Minister’s Stone Conservation Program & Advisor to the Barangaroo Delivery Authority provided an overview of the project of the World’s Newest Barangaroo Headland.  The project plans to convert this former container terminal into a sandstone foreshore.

In this context, The Marble Man technical team wants to inform you that its Website has a treasure trove of natural stone care and maintenance information. The Marble Man was established in 1992 by Shaun Roberts, current owner and Managing Director.

The Marble Man has continued to grow since its formation and has now over 25 years of combined experience in the stone restoration service sector. It now has a team of stone repair and restoration specialists servicing, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Northern NSW and other areas throughout Qld, NSW and Victoria.

The Marble Man in Australia uses cutting edge technology and continues to update its equipment and services so as to provide quality service in the marble and other natural stone maintenance industry. You can call them now on 1300 627 626 for all your stone care needs such as stone repair, stone polishing & sealing, and stone cleaning etc.

Why Do You Need Professional Stone Restoration?

 

When we decorate our homes and offices with preciously beautiful natural stones such as marble, granite, or even travertine, we tend to obsess over its maintenance, repair and restoration. This is because nobody wants to take risks concerning the protection and maintenance of natural stone, which is popular for its shine and vitality and the classy flavour it adds to our abode.

Being such enthusiastic users of natural stone, we are supposed to be very particular regarding stone maintenance and stone cleaning procedure and aware of various other facts related to such stones. There is a popular notion that the shine on the marble counter tops and floor tiles is achieved through application of certain chemical or polish, which is not true. The shine on marble is not externally incorporated; it is an inherent quality of the marble itself. However if the marble loses its vigour, its shine can be brought back chemically. For this you can trust The Marble Man who employs efficient techniques for marble floor restoration.

How to Get Rid of Dull Spots?

Often dull spots appear on stone bench tops and floors. This is because the polished surface gets etched away with continuous use or accidental spills of acidic materials. If etching is not attended to in time, the marble bench top may be ruined forever. If the etching seems to be mild, you can remove the spots with a marble polishing powder available in the market. But, if the etching is deep, it’s time for you to seek professional help.

Why Is It Necessary to Identify Stain on Stone Surface?

Identification of stain is important for various reasons. Firstly, if we proceed to clean or remove any particular stain without identifying it, we might use chemicals that will possibly bear no result and even hamper the stone surface badly. Moreover, before applying any chemical remover, we should ensure that we are actually dealing with a stain. A polished marble may become dull or discoloured when it comes in contact with any acidic substance. This discoloration is not a stain but etch marks. Chemicals used for removing stains will not work on etches.

Why Need Professional Natural Stone Restoration?

Natural stone, when newly installed, have a glossy finish that adds to the elegance of the room decor. However, with regular use, this finish tends to lose its lustre and put on a dim and dull look. This creates problem because, the reason why we use natural stone in the first place does not then seem to hold any meaning at all.

Natural stone restoration professionals have the knowledge, experience and tools to repair the worn out stones and restore its original glory. They remove scratches and deep etch by mechanical abrasion or diamond grinding. Stone restoration professionals can remove the deep rooted stains and polish the surface, thus giving a bright new look altogether. 

For any matter related to natural stone repair and restoration, you may consult The Marble Man and thus save your stone from permanent damage. Call them today on 1300 627 626.

More Stone Care Tips and Maintenance Ideas for Your Natural Stone

Installation of natural stone comes with an even greater responsibility to maintain it regularly and restore it whenever necessary. Routine cleaning of marble, granite and other natural stones prevents damage and keep the stones beautiful. The Marble man, Australia’s top marble floor and countertop restoration company, specialises in restoring the natural beauty of stones through various processes and thus providing immediate solution to any stone surface problem so encountered. Besides, the Marble Man experts also offer valuable advice to the clients concerning protection of their natural stones from all possible damages. In order to maintain the natural stone, homeowners need to emphasize on three most important things namely prevention of damage, cleaning without damage and removing stains.

To prevent damage of natural stone, daily cleaning is must, though it is not enough to ensure future protection. Regular cleaning along with routine maintenance by stone repair and natural stone restoration professionals will enhance the value and longevity of your stone surface. Most importantly, try to prevent contact between the materials that cause stain and the stone surface. Put large mats at the entrance to collect the outside dirt and soil which enter the house via the shoes. These mats must be shaken and vacuumed frequently. Also, vacuum the stone surface regularly and ensure that the dirt and soil is removed.

Good quality stone sealers must be applied professionally to prevent stains from penetrating into the stone surface. Resurfacing the stone surface will replace the dull, worn out stone by a smoother and harder finish that prevents staining and wear. Also, it is easier to clean a smooth surface as dirt and grime do not get trapped into the uneven spots.

Another most important part of stone maintenance is cleaning it without damaging the floor. The best method is to use the right cleaning material which is a pH neutral cleaner specially recommended for cleaning natural stone. Remember not to use abrasive cleaners on the stone surface and nylon scrubbing pads as they are harder than marble and will eventually scratch it. Professionals recommend the use of soft cleaners and sponges instead of thick cleaners as the latter will stick to the stone. Check out the Cleaning Products recommended by The Marble Man's professional team for better stone care. 

To prevent stains, wipe up spills immediately. In case the stain has already appeared, try to determine whether it is water-based or oil-based and clean it accordingly. You may not be able to do this without the assistance of the expert stone repairers. Stone care professionals will examine the damage caused and treat it properly so that your stone is protected from further damage. Before applying any chemical to clean stone surfaces, seek The Marble Man’s expert advice and save your stone from damages. In case damage has already occurred, it’s time to turn up to the stone restoration specialist as their professional techniques will bring back the old shine on your stone tiles.

Installation Guidelines and Maintenance Tips for Natural Stone Tiles

If you want lasting beauty for your natural stone surfaces, then stick to proper care and timely maintenance. One should have some basic stone restoration ideas like when to call a stone restoration professional and what routine cleaning procedures one has to follow on a daily basis.

Natural stones have the inbuilt ability to transform an environment and create soothing pleasure and joy. If you don’t have stones at home or office, think of installing them as early as you can afford. If you’re not sure about the cost or what type of stones to purchase, give The Marble Man a FREE CALL on 1300 627 626.

It is advisable to follow the guidelines of a professional natural stone restoration specialist, starting from the time you purchase the stone, to ensure the original beauty of your floors for years to come. There are many instances where people neglected their costly stone surfaces after installation, thereby getting severe damages to the stone’s structure within a short time. 

Understanding different kinds of natural stones and their restoration needs is not an easy task. It needs years of experience and research on natural stone care and maintenance to get expertise on this matter. That’s why The Marble Man insists you to check up your stone tiles - floors, vanities worktops etc. - at least once in a year with the help of a stone repair and restoration specialist. The Marble Man stone technicians are well qualified and get regular stone restoration training.

The Marble Man recommends these everyday use ideal stone cleaning products for removing soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew from different types of floor and wall tiles in residential baths and showers. These stone surfaces need a more thorough routine cleaning due to the build-up of soap scum, body oils and hard-water stains.

Sweep or vacuum your natural stone floors regularly to remove dirt, dust and other harmful materials. Follow with a soft scrub brush or white nylon scrub pad dampened with a neutral pH cleaner. Finally rinse the stone surface with normal water and dry the area to get a refreshingly clean and elegant stone surface.

Stone Care Services of Australian Stone Advisory Association and The Marble Man

The Australian Stone Advisory Association (ASAA) is a not-for-profit organisation constituted for the ‘benefit of the public by the promotion of Australian Natural Stone and the coordination and sponsorship of events and ventures and endeavours in the Stone Industry in Australia.’

The main aim of ASAA is to provide detailed information about the generic characteristics of every type of natural stone which will be of great help to consumers and stone specifiers. It also intends to educate the consumers regarding the installation, care and maintenance of natural stone surfaces.

The ASAA conducted two seminars in Sydney in November 2016 delivering significant presentations at Rydges Hotel, Camperdown.

Colin Cass, Techtile Consulting, had done a presentation on the Stone Industry & Consumer Law which addressed the following points:

• An overview of consumer law and supplier obligations.
• ​What is different about the natural and engineered stone industries.
• ​How to minimise consumer complaints.
• ​What to do if a matter is heading to the Tribunal.

In the second presentation, Ron Powell, Architect Former manager, Minister’s Stone Conservation Program & Advisor to the Barangaroo Delivery Authority provided an overview of the project of the World’s Newest Barangaroo Headland.  The project plans to convert this former container terminal into a sandstone foreshore.

In this context, The Marble Man technical team wants to inform you that its Website has a treasure trove of natural stone care and maintenance information. The Marble Man was established in 1992 by Shaun Roberts, current owner and Managing Director.

The Marble Man has continued to grow since its formation and has now over 25 years of combined experience in the stone restoration service sector. It now has a team of stone repair and restoration specialists servicing, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Northern NSW and other areas throughout Qld, NSW and Victoria.

The Marble Man in Australia uses cutting edge technology and continues to update its equipment and services so as to provide quality service in the marble and other natural stone maintenance industry. You can call them now on 1300 627 626 for all your stone care needs such as stone repair, stone polishing & sealing, and stone cleaning etc. 

Marble and Other Natural Stones Increasingly Used in Fashionable Australian House Designs

Marble and natural stones play an important role in traditional and modern interior design of Australian homes and offices. Their reflective shine and natural lustre have become a centerpiece of all beautiful home designs.

Stone surfaces assume a major role in any home decor. Granite and marble surfaces for kitchens, baths and floors are still a top pick with today's home buyers. The kitchen and bath stone projects play a significant position as they are the final step in the renovation process.  Whether the material used is marble, natural stone or man-made material, the countertop holds the whole look together. The installation of the countertop is normally the most exciting part of renovation as it is like giving final touch to a beautiful painting.  

As reports of global warming pour in, the green living concept is widely accepted in home decor. Marble and natural stones are stylish and also eco-friendly. Granite, Marble, Limestone, and other natural stones are used in Kitchen Countertops, Bathroom Vanity Tops, Fireplace Surrounds, Outdoor Kitchens, Furniture Tops, Thresholds, Shower Seats, and Sills etc.

And lastly, stones are effectively used to enhance the outdoor landscape also. Stone flooring on patios, stepping stone pathways etc. can be great additions to your outdoor decoration.

The Marble Man is Australia's Number One Marble, Granite, Travertine, Stone Benchtop and Tile Restoration Specialist. They will do their very best to provide you with professional, 5 star maintenance service and effective stone care solutions.

Marble or stone surfaces need to be protected to keep their natural beauty. Sealing, polishing and cleaning are to be carried out professionally, applying latest techniques and technology. The Marble Man technicians will repair or restore your precious stone with great care and will make every effort to return your stone surface to its natural looking best.

Contact them now:

FREECALL 1300 627 626

EMAIL: info@themarbleman.com.au

Keywords used in this article: cleaning marble floor in Sydney, marble decor Australia, home decor Australia, marble stone restoration Brisbane, granite cleaning Gold Coast, 

Repair and Restoration of Marble and Stone Benchtops, Floors and Bathrooms

If your marble, granite or other stone surfaces have become chipped, scratched, stained or damaged in some way, don’t worry, there are expert stone technicians who can make it alright. After repair or restoration, your stone tiles will get back the original shine and sheen. We can repair your vanity, floor tiles, benchtops, tables or any other stone surface that has become damaged and give the best possible result.

At The Marble Man we use the latest technology glues epoxies, diamond abrasives and nano treatments to repair your marble or stone floors, benchtops and bathrooms. Our technicians are located across Australia and are ready to assist. Contact us and we will be happy to give a free stone restoration quote.

We have a team of experienced stone repair and tile cleaning technicians who service:

SYDNEY | CANBERRA | NEWCASTLE | CENTRAL COAST | BRISBANE | GOLD COAST | SUNSHINE COAST

Call our office today on 1300 627 626 to arrange an obligation free stone restoration quote or email us to book your onsite evaluation.

Stone Repairs and Stone Restoration Services

The Marble Man team offers a huge range of repairing options to produce a fantastic repair to your stone surface so that you can enjoy it for years to come. Our stone care technicians are highly experienced and are professional craftsmen. They are regularly trained with state of the art stone restoration techniques.

The natural stone repair and restoration works we offer include but not limited to the following:

• Chipped Marble or Granite benchtops
• Cracked Marble or Granite benchtops
• Chipped floor tiles
• Granite benchtop joints
• Sink and hotplate cut-out adjustments
• Stain removal
• Scratch removal
• Grout replacement
• Silicon replacement

First, the stone surface is perfectly cleaned so the scope of the repair is fully realized. We take extra care to assess the restoration projects, and then the necessary repair is carried out using proper machines and quality products.

Why The Marble Man Stone Restorers?

Our stone technicians are well experienced in handling all types of stone restoration whether Marble, Granite, Onyx, Limestone, Slate, Travertine, Terrazzo, or any other natural stone. 

The Marble Man Company offers domestic services such as floors, walls, vanity, counters tops, table tops, bathrooms and showers etc., as well as commercial stone care services, including hotels, offices, facilities management companies, real estate companies and more.

Restoration & Regular Maintenance of Natural Stone Surfaces

Why stop at countertops? Add the beauty of natural stone to every part of your home. They are sure to grace the floors, walls, kitchen, showers etc.

For the last 20 years, The Marble Man has been catering to the Polishing, Sealing and Repairing requirements of residential as well as commercial stone restoration projects across Australia. We have built a reputation for our knowledge, craftsmanship and exceptional service to people of all walks of life.

We operate on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Byron Bay areas. We have also recently opened up in Sydney where we cover Canberra, Newcastle and Central Coast.

Wondering how to remove a stain from a benchtop? Looking for tips on keeping your marble and other natural stone clean? Take a look at our stone care and maintenance guidelines.

There are two categories of natural stone, viz. siliceous stone and calcareous stone. Knowing the difference is critical when selecting cleaning products. Siliceous stone (granite, slate, sandstone and quartzite) is very durable and relatively easy to clean with mild acidic cleaning solutions. 

Calcareous stone (marble, travertine, limestone and onyx) on the other hand will react to acidic foods such as lemons or tomatoes causing etching or dulling in surface sheen. Hence, cleaning products that work on siliceous stone may damage the surface of calcareous surfaces.

Always rely on professional advice before attempting a ‘do it yourself’ trial on etch marks, stains or damage on stone surfaces.

Some of the stone care services offered by The Marble Man are:

• Wax removal
• Grout cleaning
• Tile cleaning
• Builders cleans of tiles
• Soap Scum Removal
• Mould removal
• Driveway cleaning
• Car park cleaning
• Hi-Pressure water Cleaning
• Hot water (100 degrees C) hi pressure water cleaning 

Because of the range of products that we use, we prefer to complete tests on the particular stone material you have and advise on the results possible. Our administration and sales team are trained and available online and on the phone to answer your questions on stone care.

To help you best we recommend that you phone us to discuss your cleaning | polishing | sealing | repairing jobs or even better email us some photos of the stone surface so we can advise of the results we can achieve on stone restoration. Our stone care tips and advice are free for you to use. Phone us on: FREE CALL 1300 627 626 or EMAIL US: info@themarbleman.com.au for all your stone restoration needs.

Avail Marble Man's 8-Point Guarantee on Natural Stone Restoration Works

With over 30 years of combined experience in the field of natural stone repair and restoration, we’re proud to give you an 8-point guarantee on stone care. This way it’s assured that your marble, granite and other natural stone surfaces get the best Polishing, Sealing, Professional Cleaning, Repair and Refinishing when our technicians take up the stone restoration works.

The following are the summary of eight points in our natural stone maintenance guarantee agreement to our customers:

• We will improve your stone surface or your money back.
• You will not be left waiting around, as we will arrive on time.
• Our tradesmen will be tidy and clean up after themselves.
• Your stone surface will be easier to clean and maintain.
• You will get the right advice for the long-term enjoyment of your stone surfaces.
• We will provide you with a complete service, and offer you a full range of products for maintaining your stone surfaces.
• You will have a finished product that you will love to look at, walk on and use.
• We will answer your questions about the care maintenance and restoration or your stone surfaces drawing from our 30-years of combined experience.

Do you have dull, stained or worn marble or other stone floors in your home or business? No more frustrations – our stone care experts can regain the original beauty of your stone floors. Call us now on 1300 627 626 to get an obligation free stone care evaluation.

Our stone restoration team has the expertise to polish your marble or other natural stone Floor, Counters or Bathroom tiles so that all the stain spots and traces of stubborn dirt are removed and your stone surface will look like new again. Timely maintenance of your costly stone surfaces will preserve their beauty for many years to come.

Natural stone surfaces, especially Marble, are delicate and porous too. They can be affected by staining when come in contact with acidic materials you handle in your kitchen like wine, lemon and other citric juices. You can protect your stone surfaces from staining by professional Sealing which helps to protect their natural beauty and elegance.

The Marble Man stone care technicians are given adequate training as per latest stone restoration techniques available in the world. They can Repair almost all damages occurred on your marble, granite or other natural stone surfaces such as floor tiles, counter tops, and pillars or any other stone structure. Many people think repair is not possible and go for replacement which is costlier. So next time when you see cracked, broken or torn out natural stone surface in your home or business establishment, contact the Marble Man to see if they can be repaired.

We’ll discuss the appropriate stone restoration method such as polishing, sealing, or repairing for your marble or other natural stone floors. You may also visit The Marble Man website to get all the stone care and maintenance information.

Explore Saphire Mining Fields and Towering Sandstone Gorges at Southern Great Barrier Reef, QLD

The Marble Man team had a great experience while we went for an educational tour at Southern Great Barrier Reef hinterland in Queensland.

The Southern Great Barrier Reef hinterland is a great place to explore with the towering sandstone gorges, natural sceneries, water sculptured formations and awesome caves. The total area covered by the Sandstone Wilderness might be larger than Tasmania island state.

It’s around 4 hours drive from Brisbane and stretching from Bundaberg hinterland through to Gladstone, Rockhampton and right up the Capricorn Coast. The Sandstone Wilderness accommodates around 25 imposing mountain ranges with 100 State Forests & National Parks.

You’ll be entering a world rich with history, farming, mining and breathtaking natural wonders. Located west of Gladstone, Banana Shire is a rural jewel abundant in earthy wonders and scenic country drives.  You can base your Australian bush adventure here at the bustling Biloela Township in the Callide Valley.

Enjoy the wonderful bush experience at Myella Farm Stay, or get absorbed in the natural wonders at Expedition, Isla Gorge, Kroombit Tops or Mount Scoria National Parks.

Explore and experience the real rural life at Capricorn's Central Highlands, west of Rockhampton. The Central Highlands encompasses diverse agricultural & mining operations, and amazing natural landscapes. It was such a fresh experience to fossick for gemstones in the Sapphire Gemfields and watch immense sandstone gorges and the endless plains at Carnarvon Gorge.

A 45 minute drive west of Emerald (4hrs west of Rockhampton) on the Capricorn Highway, situated the Central Queensland Sapphire Gemfields covering around 900 square kilometres. Here you’ll see a real-life mining town with opportunities to fossick for hidden gems.

Self-drive fossicking tour with maps and all the necessary equipment will let you explore the back tracks of the mining areas in your own vehicle. There are fossicking parks, where you can learn all about fossicking- buy a bucket of sapphire wash and watch how to sieve and sort for sapphires in the rough. This is an enjoyable and educational tour which will give you firsthand experience in mining.  

It’s a great experience to walk past and see gem shops, galleries, jewellers and locally created cottage industries in the locality. You can purchase stunning sapphire jewellery here. If you happened to discover some gems, the gem-cutters will facet them and jewellers will set them into lovely piece of jewellery for you.

Mined since the late 1800s, the moon-like landscape is as much a part of the lifeblood of Sapphire as the rich treasures in the earth. You can also visit the historic Piano Tuners Grave at Retreat Creek. Graves Hill and Big Bessie are Fossicking areas in Sapphire where you can camp and dig for precious stones.

Enter a dramatic world on a walk-in mine tour where the underground temperature sits at a cool 25 Degrees Celsius. Explore through a network of tunnels, providing insight into the process of underground sapphire mining. See the tiny tunnels, called “tummy tunnels” used by the pioneer miners.

Such educational tours and on job training on state-of-the-art technologies make all of Marble Man stone restoration technicians master craftsmen in their trade. No wonder they can repair and maintain any types of natural stone surfaces with a touch of professionalism and perfection.

Preserve the Beauty of Your Natural Stone Surfaces with Simple Maintenance Procedures

The Marble Man, Australia’s No.1 Marble, Granite and other Natural Stone Restoration Company, provides natural stone maintenance and restoration services across the country. Their stone care and repair works are a class apart and would definitely bring back the wow factor in the residential apartments, offices, homes and hotel rooms.  Proper care and maintenance will ensure that your natural stone surfaces will last its lifespan keeping its elegance all the way.

With over 24 years of experience, The Marble Man will provide reliable and affordable stone repair and restoration service so that your stone surfaces will always be looking like new. Contact them now to get Easter discounts on marble repair, granite restoration, stone cleaning works etc.

Marble, no doubt, is the best option for beautification as it is available in different attractive colours and wears an elegant look. But, it is far more brittle and sensitive towards chemicals compared to granite. It gets stained easily when getting in contact with oil and acidic juices. Therefore, it is advisable not to use marble in bathroom or kitchen. Marble can be generally used for flooring and for table tops and ensure that marble floor restoration is done occasionally.

Using innovative products and sophisticated machines, The Marble Man will get all stains permanently removed from your natural stone and restore its newness and beauty. If you have any difficulty in identifying the type of stain or finding its removal method, you can contact these stone care experts for the correct procedure. Natural stone also absorbs unwanted chemicals and so it’s recommended to use a protective sealer which seals the pores and prevents any form of chemical or acid from entering into the inner layers of the stone.

Always give attention to safeguard your natural stone surfaces. Accidental spills have to be immediately cleaned. You may take guidelines from The Marble Man team on the Dos and Don’ts of spillage cleaning. For hot cooking items, use hot pad, trivets, chopping boards etc. and for glasses carrying alcohol or citrus juices, use coasters under them. Never use vinegar, ammonia or any kind of bleach on the stone surface.

Coming to stone table tops or benchtops, they should not be used as a work bench. Clean the stone surfaces as soon as any mess occurs, and also regularly clean them with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. If proper care is taken, marble or granite benchtops will look stunning and last for a life time. 

Natural stone surfaces lose their beauty and get damaged due to their improper use and lack of maintenance. For stone cleaning, sealing, polishing or repair, contact The Marble Man who provides state of the art marble restoration and other stone repair works on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle and Central Coast. Visit their Website or get an obligation free stone restoration quote today by dialling 1300 627 626.

When to Contact Natural Stone Repair & Restoration Professionals in Australia

Limestone- after polishing by The Marble Man

Natural stone surfaces in your home, office or commercial establishment provide beautiful floors, countertops, fireplace etc. all the way enhancing the look and feel of the interior decor. You have made a costly investment with marble, granite or other natural stones; now what’s needed is to maintain those stones properly so as to get many years of amazing cuteness and style. A maintenance schedule has to be in place for cleaning and regular inspections of the stones to check stubborn stains, hard water spots, and cracks etc.           

The attractive appearance and durability of marble and many other natural stone tiles will remain for a lifetime if you follow standard maintenance practices. Ensure to completely remove sand, dirt, and grit which cause maximum damage to your natural stone tiles.

There are plenty of do-it-yourself methods described in the internet world to clean stones, and remove stains, mould & mildew etc., but many of them may eventually spoil the beauty of natural stone. For example, we have seen many stone care articles recommending the use of bleach, but actually bleach can damage your stone and grout lines, causing fading or discoloration. Use only quality products as recommended by authorised stone care professionals.

For daily cleaning of natural stone, add a few drops of liquid stone soap (PH neutral cleaner) into warm water and apply that cleaning solution using a soft cloth to remove stubborn dirt from the stone surfaces. Never use harsh chemicals to clean grout and caulk. It’s also advisable not to try any sophisticated cleaning or repair procedures by yourself or with the help of an unskilled person. What you can do is dust mop the floors and other stone surfaces regularly. 

And always call stone restoration specialists in Australia to do weekly or fortnightly stone cleaning. These stone professionals will check for stains, mould, cracks etc. while doing the routine cleaning and inspection of stone surfaces. They will do wax removal, grout cleaning, sealing, polishing etc. in a professional way as and when required.

For cleaning stone floors, professional stone restoration providers use chemical cleaning, abrasion based cleaning and heat based cleaning- sometimes these specialised cleaning processes are also used in conjunction to get the desired result. So, when they use such specialist procedures to clean dirt and stain marks, it’s clear that your daily dust mopping or DIY tactics are not sufficient to keep the stone surfaces in good shape.

The Marble Man, started in 1992 by Shaun Roberts, current owner & MD, provides professional stone restoration services in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, Northern NSW and other areas throughout QLD, NSW and Victoria. The company has individual home owners to big brand hotels and commercial buildings as its clients.

The Marble Man stone professionals use latest technology and only branded equipment and products for stone restoration works. Call the MM team today on 1300 627 626- They will send a police checked and verified technician to inspect your stone tiles at your convenient time and give you a free stone restoration quote. Visit the website to know their comprehensive portfolio and customer feedback.  

Simple Procedures to Remove Different Stains on Natural Stone Surfaces

Most people are having the biggest fear of maintaining the natural stone. Like any other type of counter tops made of materials like wood, natural stone also requires same level of maintenance and care.

Granite counter tops are comparatively strong and resilient to stains. As a preventive measure immediately wipe off the spills on the counter top. Do not leave the spills overnight. They are prone to stain by oil or acidic materials so blot these spills soon. The following tips can help you to remove different type of stains on the natural stone counter tops: 

• Spills and stains: Use a paper towel to blot the spill immediately. Wiping will spread the stain. Flush with mild soap and plain water several times. Dry the area using soft cloth. Repeat it till all traces of spilled liquid is removed. 
• Stain Removal: First of all identify the type of stain.  If you do not know the cause for the stain, play detective and identify. Is the stain near a plant, whether any cosmetics used, any food service area, what colour, shape and pattern? You may also take a snap shot of the stain and send it to The Marble Man who’ll advise you what action is needed. 
• Surface stains can be easily removed using appropriate cleaning product or chemicals. Deep seated stubborn stains require poultice or professional stone restoration service. We shall see how to deal with different stains using appropriate household chemicals or by preparing and applying a poultice.   

Types of Stain and cleaning procedures

• Oil based stain- It may be caused by grease, milk, cosmetics and cooking oil:. Use soft cleanser liquid with bleach OR mineral spirits OR ammonia OR acetone. 
• Organic stains- It may be caused by coffee, paper, food, urine, tobacco, fruit, bark, bird droppings. It may be pinkish brown. If happened outdoors, mostly it’ll get removed by sun and rain. If indoors, use 12% hydrogen peroxide and few drops of ammonia. 
• Metal: Metal stains can be removed with a poultice. Deep seated stains of rust are extremely difficult to remove and needs professional service. 
• Biological stain: Algae, moss, fungi, lichens and mildew cause this stain for which use diluted ammonia Or Hydrogen peroxide Or bleach. Do not mix ammonia with bleach as this creates a lethal and toxic gas emission. 
• Ink stain: It may be caused by ink, magic marker or any pen. Clean with acetone or lacquer thinner for dark coloured stones; use hydrogen peroxide or bleach for light coloured stone. 
• Paint: Small amount of stain with paints can be removed by carefully scrapping with razor blade or using lacquer thinner. Heavy paint stains can be removed with heavy liquid stripper available in paint / hardware stores. Follow the manufacturer directions; do the work in ventilated area with rubber gloves. Acrylic paints or latex will not cause any stains; only oil based paints, putty, linseed oil and sealants cause stains. 
• Water spots and rings: This is caused by accumulation of water on the surface and should be attempted by stone restoration experts like The Marble Man who service the QLD and NSW regions.  
• Etch Marks: They are caused by spilling acidic materials on the stone surface. Contact stone care specialists in the Gold Coast, Sydney, Newcastle etc such as The Marble Man for efficiently removing etch marks.  

The well experienced team of professionals at The Marble Man can do all types of stone repair, stone maintenance, stone countertop repair, natural stone restoration etc. Call them now on 1300 627 626.

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.

Residential As Well As Commercial Stone Restoration Professionals

At The Marble Man, we do professional stone restoration, cleaning and sealing of marble, granite, travertine and other natural stone surfaces in the QLD and NSW region. We help both home owners and businesses like hotels, offices etc. to preserve and maintain their investment of lasting beauty in natural stone.

The main stone restoration works we do are:

• Polishing
• Sealing
• Repairs (including grout repairs and chip repairs)
• Re-surfacing
• Stone Cleaning using steam or chemical washing. 

Decorative natural stone such as marble is not as hard as a rock. It’s beautiful and adds value to our home decor, but it’s very sensitive too, and so requires regular care and maintenance. Proper care means deep knowledge on different varieties of stone and how it's used, and then applying correct products and maintenance methods.

The Marble Man has been in the stone restoration industry for over 25 years and can advise you on the daily routine maintenance to keep your natural stone floors, counter tops and tables, stone tiles etc. looking amazingly fresh and beautiful. Natural Stone tiles are long lasting and will remain awesome for a lifetime if you routinely utilise the services of stone restoration specialists.

Even if you have not preserved your natural stone for a long time, we can use state-of-the-art technologies and efficient workmanship to revitalise your worn and damaged tiles. We make sure that your natural stone products give a lifetime of aesthetics and utility to your home or business establishment.

The Marble Man also has a collection of Cleaning Products that you can purchase for safe and effective maintenance of your natural stone surfaces. If you take stone cleaners from cheap providers, there are chances that your chemically delicate stones such as marble, travertine, and limestone may react with the cleaner. Check The Marble Man guidelines for stone maintenance.

Our stone restoration technicians are kept up to date with the latest techniques and technology on natural stone care. We cover the following areas:

• Sydney 
• Canberra 
• Newcastle 
• Central Coast 
• Brisbane 
• Gold Coast 
• Sunshine Coast. 

Visit The Marble Man website and blog for a treasure-trove of practical information on natural stone maintenance. Call our office today on 1300 627 626 to arrange an obligation free stone restoration quote.

Easy Tips for Looking After Marble Table Tops

The marble stone is generally used for tiles and floors in households. However, there are some people who use the stone for table tops or counter tops. This unique natural stone is a combination of silt, salt and iron. The presence of these 3 natural components together gives the marble stone a vein like pattern. This pattern enhances the beauty and appeal of the stone.

Tips To Look After Your Marble Table Tops/Counter Tops

Marble needs to be maintained on a regular basis to retain its sheen and shine. Given below are some expert tips to help you look after your marble table tops and make them last for a long time-

1. Remove stains and spills fast-When you accidentally stain or spill marble table tops, you should immediately remove them with a rag. Marble is a very soft stone and it can be damaged by harsh liquids like the juice of citrus fruits and soda. When you spill them on the marble base, ensure you use a good rag to extract the liquid and spotlessly wipe it off from the surface.

2. Baking Soda- For stubborn stains, you can use baking soda. You can put baking soda on the stain and allow it to rest there for three hours. After three hours, clean the table with a rag to remove the stain. Baking soda is a very gentle abrasive and ideal for removing stubborn stains from marble bases.

3.  Dry with soft cloth- Marble becomes dull when it is air-dried. You should always use a soft damp cloth to clean marble surfaces. When you do so, you should use circular hand movements.

4. Sparkle clean marble table tops with polishes- If you wish to sparkle clean marble table tops, it is very important for you to use a good quality marble polish. Marble polish adds a coating to the surface of marble and protects it when you clean the base. The wax in the polish makes the base shine and protects it from damage.

Therefore, if you wish to keep your marble table top looking as good a new, keep the above tips in mind. Marble table tops are elegant and they enhance the look of any room.

Bank on The Marble Man for marble stone restoration and sealing services

The Marble Man is a professional and cost effective marble and natural stone restoration company. They do marble repair and restoration in SYDNEY | CANBERRA | NEWCASTLE | CENTRAL COAST | BRISBANE | GOLD COAST | SUNSHINE COAST. It helps individuals look after and maintain the natural stone and marble table and countertops of their homes. The professionals are certified and experts in natural stone maintenance and if you need trusted professionals to come and seal , restore and maintain your marble top and bases at home, please visit their website.