Quick and Easy Tips for Marble and Other Natural Stone Restoration

 

We always want the best things for our homes and workplaces, but selection of the best marble for the floor, bathroom or kitchen often leads us to a state of utter confusion. This is mostly because we are unaware of the types of stones and marbles that would suit our home or even workplace as well as the way it needs to be maintained and restored. The Marble Man, Australia’s top Marble and Stone Restoration Company, provide natural stone maintenance and restoration services which are class apart and would definitely bring back the wow factor in your home and office. 

Marble, no doubt, is the best option for beautification as it is available in different attractive colors and wears an elegant look. But, it is far more brittle and sensitive towards chemicals compared to granite. It gets stained easily due to use of oil, acids or juices. Therefore, it is advisable not to use marble in bathroom or kitchen. If acid or other beverages are spilled, then such acidic materials should be immediately removed from the stone surface. In case the surface already gets imprinted or stained, polishing needs to be done. However, it definitely gives a feel good effect when marble is used for table tops, floor, shower or the surrounding of fireplaces though marble floor restoration should be done at regular interval.

Natural stone also absorbs unwanted chemicals and so it’s advisable 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.

Given below are some useful tips for protecting your marble and other natural stones:

• Immediately clean any form of spill to prevent damage to the surface.
• Use coasters under glasses carrying beverages or citric juices.
• Don’t apply cleaners that contain acid.
• Don’t use vinegar, ammonia or any kind of bleach. 
• Dust the marble floor regularly.
• Don’t put any abrasive product on the stone.
• Don’t place boiling pot or anything hot directly on the stone surface as it might crack the stone.

Coming to stone benchtops, they should not be used as a work bench. Clean the surface as soon as any mess occurs. If proper care is taken, the benchtops will look bright and beautiful for a life time.

The main reason why stone surfaces get spoiled is their improper use and lack of maintenance. But with The Marble Man at your disposal, easy and affordable stone repair and restoration is just a phone call away- Ph: 1300 627 626. Their expert technicians will not only provide useful advice for removing stains, but also deliver professional help whenever it’s required. 

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.

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.

The Marble Man - Restoration and Repairing of Limestone, Granite and Other Stone Countertops

There are several customer complaints when it comes to limestone and granite countertops losing their original beauty and lustre with the passage of time. The countertops look dull and entering the kitchen/bathroom becomes an eye sore to everyone.   

Both limestone and granite countertops can be restored to their original glow with the aid of professional natural stone restoration and repair specialists. Hiring them is a wise choice as they are aware of the unique demands of the specific stone and the correct procedures on how to polish them effectively without damage.

Natural stone restoration of limestone and granite…

Limestone and granite are natural stones but similar in composition. Limestone is a rock composed of calcium carbonate or a combination of calcium and magnesium. The limestone and marble you get in the market may be recrystallised limestone, travertine or compact microcrystalline limestone. 

If you take a look at limestone, you will find some unique characteristics in it. You will see spots of shell formations, fossil like shapes, honeycomb or open texture streaks, pit holes, formations like travertine, iron spots or even grain changes. The presence of any of these traits makes the beauty of limestone as a natural stone unique.

Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock made of a unique visible crystal-like formation. It is primarily made of feldstar and quartz. It has mica to a small extent and may contain the additional minerals of sphene, zircon, apatite, magnetite and ilmenite. The granite surface is generally white or grey.  The dark crystals’ presence provides it with a speckled appearance. 

Granite is the result of the magma that cools down deep under the surface of the earth. In most continents, granite is a general intrusive rock found on the surface of the earth.  There is also additional evidence that granite can be made by regional metamorphism without a molten or liquid stage involved in its formation. Both natural stones are generally used in kitchen/bathroom countertops and capable of taking in a polish to keep shining for a long time.

Restore granite and limestone countertops with The Marble Man

If you wish to restore the natural lustre and glow of your granite and limestone countertops in the bathroom or kitchen, it is mandatory for you to invest in a credible marble and granite restoration company like The Marble Man servicing QLD and NSW. 

The professionals at Marble Man will perform a quick and simple restoration procedure that brings back the beauty and original shine of your countertop. The skilled experts are aware of the needs of limestone and granite and they deploy cleaning and restoration procedures that are safe and non-toxic. To contact these credible and trusted stone restoration professionals for your home, please click Here. 

Granite versus Marble- A Comparative Study on Their Maintenance Requirements

Installing natural stones to beautify homes, proves to be of no use unless they are cared for and maintained using proper techniques. Everyone wants to own a house with marble floors, a kitchen with marble countertop or bathroom with marble walls. But, not everyone can provide the care and maintenance the stones deserve. Therefore, the choice of natural stone for your home or office must depend on how much use and abuse the stone will be subjected to, the durability of the stone, and how often will you be able to maintain it the way it requires to be maintained. 

In this article you shall find the pros and cons of installing granite and marble, the most popular natural stone choices for our homes, when compared to each other. If the origin of these stones is compared, we will find that marble is a type of stone composed of recrystallized material, most commonly limestone. Granite, on the other hand, is a hard stone which originates from ingenious rocks. Granite is more hard and durable compared to marble, hence more resistant to chips and scratches. Marble, being softer than granite, is more suitable for less-trafficked and formal areas.

Marble is known for the elegance it provides and is versatile enough to be used throughout the house in places such as fireplace surrounds, walls, flooring and bathrooms. Since it is particularly vulnerable to acidic foods and liquids, it is not a very good choice for kitchen countertops. Granite is an excellent choice for high traffic areas since it is more resistant to abrasions, staining and discoloration than most marbles. Its variety of colors and resistance to stain and heat makes it an ideal choice for kitchen countertops, bar tops, dining table, flooring including pathways and stairs, etc.

Both marble and granite are porous stones, though granite is less porous compared to marble. Hence, granite is far easier to maintain and requires sealing only after every two years. Marble, on the other hand, requires to be sealed twice every year. However, both the stones are easy to maintain. Marble floor restoration professionals advise that spills on both marble and granite surfaces should be cleaned immediately to prevent further damage. 

It is important to note that both marble and granite stones are cool under foot, so in areas where temperature remains low for relatively long period you may mix some other flooring type with marble or granite to provide warmth to a design. And the coolness of  marble and granite becomes a boon for summer months.

Though, granite installation might seem expensive initially, it will actually curtail your expenses in the long run. It is durable and can better withstand the huge traffic, particularly in the kitchen. It requires minimal maintenance and hence would be great and prudent investment if you are unable to keep up with the high traffic that your marble countertop or floor is subjected to. 

The Marble Man, Australia’s Number one natural stone restoration specialist, offers its esteemed clients expert advice on the choice of stones and proper stone maintenance and restoration procedures. Visit their Website or call them on 1300 627 626 for a free stone care evaluation. 

Different Methods of Stone Restoration and Their Implementation

The biggest disadvantage of using natural stone for exterior and interior purposes is that it loses its shine and vitality due to prolonged or continuous use.  Despite this risk, we always prefer installing natural stone because upon installation it adds to the beauty and splendor of our homes and workplaces, primarily because of its shine and polish.  Therefore, loss of shine reduces the value and glory of a stone and at the same time demands immediate and expert attention.

There are mainly four basic methods of creating shine on natural stone surfaces, namely buffing with polishing powder and compound, diamond grinding, crystallization and applying barrier coatings. Different stone types require different methods for restoration of shine and at times application of more than one method may be necessary.

Polishing powder and compound are fine grains of aluminum or tin-oxide abrasive powder which are buffed on the surface of the stone to create the shine. Often this process is also augmented by adding oxalic acid to create a reaction similar to crystallization. This process has several advantages such as it gives a natural appearance with high sheen, produces a relatively durable finish, compounds used do not etch the floor and this method is applied periodically and not daily or weekly. However, this process of stone repair is a bit messy and requires additional cleanup work. It also requires sophisticated equipment such as floor machine mop bucket, etc. and if it is not handled by a skilled professional, it might affect the surface.

Grinding with diamond abrasives involves grinding the stone surface with different grits of industrial grade diamonds that are generally in three to four inch diameter discs. The process continues with even finer grits of diamond unless the shine and luster is achieved.  Diamond grinding is the most durable method offering a long-lasting finish. This process also removes all scratches and works very well on marble and granite. Nevertheless, this method is not free from disadvantages. The method is costly, requires a preliminary restoration of floor and its effectiveness vary with the types of stones.

Coating involves waxing the surface to produce an artificial shine.  It makes use a liquid or semi-liquid form of wax or urethane which is applied on the surface with a sprayer. This method is not recommended for porous stones.  This method involves less expense and provides good slip resistance.  But it doesn't provide a natural appearance, dulls very fast, requires daily buffing and creates a mess and damages the stone.

Finally, crystallization involves a process whereby a chemical called fluorosilicate is sprayed over the surface and buffed subsequently to form glass like crystals on the surface.  This process is very durable and gives a natural shine to the stone. It can also be used with ease and do not create any mess. It even removes fine and heavy scratches. However, this method may cause discoloration or yellowing of the stone. It requires periodic stripping and has limited effects on granite.

Methods of restoring natural stones are manifold. It only requires a proper choice of the processes and skilled professionals to implement it. The Marble Man, Australia’s finest natural stone restoration company specialises in stone maintenance and restoration works. For any matter related to natural stone restoration or marble floor restoration, call their experts right now on 1300 627 626.

Get the Best in Terms of Natural Stone Cleaning and Maintenance Most Safely

As a residence and business owner, it is obvious that you would want the best when it comes to cleaning and maintenance of natural stone.  In this way, you can keep your home or commercial premises free from germs, dirt and stains. Since people are busy, they cannot devote that much of time as trained cleaning professionals for maintaining natural stone surfaces in their premises. This is where expert aid should be sought. Natural stone cleaning specialists are aware of how to clean, maintain and restore natural stone in a safe non-toxic manner to give you a germ- free premise.

Get the Best Cleaning Methods and Products for Natural Stone...

The cleaning agents used for natural stone are different from the solutions you use to clean the other areas of your home. Stubborn stains and spills need special attention. With the aid of professional natural stone cleaners and maintenance experts like The Marble Man in Australia, you get the chance to enhance the look of natural stones in a hygienic and non-toxic manner. The professionals here will take care of the natural stone surface and enhance its dull appearance. They will take appropriate steps to ensure your floors, tiles and countertops are spotlessly clean from any specks of dirt.  

Contact The Marble Man to Ensure Fine Care for Natural Stone without Toxins

The Marble Man is a credible and reputed natural stone cleaning, maintenance and restoration specialist company in Australia. The professionals working here are certified and trained in cleaning natural stone in a non-toxic manner. The materials they use are safe for pets, senior citizens and small children. The Marble Man will deploy the best cleaning methods to remove stubborn stains and spills effectively. Their professionals are organised and systematic in their approach. They use the best cleaning methods for all types of natural stone surfaces they are dealing with. Often they give you advice and valuable suggestions on how you can take preventive care and prolong the appeal of your natural stone surfaces for a long time.

Say Goodbye to Stains and Spills Forever...

The Marble Man is an affordable company that will first inspect the task at hand before they provide you with an estimate. The price and cost of every project will depend on the nature of the job to be done. You can plan the task jointly with them. They are efficient and fast in their work giving value to your time. The results are always exemplary. This is why the Company has a loyal customer base in Australia and is the first choice for any natural stone cleaning, maintenance or restoration work. You can prolong the life and looks of natural stone for your residence or commercial premises with them for a long time. For contacting these dedicated experts for the ultimate care and maintenance in natural stone, call 1300 627 626 today!

Protect Granite & Marble Countertops for Your Bathroom & Kitchen

The Utility of Granite or Marble Bathroom & Kitchen Countertop Finishes

The bathroom and kitchen of your home deserves to be a show stopper like the rest of your rooms. When you are making a new bathroom/kitchen or renovating an existing one, you can add glamour and sophistication to it with granite or marble finished countertops. Granite or marble countertops enhance the beauty, appeal and durability of your bathroom. Granite or marble stone finishes are beautiful and simple to maintain. When you scan the market for them, you will find there is a diverse range of attractive natural stone finishes waiting to be a part of your dream bathroom. Moreover, once installed, they increase the resale value of your home and invite accolades from everyone!

An Insight into Granite & Marble Natural Stones

Today, granite and marble are the first choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops. You will find many different types of materials in granite. Some look like small flecks while others appear to be long veins. Granite is available in natural colours and can be cleaned and polished in several ways. Marble, on the other hand, can be any stone, other than granite, that can be polished. Marble can also include limestone, onyx, serpentine and travertine. Serpentine is often referred to as “green marble”. This material is not actually “marble” in the true sense of the term but it looks the same.  It is chosen by many home owners primarily for its ability to be more stain and spill proof than the other marble available in the market.

Natural Stone Care and Maintenance…

It is very important for you to protect granite and marble from dirt, stains and spills. Both granite and marble are hard and durable making them a versatile countertop choice for your bathroom or kitchen. There are specific dos and don’ts when it comes to the cleaning and maintenance of both these natural stones. Both marble and granite should be kept away from acid, sand, dirt and other small particles that may integrate with them. Regular cleaning with the right cleaning agents is compulsory to keep them free from damage. For granite countertops, you should use a granite sealant for providing it additional protection from dirt and potential damage. You should never use cleaning agents that have caustic soda, ammonia and bleaching agents as this will remove the additional protected layer from the granite. For taking care of your granite and marble countertops, you should consult credible natural stone restoration specialists to do the job carefully for you.

Protect Granite and Marble Countertops with The Marble Man

The Marble Man is a trusted and professional natural stone cleaning, restoration and maintenance specialist company with skilled experts to take care of your precious granite or marble bathroom/kitchen countertops. You may contact these friendly experts on their website or call them on the toll-free number 1300 627 626 to enhance the durability and appeal of your kitchen/bathroom countertops both today and in the long run!