Stone Care & Maintenance – How to Beautify Your Home with Stone Surfaces

Natural stone, previously, had several formal applications such as construction of churches, government buildings, monuments and even roads. Its application in residential construction for structural as well as decorative purposes has been recognized very recently. Now-a-days we prefer various types of natural stones such as marble, granite, slate, quartz for our homes not only for giving them a luxurious look but also because of the practical benefits it offers.

Real natural stones, unlike the artificial ones, are far more durable and last long with very little maintenance. Moreover they are resistant to heat and light, and can resist chemicals to a certain extent. In our previous articles we have learnt about the uses of various stones and the procedure of its maintenance. Now, we shall know more about natural stones and the ways it can beautify our homes.

Granite- The Most Preferred Natural Stone for Kitchen Countertop

One of the most preferred natural stones is granite, particularly because of its beauty and durability. It would be interesting to note that it is formed from one of the most common types of minerals and is found all over the world. Granite is second only to diamond in terms of hardness and hence it is highly preferred for countertops. Granite is available in some special colour patterns, which give it a unique look.

Get Rid of False Assurances on Stone Maintenance

We are often forced to believe a notion that a particular stone “doesn't require maintenance”. This can never be true. Everything that is created will undergo wear and tear, however minor it may be. So even if any company, supplying the stone, boasts of the stone as maintenance free, never pay heed to it and consult an expert for periodic stone care and maintenance.

Types of Stone Finishes

The most important benefit of natural stone is that it is available in various forms and colours. Your floors, walls and countertops can be given various stone finishes as per your choice. The various stone finishes for different areas of your house include:

Polished- This gives the surface a glossy and mirror-like effect after undergoing grinding, sanding and buffing.

Honed- Grinding and sanding makes the surface a little shiny and smooth. Instead of fine powder, coarse material such as diamond is used for this purpose.

Tumbled- The surface is given a rough and withered look with the help of chips and scratches.

Flamed- The stone is subjected to a very high temperature flame which makes it very rough with no sheen at all. The maintenance cost of such finish is low.

Sand blasted- Application of high pressure blast of sand gives the stone a rough yet tidy look with no sheen at all.

River Wash- Mostly applied to granite, it gives a non-slippery surface, yet maintains the coloration and structure of granite. 

Beautifying your home with expensive stone should be accompanied by expert stone care and maintenance practices. The Marble Man is Australia’s best natural stone repair and restoration specialist. For any matter relating to stone care such as marble floor restoration, stone polishing, sealing etc. or the choice of right stone for your home, consult them to get the best advice – Free call: 1300 627 626.

Why Do You Need the Services of Natural Stone Restoration & Repair Specialists?

Many people agree that the luxurious marble or other natural stone surfaces used in their house remain the envy of dinner guests. But, one should understand that natural stones are not that hard like rocks, and are subject to wear and tear requiring regular care and maintenance. If not properly taken care of, the natural stones can become even a source of frustration and disappointment due to wear and tear.

Normally natural stone countertops are sealed in the retailer shop and again sealing is done during installation. To get the best result, periodical sealing should also be done by stone restorationprofessionals to safeguard your costly stone from stains caused by accidental spills.  

Check the Grout Lines Properly

Marble, granite and other natural stone tiles and countertops are elegant additions to your home decor and will look their finest when stone care experts are called occasionally to maintain them. The filler spaces between two tiles are called grout lines. If the excess grout is not properly cleaned after installation, it’ll damage the tiles. Same way, if grout lines are broken, water or other liquids will enter into the inner layers of the stone, causing severe damage to the chemical structure of the stone. This shows the importance of calling stone restoration specialists for periodic or seasonal cleaning and repair works, if any.      

Great care is to be taken to remove excess grouts or to seal the gap in the grout lines. Proper sealing protects the stone from everyday spills - instead of being absorbed into the stone, the spilled liquid will stay on the surface which can be cleaned easily.

Use Only Quality Cleaning Products

Use only standard products for cleaning the stone surface. For safe and effective maintenance, you can contact The Marble Man to get details about recommended natural stone cleaning products. They provide a wide range of home cleaning products that you can purchase to keep your stone looking and feeling like ‘NEW’.

For example, consider one of The Marble Man’s products, the S-P Cleaner. It’s proved to be a very effective neutral PH, everyday cleaner for natural stone surfaces. The main advantage of S-P cleaner is that it’s a self Sealer too! It contains a small percentage of penetrating sealer. So whenever you use S-p Cleaner on your stone benchtops and floors, the original penetrating sealer in the stone is ‘topped up’, providing added protection.

Stone Test for Resealing

Here is a DIY method to check whether your stone requires resealing. Add a drop of water on the stone tile and wait for a few minutes. If the water is absorbed into the stone, it requires Sealing. If the stone surface is sealed properly, the water drop will remain there beaded up.

In order to preserve the durability of natural stone and to ensure that its beautiful shine persists, there is no other option than calling a Natural Stone Restoration Specialist once in a while. There is a danger in continuing with self cleaning of the stones because regular use of common household cleaning products can cause damage to the stone, which will eventually lead to costly repair and replacement at a later period. For more professional info on stone care, use this Toll Free number: 1300 627 626.

Common Maintenance Issues with Natural Stone and Their Repair or Restoration Methods

Need to fix a damaged or defective part of marble tile? Want to remove a stain on your lovely stone surface that doesn’t get properly cleaned...? Known for its sleek surface and lasting stability, marble remains a preferred natural stone material in households. But it also needs routine inspection and maintenance to keep the shine and sheen on marble and other natural stone surfaces in your home.

Here’s a query found in a forum: “There was really nice marble tile installed in the house that I live in about a year ago. It doesn't get much traffic. Since it was put in, I noticed an odd-shaped spot that gets darker with wear. Once I clean it, it lightens up again - but it's right in a walkway where I come in the house, so I have to clean it rather often. I'm wondering what caused it and how to fix it. May be a defect with the tile coating? Anyway, I want to fix it, and I know there must be some sealant that I can put on it to restore the gloss and keep it from getting dirty. I'd prefer that, obviously, to having to replace that one tile. Any advice would be appreciated!”

This seems to be a case of etching on marble, which is a common issue. Severe etch marks where the spot is noticeably rough to the touch may need professional restoration. It's all a matter of degree of damage and marble is a natural product so you can never know for sure until you start to repair the area.

Floor sealing normally stops liquids and dirt from staining them. But once your stone has been etched, you may now go for re-polishing, which will completely restore the beautiful natural look and feel of your damaged tile. You can get more professional and precise information from The Marble Man team who has over 24yrs of stone care service in QLD, NSW and other regions. Here is the particular link to their site which will solve your etching issue!

Do you want to professionally clean the tiles (marble, granite, Travertine etc.) or grout in your kitchen or bath? It’s not complicated anymore! Sealing the marble or limestone floors involves thoroughly cleaning the stone to remove all in-ground dirt and excess materials on the surface. This is achieved by using special detergents and rotary scrubbers with all materials wet vacuumed dry. The floor is then left to dry overnight. The following day two coats of penetrating sealant are applied which soak into the stone and dry, thereby sealing the pores from foreign materials.

Exclusive cleaning (Tile and Grout) and stone restoration services are available in Northern NSW, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra and other areas throughout QLD and NSW. Restore, refinish, and repair (repairing chips, nicks, scratches, gouges, cracks and holes): Granite, Marble countertops, tile, columns, Tubs, Sinks etc. 

Get your free stone restoration quote now by contacting us on 1300 627 626. Visit The Marble Man today for comprehensive stone restoration and maintenance ideas.

How about Installing Travertine Countertops & Floor Tiles in Your Kitchen

Selecting the right countertop for your kitchen can be a tricky and expensive matter. Let’s study about the specialities of Travertine stone.

Travertine is composed of Calcium Carbonate, which belongs to a large family of stones called limestone. Marble, a type of limestone, is formed by the additional heat and pressure of the earth’s crust, whereas travertine is formed by dissolving the minerals in groundwater and then getting deposited on the earth surface by rivers, geysers and natural springs. 

Travertine countertop and floor tiles can provide a classic and traditional look to your kitchen. It evokes a feeling of antiquity. Travertine stone comes in variety of sizes and shapes and is available in both slabs and tile formats. The size ranges from miniature mosaics to huge 36 inch tile. It may be a pleasant surprise for you to know that travertine countertop can be installed at the rate below the cost of mid-grade granite. 

Travertine comes in earth tones from colours of ivory to rich shades of gold, red and brown and is popular for its slightly pitted surface texture. The predominant colour trait of travertine never appears as one solid colour but perceived as inherent tonal variations and veining characteristics. You can perceive the overall coloration of the countertop after laying a significant portion of the tile. 

Travertine has not only diverse sizes and colour tones, but also available with various surface textures such as saw cut, tumbled, polished, chiselled-edged, brushed, bush hammered and undulated. Some of the travertine tile finishes such as undulating finish and pillowed are not suitable for kitchen countertops. 

With its old-world classic appearance, Travertine is known for its texture of slightly pitted surface. Though these pits offer the character for the stone, it can trap food particles and absorbs liquid and eventually stains the countertop. The softness of travertine makes it easily prone to etching and abrasion. The acidic substances can also stain the stone very easily. However, you can protect the stone from dirt, stain, scratches by honing it to a slightly matte finish with the help of a natural stone restoration specialist. The pits that are occurred naturally can be perfectly filled in with resin or grout and the stone surface can be sealed to prevent staining. 

A good effective impregnating sealer can provide the necessary protection from staining but any acidic liquid spilled can leave etched area on the stone surface. If there is severe etching on your travertine countertop, a qualified professional like The Marble Man is needed to refinish it. You can keep your travertine countertop looking new by using cutting boards and coasters when handling hot items or acidic substances. 

It is crucial to know the nature of this stone prior to choosing this as the countertop material. Naturally the travertine stone has tiny depressions and holes on the surface. There are many ways to make it as a smooth plane, if this pitted surface is not to your liking. Filled travertine is available where the factory applies stone dust resin to the surface.  You can also order it in the natural state, unfilled and you ask your installer to fill the holes with the suitable epoxy or grout. It is important to know that when the installer fills the pitted surface there is possibility for slight depressions. 

Though travertine is a high-maintenance countertop especially for kitchen applications, the aesthetic benefits of the stone overcome the cons. Regardless of its various colour, size and finish, travertine appeals well for a countertop material. It is becoming more popular among designers and people who seek for the essence of age-old classic beauty. 

Do you want to polish, seal and repair natural stone countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, or stone floors in your home or business place? Contact The Marble Man who is Australia’s leading Marble, Granite, Travertine Stone Benchtop and Tile Restoration Specialist. Their team of professionals offers effective stone care solutions at affordable prices. Call them today on 1300 627 626 for a free stone restoration quote.

Making the Right Colour Choice with Granite Benchtops

Making the choice of colour for granite tabletops is a big decision since it will not only define your taste in style and lavishness but will also be a reflection of the creativity that you display in your home decor. Broadly classifying, there are two wide choices – the light coloured and the dark coloured granites.

The Range of Light Coloured Granite Benchtops

The biggest advantage with light coloured granite benchtops is that they can go well with any kind of colour setting. The inclusions in this set are:

Beige: When it comes to blending subtlety with a rich appeal, beige is an ultimate choice. The similar kind of colour pattern of furniture, walls and lighting and granite tabletops can just light up the grace of your home manifolds.

Yellow: Though this colour is not that common, yet this is a nice pick if you wish to blend in some trendiness to make your home decor stand out. This bright and vibrant look can fill in great radiance.

White: Luxury in simplicity is what white defines. For a classy and distinguished aura to highlight your home's appeal, white granite tabletops can be just the perfect fit. Besides, white is the vogue of all times.

Gold: No colour can be a better definition of lavishness. Lending a generous yet sparkling look to your home, this colour is miss-me-not for lovers of elegance.

Grey: The shades of grey have always been an interesting choice for individuals who are focusing on establishing a simple setting while clubbing the same with exclusive glass and lights to add new vigor to the look and feel of your home.

The Range of Dark Coloured Granite Benchtops

The advantage with making choice of dark colours is that these colours display uniqueness in style and instil a sense of excitement. The inclusions in this set are:

Green: Perhaps the most widely chosen and one of the best looking colours of granite, green gives your home a wildly beautiful look. A display of spontaneity is what this colour offers.

Blue: This colour is a little uncommon but the vein-like pattern running all over this vibrant colour gives it an awe-striking look. This colour choice lies on the higher side of trendy thereby matching the steel-look of chests and steel appliances in your kitchen.

Black: Black is a trend-setter when it comes to defining a class in home decoration. White appliances and an overall white look can add to the grace of your kitchen and other parts of home decorated with black granite bench tops.

Red: Romance and enthusiasm is draws in with red. This colour has been the oldest in line and amongst the most chosen decorative inclusions.

Burgundy: This colour bears a close match in appearance with brown granite. However, the slightly different tinge of burgundy makes it quite a perfection that looks flawless with stainless steel kitchen appliances.                        

Brown: If you have a wooden setting in the room, especially that with the regular teak wood, this colour will form the perfect combo. Dressed in lightly veined pattern, a brown kitchen bench top lends the ultimate classic look.

While making a choice, it is obvious to strike you that the dark coloured granite will be a little easier to maintain but that’s not entirely true. Every kind of granite surface needs specific type of care and even if you don’t have the expertise in cleaning of granite or maintaining its sparkling look, you can always seek help from natural stone restoration specialists! Professional Cleaning, Polishing, Sealing and Repairing are some of the stone restoration works done by those specialists. 

Add Value to Your Home or Property by Professionally Maintaining Your Stone Surfaces

Marble, granite or other natural stone surfaces need regular polishing and maintenance to reflect their natural beauty. The Marble Man team uses correct chemicals according to the particular type of the stone surface (marble, limestone, travertine, onyx or terrazzo surfaces) to achieve the best sheen on your stone.  The state-of-the-art technology used by The Marble Man for stone polishing will bring a glossy and smooth reflection to your old tired stone surfaces by removing all the scratches, stains and scuffs.   

Polished natural stone benchtops 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 normal cleaning. With the cost effective stone polishing solutions provided by The Marble Man, your precious stone can be polished to perfection and the fresh, new look and feel of your benchtops, vanities, or tile floors restored. The ambience of your favourite room will be returned and you will once again add value to your home or property.

Sealing is as important as stone polishing. Marble and other natural stone surfaces are porous and easily absorb liquids that cause staining. Sealing is done to protect the stone surfaces from staining that cannot be removed. It also makes the stone surface easy to clean.

At The Marble Man, our technical team are professionally trained on stone repair and restoration processes and are kept up to date with the latest techniques and technology in the field. If you check up the testimonials, you’ll understand our honest, flexible and reliable workmanship. If you would like us to inspect your stone and advise on its repair or restoration, an experienced team member will visit at a time convenient to you and provide a no obligation, free quote.

The Marble Man operational areas include: Gold Coast|Brisbane|Sunshine Coast|Byron Bay|Sydney|Canberra|Newcastle|Central Coast.

We undertake large or small commercial type stone repair and restoration jobs in your homes, offices or commercial buildings. FREE Call: 1300 627 626. 

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.