Hiring The Marble Man to Restore Your Natural Stone Surface Is a Sure-Fire Investment

Great result obtained for The Marble Man's latest Cleaning Test on Travertine look porcelain tile. They regularly conduct new renovation methods and their technical team is kept up to date with the latest techniques and technology in the stone restoration sector.

It is a frequently asked question whether calcereous stones such as marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx are porous, and susceptible to staining from food stuff, or cosmetics. Irrespective of the finish given to the marble or other natural stone, there will be space between the crystal formations where water and oils can penetrate and cause staining.

All stones are vulnerable to scratching, but can be rectified if properly maintained. The Marble Man’s renovation and polishing works will maximize the natural beauty of the veining pattern of marble or other natural stones.

Normally after 2 or 3 years of installation, the stone’s surface shine will wear away with daily use (acidic spills such as citric juices and wine which stain or etch the stone surface) and require Cleaning/Resurfacing by Australia's number one stone restorers, The Marble Man.

When you hire The Marble Man stone restorers to maintain you stone surface, it becomes a sure-fire investment. You’ll get great dividends in the form of peace of mind and excellent home decor in return. Contact us for scheduling the cleaning, polishing, sealing, and general maintenance of your marble or other natural stone to keep it looking its optimum best. An experienced team member will visit at a time convenient to you and provide a no obligation, free quote.

We Polish, Seal and Repair marble or other natural stone surfaces and our cutting edge stone care solutions effectively enhance the richness of the stone surfaces and restore its texture to the original colour and glamour.

The Marble Man stone restorers provide  stone care services to the following areas: Gold Coast | Brisbane | Sunshine Coast | Northern NSW | Toowoomba | Sydney | Canberra. Call our office today on 1300 627 626 or Email us to book your onsite evaluation.

Get the Shine Back on Your Natural Stone Surfaces

                            

You thought your granite countertop is almost indestructible, but some years after installation you observe that it has lost its shine and sheen. What could be the possible cause?

Granite countertops are very robust and are not easily damaged due to breakage or scratches. However, they are vulnerable to etching and dulling (chemical damage). Now, the question is how to get back the original beauty of the granite countertop when you purchased it.

How to fix your damaged granite countertop

Sometimes, build-up of soap film due to regular use of dish soap or other soap-based cleaners might have caused the dullness. Using a quality soap film remover as advised by stone restoration specialists will do the trick.

Hard water, which has high mineral content, can also be the villain causing a dulling build up on stone countertops. Try a combination of soap build up plus mineral deposit removers that can effectively address dullness due to both problems.

The necessity for resealing

Natural stone countertops are to be sealed to protect them from daily wear and tear. Just sealing the countertops during installation will not give lifelong protection. They need to be resealed every year or two depending on the amount of use.

Your dull countertop will regain its natural looks after a reseal by stone restoration specialists like The Marble Man. They will advise which type of sealer to be used for your particular stone out of the several varieties of sealers available in the market.

If you’ve tried everything else and you still have dull granite countertops, The Marble Man suggests opting for Resurfacing. Remember that the shine on your countertops comes from the finish on the stone itself. If the finish is damaged, no amount of cleaning, buffing, and polishing can get it back. It will need to be resurfaced.

Resealing and resurfacing are sophisticated stone restoration procedures which are to be done by a professional stone care specialist. For more information, visit The Marble Man website or call a stone restorer now on 1300 627 626. They Polish, Repair and Seal All Marble & Stone Surfaces and currently service: Gold Coast | Brisbane | Sunshine Coast | Northern NSW | Toowoomba | Sydney | Canberra.

The Most-Efficient Bathroom Cleaning Tips Especially for Your Stone Surfaces

How to keep your bathrooms fresh and sparkling: It's not that difficult to keep your bathrooms well cleaned with minimal effort. The first thing to keep in mind is that a true stone restoration specialist is the ideal person to advise you with effective stone care tips.

Stone Deep Clean

Stone Deep Clean is an alkaline deep cleaning product suitable for baths and showers. Highly recommended for heavily soiled and neglected areas. As it’s a strong cleaning agent, it easily breaks down soap scum build up and cleans ground-in dirt, grease and other organic materials. It can be applied on all natural stone (such as granite, limestone, slate, and travertine), man-made stones such as ceramic, porcelain, grout, quarry, Saltillo, terra-cotta, cement pavers, masonry surfaces, and glass surfaces.

How to use Stone Deep Clean:

• Take equal quantities of Stone Deep Clean liquid and water in a spray bottle. Around 9 sprays per wall will be sufficient.
• Before applying the mixture, wet the shower walls with water.
• Apply the cleaning mixture on the walls by spraying it on one wall at a time so the solution does not dry out.
• Use Scrub-a-dub special white nylon scourer to evenly spread the cleaner over the entire wall. Other pads are not to be used as they may scratch the natural stone surfaces.
• Glass panes and stone walls are to be cleaned starting from top to bottom, applying moderate pressure in circular motions.
• Wait for 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse the wall thoroughly with clean water.

If your bathroom wall is not looking fresh and sparkling by now, it means the soap scum or mould hasn’t been fully removed. A Stone Care Specialist may be called in who can remove the stubborn excess so that you’ll be able to clean it yourself next time onwards.

Stone Deep Clean is a neutral PH detergent cleaner and will not damage your natural stone surfaces. Because this is a stronger cleaner than the S-P cleaner, it may reduce the life of sealer applied on the natural stone surfaces if regularly used. It may be used once in a week in showers to reduce the build up of mould and soap scum and should be rinsed off thoroughly.  

Scrub-a-Dub White Scourer

Most scouring pads (such as the green scourers) will scratch the surface of natural stone and damage the glossy finish. Use a clean cotton mop or cloth instead. If scouring is necessary, use only ideal products like the Scrub-a-Dub white scourer. It’s a heavy duty non-abrasive pad used for deep cleaning which helps to lift dirt on rough surfaces and in between tiles without harsh scratching. It is used for removing stubborn soap scum from shower areas where a cotton mop or cloth will not be effective.

Scrub-a-dub Scourer has an easy grip handle and a textured base for effective attachment to the pad. One advantage of this product is that the pads can be replaced when worn or when a different cleaner and pad is required. It’s cost effective and safe as one handle can be used with a separate pad for each cleaner.

For professionally cleaning your stone surfaces, call The Marble Man now on 1300 627 626. They service: GOLD COAST | BRISBANE | SUNSHINE COAST | NORTHERN NSW | TOOWOOMBA | SYDNEY | CANBERRA 

Different Types of Repair and Restoration Methods for Natural Stone Surfaces

Nothing related to natural stone repair and restoration seems difficult or strenuous with The Marble Man, Australia’s No.1 natural stone restoration specialist. It deals with all types of stone restoration works thus reinstating the charm and value of the natural stones we use in our homes and offices. The process of restoration is conducted for the purpose of bringing back the stone, which has undergone wear and tear, to its original state.

Restoration of natural stones such as granite, marble, limestone, travertine, etc. involves removal of scratches, stains, and other damages from the surface of the stone by means of mechanical abrasion. For restoration work, only the services of specialized natural stone restoration companies should be availed to get a superior result. A tilt and grout or carpet cleaning company can only provide cleaning services, but not restoration which requires specialized tools and experienced technicians. Moreover, different types of stone surfaces (i.e. polished, honed, flamed, etc.) require different methods and techniques of restoration. A specialized stone restoration professional’s job also involves taking necessary measures to protect the surrounding surfaces from damage.

In the previous articles, we have already dealt with different types of damages that natural stone may undergo over time. Be it a scratch, acid spill or regular stain, we need an expert for its removal and for bringing life back to the surface. These experts make use of a number of techniques and processes for restoring the damaged stone to the state in which it was installed, namely:

• Grinding- It is a very aggressive method of restoring stone which uses diamond to remove scratches and other damages. It gives better clarity and reflectivity than other methods of refinishing stone surface. A stone floor restored with diamond retains its look longer than in any other method. Though it might cost you more in the beginning compared to other methods, it will actually cost you less in the long run.
• Honing- After diamond grinding, the process of honing is undertaken which is a less aggressive method compared to the former. The materials and grits used in this process are not as rough and course as they are used in grinding. Some restoration work even skips the grinding process and directly starts with honing. This is mostly done when the scratch or etch is minor or moderate and can be removed using softer approach.
• Polishing- This is one of the most important processes in refinishing the stone surface because it makes use of a combination of higher grit compounds to bring back the shine and vigor of the stone. Isn’t it the reason why we use natural stone in the first place?
• Sealing- The final stage of stone restoration, it makes use of a protective sealant which is applied on the stone surface to protect it from contaminates such as water, oil, ink or dirt. This process must be resorted to immediately after honing and polishing to ensure proper protection.

The Marble Man provides highly trained and experienced professionals at your doorstep to ensure regular maintenance of your stone bench tops, floors and walls. Professional maintenance of stone surfaces comes with the benefits of not only looking good but also saving time. For any matter related to natural stone or marble floor restoration, contact The Marble Man experts on 1300 627 626.  

Tips to Keep Your Bathroom Tiles Clean of All Grime

Bathroom tiles are durable and practical choice for wall covering and bathroom flooring but they require care and cleaning because if tiles are not cleaned regularly and properly, they begin to accumulate mold, mildew, bacteria and soap deposits. Clean tiles improve the appearance of your bathroom thereby making it look larger, cleaner and brighter. It is thus essential to clean bathroom tiles at least once a week with some good quality cleaning product and scrubbers so as to keep them looking clean and new. 

Try the following bathroom cleaning tips and the results will speak for themselves: 

Pre-clean with a spray cleaner

Prepare your bathroom tiles for cleaning by rubbing them with a basic all-in-one cleaning spray that is formulated especially for cleaning bathroom tiles. This can be done by scrubbing the tiles with a scrubbing brush or sponge after spraying the cleaner. Rinse the tiles with warm water thereafter.

Use bleach to kill mould and mildew

Make a solution by mixing equal amounts of water and bleach to kill mould, mildew and bacteria breeding on the tiles. Spay this mixture on the tiles and scrub hard with a sponge or brush in a circular motion. Use hot water to rinse the tiles after scrubbing. Although bleach is a good option to clean your bathroom tiles, use only a specially formulated cleaning products containing bleach to protect your tiles from looking dirtier than they actually are. Always follow the directions written on the label of the cleaning product. Moreover, use any new product on a small area first so as to test it before continuing. 

Use vinegar solution for cleaning grout

The thin line between two tiles is known as grout. This area has the tendency to collect most of the stains, dirt and mildew because of everyday bathroom use. For this, you need a more powerful cleaning solution. Take 1/4th mixed with 8 cups of water. Use this solution to clean grout. Although white vinegar is good for cleaning mould, it is better to get a tile cleaner with mould inhibitor to prevent further growth of mold.

Apply a soap scum remover

It is quite difficult to remove soap scum with basic bathroom tile cleaner. Therefore, if you notice any residue from soap or hard water on the tile, use a soap scum remover containing powerful cleaning agents like lemon oil, white vinegar, lactic acid or alcohol.

Polish bathroom tiles with a soft towel 

Polish the tiles with a soft and clean towel to make them appear shiny and to free them from any remaining dust or debris. This final step will leave your bathroom tiles glossy and looking as good as new.

Specialized cleaning is mandatory if you wish to retain the clean and shiny look of your bathroom tiles. This type of cleaning thus requires considerable time and effort to be invested. If you don’t find that much of time out of your busy schedule, Specialised Cleaning Services can do it for you. You can hire professionals to clean up your bathroom every week so that you can enjoy a luxurious bath every day. Call Australia's No.1 stone restorers on 1300 627 626 for a free stone repair or cleaning quote.

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.

Ask the Marble Man What Specialised Restoration Procedures Your Stone Surface Needs

                                

Natural stone adds value to our homes and workplaces mostly because of the beauty and durability it possesses. However, being porous, it needs to be sealed and maintained properly to ensure its lasting beauty. The Marble Man specializes in restoring the natural beauty of stones through various processes and thus provides immediate solution to any issues related to stone surfaces. 

Natural stones may undergo several forms of damage and destruction. It may get stained, discolored, scratched or etched and hence should be treated professionally, employing appropriate techniques. In this article we shall learn about the specific techniques of stone repair and the purpose behind applying them.

Should natural stone be sealed?

In many cases, it is practical to seal your stone countertop in order to enhance its lifespan. If properly sealed, your stone will be protected from dirt and spills. But how will you come to know if the stone requires sealing? 

Here is a simple trick: put some water on the surface and let it stay for a few minutes. If dark spots are visible after the water is wiped away, it is evident that moisture is penetrating the surface and it requires sealing and protection. 

You may also have the delicate tiles sealed before installation as it prevents staining of tiles during installation. All types of stone surfaces; be it honed, flamed, polished or sandblasted, should be protected with appropriate sealers. Most stone surfaces require application of sealers after every two to three years.

Marble and other natural stone polishing

Polishing is a very important part of natural stone restoration process as it brings out the splendour of the natural stone. The polish and shine of a stone ensure its strength and durability. Marble, being a soft stone, is more susceptible to scratches and acid damage. 

The Marble Man handles marble floor restoration by applying specialised stone polishing techniques. To restore the original shine, they use a unique chemical to revive the calcium in the stone. With the special treatment, scratches and etch marks are also removed giving the stone bench tops and floors a perfectly polished finish. However, noticing severe damage, The Marble Man may recommend having your stone physically restored by the process of diamond grinding.

Cleaning the natural stone

One of the primary reasons behind the damage of natural stones is the application of incorrect cleaning and stone maintenance methods and inappropriate chemicals that may harm natural stone surfaces. 

Dirt, oil and sand get easily absorbed into natural stone and gradually dull the entire surface. It is highly recommended that you include dry dust mopping as part of your daily routine so that the stone surface remains clean and thus save the stone restoration and replacement cost in future. 

Before applying any chemicals to clean the stone surfaces, take The Marble Man’s advice and save your stone from possible damages. In case some damage has already occurred, it’s time to turn up to The Marble Man as their professional stone cleaning techniques will save the stone and bring back the old shine on your stone surfaces. Call a stone specialist now: 1300 627 626.