Natural Stone Restoration

Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Did you know that some natural stone restoration can be accomplished by you? This isn't always the case - there are times when a stone professional must be consulted. This can be both expensive and time consuming.

Knowing this, we would like to share information that we've gathered to help you maintain the beauty of your natural stone surface and to help you understand when you may need to contact a natural stone restoration professional.

Browse through more FAQ's below!

Soap Film Remover	Mold & Mildew Stains	Heavy Duty Tile & Grout	Marble Repair Polish

Why is it important to identify the stain on my stone's surface? What is etching? How do I prevent etching? Will the acids in orange juice, lemons or soft drinks leave marks on my granite?? How do I keep urine from staining my marble floor? What is causing dull spots on my marble floor? How can I get rid of them? How do I get rid of hard water spots? What is a stone restoration professional?

1. Q. Why is it important to identify the stain on my stone's surface?
   A. This is important for several reasons. First, if the stain is unknown and you attempt to remove it, you may be using chemicals that will not work.
   
   Or even worse, these chemicals could set the stain and make it permanent. You may think something is a stain when it's actually not.
   
   Before applying any kind of stain remover or chemical, be sure you're actually dealing with a stain!
   
   For example, almost all polished marble can become discolored and dull if it comes into contact with acidic substances such as orange juice, lemons, soft drinks, household and commercial cleaners, etc. These "dull marks" are not stains - they are etches or surface damage.
   
   Stain removal techniques or chemicals will not work on etching.


2. Q. What is etching?
   A. Etching is surface damage. When acidic substances come into contact with natural stones containing calcite or other minerals sensitive to acid, they etch - a dull mark is left behind.
   
   Calcite (the main ingredient in both marble and limestone) is prone to etching. Common household items such as lemons, colas, ketchup's, and even some cleaning products contain acids which cause etching.
   
   Mild etching still feels smooth and can be removed with a polishing powder such as this marble polishing powder.
   
   Deep etches feel rough and might be cloudy looking. The etched area isn't as smooth as the surrounding area. If the etch is deep, contact a stone restoration professional.


3. Q. How do I prevent etching?
   A. Wipe up accidental spills as soon as possible and use cleaning products safe for natural stone.
   
   

   Important!!!!! Important!!!! Important!!!

   NEVER use ordinary household cleaners on a Marble surface. If the cleaner contains acid, it WILL etch upon contact.

4. Q. Will the acids in orange juice, lemons or soft drinks leave marks on my granite?
   A. Generally speaking, no. Hydrofluoric acid is an exception to this rule. (It's found in most rust removers). If you have a granite that contains any calcite or minerals that are sensitive to acids, these acids might leave "etch" marks on your granite surface.


5. Q. We have Marble flooring in my young son's bathroom. How do I keep urine from staining my marble floor?
   A. Urine is an acid. Unfortunately, there is nothing on the market today that will repel acid. Thoroughly clean the area daily.


6. Q. I recently had a polished marble floor installed in my home and now there's dull spots on it. What is causing this and how do I get rid of them?
   
   A. This is etching. It's eating away at your polished surface and producing those rough dull marks that you see on the floor.
   
   If the etching is mild to medium, remove the dull spots with a marble polishing powder.
   If the etches are deep, contact a natural stone restoration professional.



Soap Film Remover	Mold & Mildew Stains	Heavy Duty Tile & Grout	Marble Repair Polish

7. Q. I have hard water spots on my shower walls. How do I get rid of these?
   A. Clean the area where the hard water deposits appear. The soap film and mineral deposit remover will remove the hard water mineral deposits.
   
   If water spots continue to be a problem, you may want to consider installing a water treatment system to reduce the calcium in your water.


8. Q. What is a natural stone restoration professional?
   A. Natural stone restoration professionals have the knowledge, the experience, and the tools required to restore your worn stone to like new condition.
   
   They can remove deep scratches, severe etching, and wear from the surface of your stone by using mechanical abrasion or diamond grinding.
   
   They also remove deeply embedded stains and repair chips, cracks, and seams. A stone restoration professional can usually grind, hone, or polish your stone without removing it from your home.