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The granite panels above our fireplace have developed several dark circles near the corners of each panel. The granite is only three months old. Should I call the contractor and have them replaced?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 644 0/5 (0 Vote)

I would call the contractor, but it may not be necessary to replace the panels. These dark circles may be the result of moisture bleeding from the setting mortar. It is common for panels to be installed by spotting the backs of the panels with... Read More

We have a beautiful set of stone steps leading to our front door. They are polished and very slippery when it rains. Is there any treatment we can apply to make them less slippery? I am afraid someone will fall and break their neck.

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 586 0/5 (0 Vote)

There are several options for making the steps less slippery. Option 1. The steps can be honed and the polish removed. The high-gloss shine will be gone, but the steps will be less slippery. Option 2. Slip tape can purchased at your hardware or home... Read More

We installed a marble shower wall, and the contractor used an acid to clean it. We had it professionally repolished, but it keeps getting etched after we take a shower. What’s causing the etching and how do we correct it?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 638 0/5 (0 Vote)

I will assume you are not cleaning it with acid cleaners. There is a possibility that there is some residual acid in the grout or the pores of the stone that bleeds out when you take a shower. Try rinsing the shower wall with a solution of baking... Read More

Our terrazzo floor has had many coats of wax applied to it over the years. The wax build-up on the terrazzo baseboards is very thick and difficult to remove. Do you have any suggestions?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 626 0/5 (0 Vote)

Wax build-up on a vertical surface can be difficult to remove, since most strippers will run. Janitorial supply stores do offer spray-on baseboard wax removers that work very well; since they are applied as a foam, they will cling to vertical... Read More

How often do I need to reseal my marble shower wall?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 664 0/5 (0 Vote)

This depends on several factors, including how often the shower is used and what type of sealer was originally applied. After identifying the product, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If water is no longer beading on the shower... Read More

A number of marble professionals have given me a bid for polishing my marble floor. Several of them have mentioned the word recrystallization. What is this process, and is it safe for my marble?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 638 0/5 (0 Vote)

There are several processes for the polishing of marble, and recrystallization is one of them. Refer to question # 17 for a complete description of this process. The safety of the process is a safe as the applicator. Be sure the marble contractors is... Read More

The slate steps on our front porch have developed a hard white deposit coming from the grout lines. How can we clean it off?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 647 0/5 (0 Vote)

The white deposits are salts, which are bleeding through from the grout joints or from the mortar. An acid wash will be required to remove the salts. If the deposits are heavy, try scraping them off before washing the slate with acid. Several acid... Read More

The caulking on my tub surround has turned black. I have tried all kinds of mildew cleaners, but nothing works. I hope you have a suggestion!

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 648 0/5 (0 Vote)

Mildew can be difficult to remove from silicone caulking because it grows into the caulking. I suggest removing the caulking with a putty knife and replacing it with new caulk. If replacement is out of the question, you may want to try applying Soft... Read More

When it rains, I notice a dark stain running around the perimeter of each granite tile on my back porch. This outline doesn’t seem to ever go away. What’s causing this and can it be cured?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 643 0/5 (0 Vote)

This shadow or halo is a sign of moisture in the granite. When the stone gets wet, it turns dark; the granite then dries from the center out, leaving a moisture shadow which has the appearance of a stain. To eliminate this shadow, the granite will... Read More

We just sealed our marble tile with a water-based sealer. There is now a light, rainbow-like film on the surface of the tile. I have used every cleaner I could purchase to try get it off, but it won’t budge. Any suggestions?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 680 0/5 (0 Vote)

The sealer has left a hard silicone residue on the tile’s surface. To remove the excess silicone, the tile will have to be scrubbed with an abrasive cleaner. Several kitchen-type abrasive cleaners are available which will remove this film. If... Read More

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