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Q. I have an (intentionally) distressed marble seat in my shower. After years of use, there is a build up of white on top of it. How do I get ride of it? Thanks.   A. White residue on the top of stone can be attributed to several things. Ask... Read More

Q. 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?   A. Sealing... Read More

Q. I have been told by my contractor (retirement home) that I can use marble tile for the counter tops in my kitchen. And, that it is up to me to 'seal' the tile & grout. Can you give me any information as to what to do & what to... Read More

Q. My cat peed on the carpet, and it soaked thru to the concrete. The advice I've gotten included dousing the area with a water/bleach combination, "Enzyme D" product, or soaking the area with hydrogen peroxide then painting over it with Kilz... Read More

  Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention   By Frederick M. Hueston www.stoneforensics.com The crystallization of soluble salts in Historic masonry causes severe deterioration of the substrate. This crystallization is called... Read More

Q. Five years ago we built a home with a stone veneer front. We had water problems the first 4 years where water was leaking into several rooms and the basement coming from the front of the house. The stone was removed and replaced a couple of times ... Read More

Q. My new marble floor has a white powder on it. It cleans up with water, but keeps coming back. Is there anything I can use to clean it off permanently? A. This is a common condition, especially if the floor is new. When the marble is installed, it... Read More

This a common condition, especially if the floor is new. When the marble is installed, it is set in a mortar base that is wet; as the moisture leaves the mortar, it carries with it dissolved salts which are deposited on the surface of the stone. This... Read More

A good quality application of silicon impregnator should do the trick. It may also be helpful to install a water treatment system to reduce the calcium in the water. TIP If you squeegee and/or dry the shower wall immediately after a shower you will... Read More

Always use cold to warm water to mix a poultice. Certain chemicals will be become very reactive in hot water and can be dangerous. TIP Many chemicals when mixed with water will generate their own heat. For this reason never mix a poultice in a paper... Read More