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Black marble, especially Negro marquina, is very susceptible to spalling. Spalling is a condition in which the stone flakes off and falls apart. Several factors can cause spalling: excess moisture, choice of setting material and method, the polishing... Read More

A string mop is preferable to a sponge mop. A sponge mop has a very small surface area, and can easily pick up sand and debris which will scratch the floor. It has been shown that after several swipes with a sponge mop, you are only spreading the... 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

The picture framing you describe is nothing more than moisture. As the tile dries the moisture is wicked to the edges of the tile. The picture framing will disappear as the tiles dry. TIP Sometimes this picture framing will deposit salts and cause a... Read More

This is a condition known as efflorescence. There are soluble salts in the grout coming to the surface. The large amount of water you used dissolved the salts and they are depositing on the surface. Efflorescence will eventually disappear when the... Read More

Short of removing it and installing new grout I would try cleaning it with stone soap or neutral cleaner. Be sure to use a soft brush and scrub the grout lines throughly. If this does not throughly clean the grout you may need to replace it. TIP The... Read More

The are many reasons why the grout becomes powdery. If the tile is very absorbent it will soak up most of the moisture from the grout preventing it from curing properly. Too much water added to the grout mix can also make the grout powdery. To repair... Read More

If the spots are light a #00 steel wool pad may remove them. Use the steel wool dry. If the deposits are heavy use a solution of sulfamic acid and water. Sulfamic acid is sold under the name of sulfamic acid crystals and is used for cleaning grout.... Read More

I don’t know if I’d call it a secret formula but the following granite polish formula should prove effective on most granite. To one pound of tin oxide powder add 5 teaspoons of black oxide powder, 4 teaspoons of sulfur dioxide and 3... Read More

Yes, you can darken the granite by applying a special darkening sealer. These are known as color enhances and can be purchased at stone equipment and maintenance suppliers. You can also use the mixture of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. Start... Read More