Have Questions About Floors, Countertops and Other Surface Restoration Jobs?

Is granite more porous than marble?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 647 0/5 (0 Vote)

Yes, granite is more porous then marble. The pores in granite are generally much larger than marble and therefore will absorb more water. For this reason it is absolutely necessary to apply an impregnating sealer to granite. FYI Most people consider... Read More

I just completed polishing a granite floor. It turned out great except for one problem—the floor is very slippery. Is there any way I can make the floor less slippery?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 614 0/5 (0 Vote)

There are several treatments that can be applied to give the granite more slip resistance or you can apply an slip resistance acrylic coating. Slip resistance treatments contain hydrofluoric acid which etches the surface of the stone. The treatment... Read More

I was called to remove a heavy wax coating on a granite floor. I’ve discovered that the janitorial company has been stripping and waxing this floor for several years. The problem is the granite is developing small pits and appears to be falling

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 578 0/5 (0 Vote)

The problem may be with the strippers that have been used. Many strippers have an alkaline pH and this can lead to the deposit of alkaline salts in the pores of the granite. If the stripper is not rinsed throughly and any stripper residue is left... Read More

The marble polishing powder I am using has discolored the pink grout. Why did this happen and can I fix the grout?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 737 0/5 (0 Vote)

Some grout colors can be bleached by the oxalic acid in polishing powders. You are always urged to perform a small test to determine if this might happen. It is possible to recolor the grout. There are several companies that sell grout colors which... Read More

Is it possible to hone a polished marble floor without grinding it flat? Diamonds or bricks will not get into the low corners of the tile.

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 614 0/5 (0 Vote)

A good way to hone an uneven, polished marble tile is to use loose grit. Silicon carbide is available in a loose form. To hone simply sprinkle some loose grit on the tile and work it with your floor machine and a white pad. TIP Another way to remove... Read More

is it true that all marble has veins and granites do not? Is this a good way to tell the difference between the two?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 676 0/5 (0 Vote)

No, it is not true. Many marbles do have veins, but there are some that appear to have no veins at all. On the other hand many granites have no veins but there are also those that do have veins. Determining if a stone is marble or granite should not... Read More

I am having trouble polishing an unfilled travertine wall. I am using polishing powder and it is accumulating in the pores of the travertine. Is there a better way?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 603 0/5 (0 Vote)

Yes there is. You can polish a travertine wall with a solution of “charged water.” Charged water is a mixture of oxalic acid and water. Mix approximately one pound of oxalic acid to one gallon of water. Take this mixture and transfer it to a... Read More

The polishing powder that I’m using is dulling the marble when I polish. What’s wrong?

Wed, Jan 19, 2022 0 0 722 0/5 (0 Vote)

There are several reasons why the polishing powder is dulling the marble. First, check to see if the powder you are using is a marble polishing powder and not granite polishing powder. Granite powders do not work effectively on marble and may dull... Read More

Can I mix my own polishing powder and do you have a suggested formula?

Wed, Jan 19, 2022 0 0 712 0/5 (0 Vote)

Many experienced craftsman mix their own powders. All that is required are two ingredients. Aluminum oxide and oxalic acid. A good starting formulation would be 1 part of oxalic acid to three parts of aluminum oxide. Depending on what type of marble... Read More

Does it matter which brand of polishing powder I use. I have tried several and some work well and others do not, what’s the difference?

Wed, Jan 19, 2022 0 0 639 0/5 (0 Vote)

Marble polishing powders are made of mild abrasives such as aluminum oxide and tin oxide. They also may contain an acid known as oxalic acid. The percentage of acid to abrasive differ somewhat from brand to brand. Powders with a high percentage of... Read More

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