What you need to know about marble polishing

What you need to know about marble polishing

What you need to know about marble polishing

Many homeowners and designers admire and appreciate the visual appeal of marble. It’s a unique and versatile material extensively used throughout history. Today, we can see its application in many households, mostly used for different types of countertops and floorings. Marble is a type of limestone tempered with heat and pressure to produce a mesmerizing appearance. However, due to its composition and delicacy, marble can be challenging to maintain. It’s common to see examples with stains and etches that are losing their former luster. If you want to bring it back to its previous state, there are more than a few facts you need to know about marble polishing.

Things to know about marble polishing

One of the biggest concerns with marble surfaces is their tendency to etch and stain. Because marble is susceptible to physical damage, extensive use can damage crystals on its surface and result in loss of shine. And, in some cases, scratches and more severe damage may occur. To ensure your marble keeps its natural beauty, professionals from Sanitizing Pros advise you to restore and regularly maintain it through polishing. While many house renovations can be DIY projects, marble polishing requires experienced professionals for proper execution.

Taj Mahal
With proper marble maintenance and renovation, even ancient buildings are standing the test of time.

Why is marble polishing necessary?

In general, there are a few reasons to polish and maintain marble surfaces:

  • If the surface is worn off, abrasive, and losing its shine;
  • There are irregularities on the surface caused by considerable physical damage;
  • You want to change the finish;
  • As a part of regular maintenance.

Before we proceed with polishing information, let’s see what the common causes of marble damage are.

The common causes of marble surface damage

  • The most common cause of marble damage is extensive wear. For example, the foot traffic on floorings or general use of kitchen countertops. The delicate surface inevitably becomes worn over time. As a result, it usually loses its shine and becomes rough at the touch.
  • Another cause of microdamage is acids from some foods. For example, acidic fruit, like oranges, can easily etch the marble surface. If the juice comes into contact with the marble, you should immediately clean the surface with clean water and a soft cloth.
  • Even specific chemicals from cleaning solutions can be too aggressive for the delicate marble surface. For example, most moving companies like Pro Movers Miami advise cleaning before and after relocation. However, to properly clean marble inside your home without risk, you will need experienced professional cleaners.

The point is, marble, even though it looks sturdy and durable, is a delicate calcite-based stone that can be easily etched. It requires a careful approach to maintain and keep in good shape. While small maintenance can be done regularly without much effort, general restoration and polishing should always be conducted by professionals.

Verify the type of marble before polishing

In essence, there are two common types of marble in housing and commercial properties:

  • Natural marble
  • Cultured marble

To verify which type you have before polishing and stone restoration, you can use a few simple methods:

  1. You can touch the surface and check its temperature. In most cases, natural marble will be colder than the room temperature.
  2. You can try to use vinegar in an inconspicuous place. Spill a few drops and wait for a reaction. If it’s natural marble, you will soon notice a slight chemical reaction.
  3. You can try to scratch the surface. Cultured marble is a lot harder to scratch.

Depending on the type of marble you have, cleaning and polishing will be considerably different, mainly because cultured marble is more resistant to damage and chemicals.

An example of a marble stone quarry
Natural stone is harder to obtain but has a magnificent structure.

Polishing marble surfaces

Clean before polishing

Cleaning and polishing are great ways to make your old and new home sparkle with a bit of effort. And undoubtedly, you will need to thoroughly clean the entire surface before polishing. The most neutral way to do it is with water and a soft cloth. In most cases, this will help you remove any dirt or stains. However, you can also use stone cleaners, but only if you know they won’t damage natural stone. Before you continue, make sure everything is completely dry.

A mop and soft cloths for cleaning marble surfaces
Use soft and neutral materials for safe cleaning.

Polish with the right equipment

Now you can proceed to polish, but be cautious. It’s alright if you want your countertops to look nice and glossy. However, regular polishing for floors can cause them to be slippery. Not to mention that you will need proper equipment for large surfaces, so you don’t accidentally damage them and make things worse.

For DIY polishing, the best option is to purchase a polishing and sealing kit that comes with specific materials and tools. Follow the instructions provided with the kit, and don’t forget to seal the surface in the end. But, if you are unsure about what and how to use, and are afraid you will damage something, you can always call professionals to polish everything for you.

Regularly maintain marble surfaces

Even after you are done, you need to maintain your floors and countertops to keep them in good condition. Regular maintenance should suffice for most kitchen countertops. On the other hand, flooring may require more frequent cleaning, depending on the number of people that pass through your home or office daily. Nevertheless, if anything spills, or gets dirty, immediately react to prevent potential damage. Marble is easy to scratch and is a pretty porous stone that can absorb the liquid if its protective surface is broken.

Marble is one of the most astonishing materials we use in our living and working spaces. From floors to countertops, from pillars to artworks, we can see it everywhere. But, to keep those unique surfaces in good condition, it’s necessary to regularly maintain them. Since marble is such a delicate material, there is plenty to know about marble polishing if you want to maintain its gleaming appeal. But, if that sounds like too much to keep up with on your own, you can always choose marble polishing experts to help you with everything from giving you advice to doing the work for you.

Author’s bio: 

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Matthew Greer is a renovation enthusiast with years of experience in architectural design. He spends his free time learning about innovations in building and interior design.

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Sanitizing PROS  is a family owned, upgraded provider of commercial office cleaning services.

Formerly Perm a Care Janitorial Services ~ Since 1961.

 

We are obsessed with health and cleanliness, and we offer the lowest prices on office cleaning, disinfection & sanitizing services. We also offer facility maintenanceday porter servicesfloor carecommercial carpet cleaning services and tenant move out cleaning.

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