How To Restore Marble Surfaces, Countertops and Worktops
In this article we dig deep into how to restore marble and stone surfaces, countertops and worktops.
Restoration is a very labour-intensive process. We recommend having it professionally restored. You may try the techniques presented in this post, but because old stone or marble and granite with many years outside are generally heavily weathered, there’s no telling whether they’ll work.
More often than not, marble picks up stains, etch marks, embedded dirt and gets heavily-worn and weathered. Professional restoration is usually the best option when dealing with marble.
If you’re feeling brave, however, and truly want to attempt and repair a project like this on your own, some of the methods outlined in this article are worth a try.
What is Marble?
Since ancient times, marble has been associated with luxury and refinement.
The stone’s pliability and uniformity make it simple to carve, but it is the unique capability of white marble of allowing light to penetrate into the stone, giving marble sculptures their distinctive “alive” look, which makes it the most popular material among sculptures and architects across the world.
Furthermore, excellent white marble is a popular decorative material that is frequently used for a variety of applications because to its complex and colourful designs.
One of the main reasons why white marble is one of the most often chosen and highly valued materials for bathrooms and kitchens is due to its magnificent presence.
What is Cultured Marble?
The most popular marble in homes is known as ” cultured marble “, which is manufactured by combining marble dust with cement or synthetic resins to make it cheaper, stronger, and easier to maintain.
On the other hand, solid marble is considerably permeable, more prone to damage, and necessitates a great deal of attention.
This means that when restoring marble, each different marble requires different products and techniques. So it’s important for you to know which type of marble you’re working with.
How Restore Marble
There are many ways to restore marble but you must exercise caution not to maintain or repair marble without professional help.
Marble, particularly the solid variety, is a crystalline rock that is highly permeable and can be seriously damaged by incorrect repairs of poor quality materials.
Naturally, the best option would be to call in a specialist for advice of how to fix problems on marble flooring or any other material made from this beautiful but delicate stone.
However, if you are confident with some simple DIY tasks then this article will show you how to clean your marble floors , make them shine again.
How To Clean and Polish Marble Floors
You want your house to look its best at all times but sometimes it needs attention before it sparkles like new again.
It’s true that regular sweeping, mopping and vacuuming will help to keep a house clean but it is not enough for marble floors.
Even though most marbles are very tough, they can easily become stained and dull if left unattended. If you want your marble floors to look as good as new again then you need to give it some TLC.
Clean your marble floors by sweeping the dust away, then damp mop with water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid, or rub them down with vinegar or lemon juice to which you have added some salt.
For more stubborn stains, scrub the floor with baking soda on your hands and knees.
Marble polish is used to bring out the natural beauty of marble but they are not suitable for polished finished stones, as they can cause damage to these surfaces.
You should only use small amounts of polish at any one time on light coloured marbles because you don’t want it overdo its action by drying out.
Polish in straight lines following the grain of the stone then stop when you see that all your hard work is starting to bring the shine back.
Rinse the mop and wring it out well each time you change areas.
After cleaning your marble floor, always dry it off with a soft cloth to prevent streaks.
How To Restore Shine to Marble Floors
Polishing your floors will help to remove any dullness and make them shiny again. To get the best shine on your marble floors, you can use a commercial wax, or a natural product like olive oil.
If you are using a commercial wax, always test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure that it does not damage the surface of your marble.
Apply the wax or oil in straight lines following the grain of the stone.
Restoring The Finish On Marble
If you are not happy with the finish on your marble, then there are a few things that you can do to improve it.
One way is to use a sealant which will help to protect your marble from staining and dulling.
Another option is to use a topical coating, like a wax or oil, to improve the appearance of your marble. This, however, may only be a short-term solution and will not last forever.
Lastly, you can improve the finish on your marble by re-polishing it. This, however, should only be done by a professional as it can be a difficult process.
And there you have it – some tips on how to clean and restore your marble floors. Just remember to exercise caution when doing any repairs yourself and to always seek professional help if needed.
How to Restore A Marble Countertop
Marble countertops need to be treated differently to marble flooring. The reason for this is that they are not as permeable and, as a result, do not need to be sealed.
However, they still need to be cleaned on a regular basis using a mild detergent and hot water. Do not use any type of abrasive cleaner or polishing powder on marble countertops as this can damage the surface.
If you wish to restore the luster on your marble countertops, a commercial wax or many natural solutions might be used.
Apply the wax or oil in straight lines following the grain of the stone.
How to Restore Shine to Marble Tiles
Marble is a very sought after choice when it comes to refurbishing bathrooms, but due to the location it undergoes a lot of wear and tear.
To keep the finish shining on your marble tiles, you can use a commercial wax, or a natural product like olive oil.
If you are using a commercial wax, always test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure that it does not damage the surface of your marble.
Apply the wax or oil in straight lines following the grain of the stone.
How To Apply Marble Polish
When applying any marble polish, keep in mind the general rule: a thin coat followed by a minute of settling before buffing to a shine.
If you try to apply and work the polish into the stone in order to bring out the sheen, you’ll smear it. You’ll make things worse by using more polish than is required.
Repairing Etching and Light Scratches in Marble
If your marble top has only minor flaws, such as some etching or light scratches, there are a variety of excellent marble polishing chemicals, etch mark removers, and marble polishing kits available.
They don’t need any special equipment but do read the manufacturers’ instructions carefully. Always perform a small spot test in an inconspicuous location.
Call In The Experts: Foreman Snags
At Foreman Snags, we specialise in repairing and restoring marble and marble worktops. Maybe you’ve tried some of the tips in the article above and lost patience, or not been able to do as good a job as you’d have liked.
If you’d like to get your marble surface back to ‘like new’ condition, give us a call or drop us an email here at Foreman Snags. We’ll just need a picture of the surface in order to provide you with a quotation for the work.