Marble Cleaning and Polishing in Tempe, AZ | Natural Stone Care in Scottsdale | Mesa | Gilbert

Grinding Marble or Travertine Stone in Tempe, AZ

A process by which the surface is aggressively honed to remove large stocks of the stone. This process is usually recommended when stone tiles are uneven. Lippage is the term given to uneven tiles that are set higher than one another. Grinding is recommended when the lippage exceeds 1/8 inch or if one desires to have a completely flat floor.

Grinding is an aggressive process using metal-bonded and diamond grit to remove deep scratches and lippage. A completely flat floor eliminates all unevenness, giving the floor the illusion of being monolithic (one piece).

Grinding the stone is messy work. But worth it!!

 

We Can Help Fix your Marble or Travertine Floor in Tempe, AZ

 

At Surface with A Smile, we possess the expertise and tools necessary to polish your natural stone. We have the top of line marble cleaning and travertine cleaning equipment and only use the highest quality of diamond abrasives. What this does is allow us to finish the job with the best quality possible. Regardless of the type of natural stone, or the condition we can help customers in Tempe, AZ

 

Some of the Types of Stone We Can Polish: Travertine, Onyx, Marble, Serpentine and Granite in Tempe, AZ

 

Loss of Shine in Marble or Travertine Floor in Tempe, AZ

The loss of the polish on certain marble and granite can be attributed to wear. This is especially true of marble, since it is much softer than granite. The bottoms of our shoes act like sandpaper on a stone floor surface, and over time, will wear the polish off. To prevent excessive wear, it is important to keep the floor dust mopped, and place walk-off mats at all entrances. To repair a worn, or dulled, stone surface, it will be necessary to re-hone and re-polish.

Etching on Marble or Travertine Floor in Tempe, AZ

The dull spot created when liquids containing acids are spilled on marble is called etching. Marble and some limestone etch easily. Granite is more acid-resistance, and will rarely etch. To prevent etching, avoid using cleaners and chemicals that contain acids. Bathroom cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and lemon cleaners commonly contain acids. Certain drinks and foods contain acids that will also cause etching. Light etching can be removed with a little marble polishing powder. Deep etching will require resurfacing of the stone.

 

Efflorescence of Marble or Travertine Floor in Tempe, AZ

All stone surfaces can become very easily stained. Most foods, drinks, ink, oil and rust will stain marble. Once a stone becomes stained, it can be very difficult to remove. To prevent staining, clean the spilled material as soon as possible. Blot the spill with a clean paper towel or cloth. If this does not remove the stain, a process called “poulticing” may be needed. It is important to seal stone with a good-quality penetrating sealer to prevent staining.

Efflorescence appears as a white powdery residue on the surface of the stone. It is a common condition on new stone installations or when the stone is exposed to a large quantity of water, such as flooding. This powder is a mineral salt deposited from the setting bed.