WHAT IS NATURAL STONE RESTORATION
Generally speaking, restoration of stone (marble, granite, slate, travertine, terrazzo,flagstone) is the restoring of worn stone to the state in which it was installed. It may also entail the altering of the stone’s original factory finish to match a desired finish of the installation’s owner or management. In some cases an owner may desire a polished surface to be honed or visa versa. Restoration is a process that can only be done by a professional stone restoration company.
| Your typical carpet cleaning, tile & grout cleaning or cleaning company will not have the proper tools or experience to restore natural stone. |
By far, one of the most common causes of damage to natural stone is the wrong cleaning product has been used on or near the stone which resulted in etching, sometimes so severe there is nothing that can be done short of having a restoration contractor mechanically polish out the damage. We are properly trained professionals and have been trained to know what products to use and which to avoid.
| Most people think that if their natural stone-marble, granite, travertine, slate, etc-looks bad (i.e. a b ad installation, dull, stained, scratched, chipped, cracked, uneven tiles) that they can either choose to live with it or they have to replace it. When it comes to natural stone, nothing can be further from the truth. |
Natural stone can be restored to look brand new. Uneven tiles can be ground flat, Broken and chipped tiles can be repaired. Stains and discolorations can be resolved. Dull uneven finishes can be polished or honed to a uniform consistency.
Even the stone’s finish itself can be changed form a high polished one to a honed or antique finish or vice versa.
What is involved?
Restoration of marble, granite, limestone, travertine or other natural stone involves the removal of scratches and/or other damage from the surface of the stone. The optimal method is mechanical abrasion known as diamond grinding. Diamond grinding gives better clarity and reflectivity than other methods than can be used, such as the use of sanding screens, honing powers or crystallization. A stone floor that has been restored with diamonds will also retain its look longer than it will with the use of these other methods.
| While the use of diamonds may cost you more in the beginning, having to have your floors done every 4-6 years compared to 1-2 years (as with other methods) costs you less in the long run. |
Natural stone reflects light and does not need a topical coating to achieve the desired finish. It only needs a series of diamond grits used in the proper order by a craftsman who is experienced in their use. This is followed by a careful polishing technique that can only be mastered through experience. We will also take care to protect the surrounding surfaces from damage.
How long does it take?
Each type of stone and the desired finish for each as well as the size of the job will set the pace for the length of time needed to complete a project. If you are looking to restore over 300 sq ft of any stone, chances are you are looking at more than one day realistically. More can be done in one day, but not with the proper set-up and protection of other surfaces.
What can I expect?
You can expect to have your stone looking like new again and will be given the proper maintenance instructions for long term care. Scratches, etch marks and wear can be removed. Also advice on how to avoid any future need for restoration for a considerable length of time.
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