All terrazzo tiles, whether cement or resin based, can usually be restored to as new condition.  With cement-based terrazzo that may not have been protected with a high quality sealer, it’s possible that staining has deeply penetrated into the tile and this may not be fully recoverable.  In this case, masking the discolouration and restoring the gloss finish may be the most appropriate solution.  This is more common on lighter colour terrazzos.

Rust-colour staining on white marble typically occurs in wet areas where the stone has not been properly protected at installation and an inadequate maintenance regime has been applied. Rust discolouration can be reduced in many instances (and eliminated in some). This brings the tiles to acceptable colour and the tiles can then resurfaced to restore gloss and correctly protected.  Success varies depending upon the source and composition of the mineral (rust) discolouration that may be occurring.  The longer the situation is left without remedial treatment the more difficult recovery may become.

All natural stone is porous and as such, graffiti – usually a solvent-based paint or pen – will penetrate deeply into an unsealed surface.  This means that full recovery of the surface can only be achieved using diamond polishing. The surface protection can then be selected based on the extent and frequency of the problem and the maintenance required to keep it away. Sometimes a full surface protection barrier coating is used – other times a high-grade sealer is all that is required.  A sacrificial barrier coating has a much greater chance of repelling graffiti attacks than the natural stone underneath.

Efflorescence is the build up of salts on the surface.  These generally come from the cement or screed base or in some cases the grout itself.  Salts occur naturally in all materials, but soluble salts can be picked up from water penetrating into the surface, get carried to the surface by the water, leaving the salts behind as a crusty surface as the water evaporates.

The initial salt deposits can be cleaned up successfully using chemical processes but if left for some time and becoming built up and solid, require mechanical abrasion to remove.  Having removed the salts, the next step is to minimize the recurrence of the problem and this can only accomplished using a chemical agent designed to attack the source. 

Prevention of efflorescence through correct pre-sealing, well considered waterproof membranes (on important areas or decks etc) and the use of appropriate grout systems is the most effective way to prevent this issue from occurring.

Yes we can.  Slique has a unique tile polishing process, which is designed to lightly abrade the tile surface and improve the finish on porcelain or ceramic tiles, leaving the tile surface with closed pores improving its cleanability and imparting a light satin finish to the surface. This treatment is also used to remove some of the rough texture of tiles when they catch all the dirt and are hard to keep clean.

“Sealing” generally mean the application of a penetrating sealer designed to minimise moisture and stains entry into the surface of the tile.  As the sealer sits inside the stone, the surface is left exposed to chemical damage that may occur as a result of any spills such as coca cola, orange juice, wine etc that may be acidic and damage any acid sensitive stone underneath. 

Full barrier coating protection of acid sensitive stone can be provided using a barrier coating system, which form a sacrificial layer on the surface of the stone providing full protection.  This is generally recommended for areas that can be maintained on a regular basis by a professional cleaning team and where there is high traffic and high risk.

Very small scratches  - scratches that cannot be felt with a fingernail test – can generally be removed from natural stone surfaces using chemical polishing technology.  Scratches that are detectable by fingernail usually require full diamond resurfacing in order to be removed.  The extent of work required depends on the depth of the scratch and the type of stone.

A cloudy or hazy finish left on tile surfaces generally is referred to as grout haze, which is the residue of dried grout left on the surface of the tile following the application of grouting systems.  This can be more difficult to remove on structured tile surfaces as the grout gets caught in the tile surface itself but on most smooth finished tiles can be readily cleaned off using a solution of sugar soap or heavy duty microfibre mops. 

Any acid sensitive tile such as marble, limestone or travertine will require a professional service provider in order to remove grout residues from the tile surface without damage.

In most cases, reputable tilers will remove the grout haze as part of their contract, and ensure the surface is handed over in new condition.  Installations that have used waterproof grout systems or epoxies will always require a professional service provider to remove.

Picture framing is generally caused through the failure to correctly pre-seal natural stone tiles prior to installation with a resulting migration of water through into the side of the tile from the grout lines.  This problem is rarely completely solvable and is more often addressed by masking the contrasting discolouration from the remainder of the tile.

Prevention is absolutely the best treatment and pre-sealing using quality sealers is imperative.

Yes we can. Most granite bench tops are sealed by the supplier at time of installation, and this assists in keeping most stains in the top layers of the stone for easier removal.

However, oils, heavily spiced and coloured foods will penetrate most sealers if left to sit for any time. Lighter colour granite will then become darker and discoloured.

The stains can usually be removed with an intensive stain treatment process, and the surface restored to new condition. Immediately wiping up any spill is always a good idea!

True granite should not be damaged in a domestic environment from normal use. However basalt (looks a lot like granite) will etch and ark more easily as the stone can commonly be sensitive to acid spills such as pineapple and lemon juice, balsamic vinegar etc. Some acid based cleaning agents can also be the cause of the problem.
 
Severe etch marks or bleaching on darker stone can be removed using restoration processes, but this often involves treating the whole area in order to ensure a consistent finish and colour.

“Spalling” or “salt attack” is a common problem most noticeable on unprotected sandstone tiles installed around a salt-water chlorination pool system. 

The minerals in the water, in a soluble form, are able to penetrate inside the surface of the sandstone.  When the water evaporates and dries the minerals grow in a crystalline form creating immense pressure within the top layer of the stone resulting in spalling.

Sealing all sides of the tile before laying can help to limit this problem, plus application of an agent designed to toughen  the surface.