Marble is a natural stone that can spruce up a space like no other material could. Stone surfaces can add a touch of elegance and radiance to a room without overspending. It can make a room look like a million bucks!
If you have marble floors or marble benchtops, it is essential to know the difference between cleaning and restoration and when the need arises.
These two processes are vital to keeping a marble’s long-lasting shine. Without proper cleaning and natural stone restoration processes, your marble tiles will fade and discolour.
The Difference Between Marble Cleaning and Marble Restoration
Aside from the obvious, there is a big difference in the process when it comes to marble cleaning and restoration.
Natural Stone Cleaning
Marble cleaning involves the regular maintenance of marble by:
Wiping
Sweeping
Mopping
Polishing
Sealing
Materials and tools needed:
Broom
Mop
Clean cloth
Cleaning agent
Vacuum Cleaner
Polisher
Marble polish
Marble sealant
It is highly recommended that this is done on a regular basis like once or twice a week, except for the sealing process, in which you only need to do this once or twice a year.
Natural Stone Restoration
Restoration, however, is different from marble cleaning because it is the process of fixing damage to the marble and usually involves the following:
Fixing cracks and chips
Replacing broken marble tiles
Fixing discoloured marble and bringing them back to life
Removing Scratches
Removing etching
Removing marble stains
These things mostly require the use of:
Sand paper
Electric sander
Polisher
Poultice
Ammonia
Detergent powder
New grout
New marble tiles
Cleaning agents
Marble polish
Marble sealant, etc.
Other Differences
Marble cleaning is done regularly like two to three times a week while marble restoration is done only when needed or at least once a year or once every two years depending on the need.
It doesn’t take a long time to clean marble tiles and bench tops. For heavy cleaning, it takes only a few hours however, marble restoration can take a day or more depending on the damage and the restoration process involved.
Marble cleaning is not expensive. In fact, you should clean your marble tiles regularly in order to avoid damage and expensive repairs in the future. Marble restoration is costly and requires a fair bit of planning.
With marble cleaning, there is no need for the marble tiles to be left alone or cordoned off. For marble restoration, the area may need to be kept away from traffic. This means that your marble floors or bench tops can’t be used for a day or two until the restoration is complete.
Marble cleaning can be done by the homeowner or a family member but marble restoration requires professional services. Only expert marble restorers can repair, replace, and restore your marble.
Importance Of Polishing And Sealing
Both marble cleaning and restoration involves polishing and sealing and is vitally important when it comes to stone care. Doing this will help keep the shine lasting longer and keep moisture, liquids, and dirt from seeping into the marble pores. These are two processes that are common for both marble cleaning and marble restoration.
Why You Need Professional Services
Doing it yourself is fine but if you really want to take good care of your marble tiles, you should get professional help. Why?
They are experts in everything marble
You avoid creating further damage to your marble tiles
They can do the job with accuracy
They can do it in a quick but safe manner
They are regulated and required by law to use safe and environmentally friendly products
They can finish the job quickly
They can restore the shine and radiance and make your marble tiles look like brand new
Marble can last for a long time. In fact, some marble tiles and benchtops last for a lifetime if given the proper care and maintenance. As long as you take good care of it by performing regular cleaning, maintenance and expert restoration when needed, your marble tiles will be shiny and radiant for years.
Important Tips
They say prevention is better than cure. The same applies to marble too. There are things you can do to avoid damaging your marble tiles.
Use coasters for your mugs and drinking glasses
Use place mats or trays when serving water or cold beverages.
Use rugs and mats
Use foot mats outside the entrance to reduce the amount of dirt that comes into the house and onto the marble tiles
Wipe up spills immediately
Keep your marble surface dry and clean
SLIQUE is the number one tile restoration company in Sydney and neighbouring areas. Your marble tiles deserve the best care and expert service you can find.
For all your marble floor maintenance and polishing needs, please call SLIQUE today on 02 9648 0395, or you can leave an inquiry on our contact page.