FAQ's

JK marble maintenance uses a 4-step process for marble restoration. The steps involve resurfacing the stone, chemically closing it, hardening and then polishing it. The four steps involve:

– Grinding: Also known as flattening or lippage removal, this is a very powerful step in the restoration process. It involves the removal of all roughness and ledges thus achieving uniform flatness to your marble floor. This step can also remove deep-set stains and scratches.

– Honing: This involves smoothing the marble floor, using industrial diamonds.
This gives the surfaces more shine. Honing also removes stains and scratches,
while giving the surface a uniform appearance. In some instances, honing is enough
to restore a spectacular look and improves aesthetics.

– Polishing: This is the 3rd step in the restoration process. Polishing can give the floor either a shine or semi-shine appearance. Just like honing,
polishing is done using industrial diamonds.
However, these are smaller graded. If your marble floors are in good condition, polishing can restore the shine.

– Buffing or crystallization: Crystallization is a finishing process. It gives the marble surfaces a mirror-like shine, through a chemical reaction. This process also creates a microfilm on the marble’s surface. This durable and solid film preserves the brightness and color of the marble.

Most people use topical finishes and coatings, to make the marble surface shiny.
However, these are not a good solution to your marble floors.
First, the alkalinity present in these products will discolor and dull the surface after a certain period.

Secondly, they don’t allow your marble tiles to breathe effectively.
This can have detrimental results on the stone.
In addition, these coatings require ongoing care and maintenance.
You should never us mop and spray type products for vinyl floors on marble and other natural stone floors.
Using them will only increase maintenance needs.

The JKMM method is specifically designed to polish the stone, without topical films that build-up or discolor the stone.
In addition, the ABC method is not as labor-intensive as waxing methods.
Furthermore, it doesn’t require using strong acids.
It is, therefore, clear that the JKMM method is a sustainable and cheaper solution in the long-term, thus the preferred marble maintenance method.

Due to the durability of natural stone, the benefits outweigh the costs.
There are different types of natural stone using in construction.
These include marble, limestone, granite, marble, slate, and travertine.

– Granite: Only rubies, sapphires, and diamonds can match the hardness and durability of granite.
It is the go-material when it comes to driveways, countertops, and fireplaces.

Its unique swirled and scattered grain patterns can suit almost any kitchen décor.
Granite is available in a wide range of textures

– Travertine: Small cavities present on the surface create flowery and cream-colored patterns, lending its beauty and uniqueness.
Unfilled travertine is available in delicate earth tones, for outdoor and indoor flooring, garden walkways and fireplace surrounds.

– Slate: Slate has been used in construction for many years, due to its solid resistance to freeze and thaw.
This dense rock comes in green, red and purple tones.
Slate is commonly used for interior flooring.
It works well as a stain-resistant and durable material for countertops, shower enclosure, roof covering and building cladding.

If you are considering using natural stone for your floors and walls, then you are in luck.
It comes with numerous advantages and benefits, which include beauty, durability, and stain resistance.
Due to the extensive color selection available in natural stone, combined with the uniqueness, the possibilities are endless.

Natural stone is also scratch-resistant. Nothing beats natural granite when it comes to scratch resistance.
Diamond and sapphire are the only materials that are harder than natural granite when it comes to scratch resistance.
Then there is the issue of heat resistance.
Granite is burn resistant, with the ability to withstand temperatures of up to 1200 F. This means that if a building burns down, granite countertops will remain.

Natural stone is also worn resistant and extremely durable for use.
Due to its hard natural characteristics, combined with resistance to heat and scratches, nothing beats natural stone to a large extent.
It is built to last. Natural stone has been used for thousands of years to construct floors, walls,
and buildings. It can withstand powerful forces of damaging winds, rain, and extreme sun.

Understanding how to clean marble floors is important. Since it is a natural stone, it requires special attention. Most homeowners prefer marble as the flooring material of choice, due to many reasons. Marble is truly stunning. It can transform any room in your home, especially bathrooms into stunning and beautiful spaces.
Furthermore, it is hard and durable, which means that it will give you many years of service. However, it will only last long if you give it the required level of care and maintenance.

SEAL YOUR MARBLE WHEN NECESSARY:

You may have read somewhere that sealing marble is a complex process, which will cost you a fortune. The truth is, the process is simple. You can even do it on your own. The cost and time involved are basically inconsequential when you consider how fabulous your marble floors will appear after that.

However, ensure that you use a high quality penetrating sealer. You should also note that some types of marble don’t require sealing. In such a situation, don’t attempt sealing them, since it might just dry on the surface, creating an ugly stain.

If you intend to clean your marble regularly, then you should only use hot water and a recommended marble cleaner. Anything else, including common cleaning agents and detergents, should be avoided. Buff dry using a piece of cotton cloth. You can also use mild soap for cleaning your marble floors.

However, these should not be used consistently, since they might leave a dull film covering the surface. Use rugs, doormats, and runners: Dirt, sand, and grit lodged on your shoes have an abrasive effect. They will scratch and wear your marble floors. Doormats placed inside and outside, also play a significant role.

Foot traffic tends to wear the shiny surface of polished marble floors after some time.
Rugs and runners in high traffic areas will help in reducing this wear on the surface.
Ensure you clean your rug and mats regularly to remove dirt and dust that builds up over time. You should also take your time to evaluate the finish applied by your professional installer.

Most restoration is done due to misapplied sealers. Additionally, avoid using crystallization applications that involve the use of steel wool pads. Before you apply any sealer on your marble surface, test it in another area, to see how the results will look like.

Don’t use a household cleaner of any kind. Cleaning your marble floors using products purchased at your local store is not advisable. These products may contain alkalis, acids, and other chemicals, which can damage or etch your marble surfaces.

These products can also degrade the sealant, thus exposing your marble to staining.
Most common household cleaners including the popular brands are too harsh for marble. They will lead to significant damage in the end.

Don’t use ammonia, lemon, vinegar, or orange cleaners. These products are good for certain cleaning applications. However, all are acidic and they will, therefore, etch the marble, leaving the surface dull. As earlier highlighted, use a sponge soaked in hot water on a daily or weekly basis.

Don’t place toiletry items on your countertops. Toothpaste, hair products, colognes, perfumes, creams, nail products, potions, and lotions, might etch or stain the marble surface, creating rings, spots or dull areas. To protect your marble countertops, place them in a decorative tray.

Don’t stand or sit on your marble countertops. Marble tops, unlike laminate, are not flexible. Additionally, they lack a plywood backing. Therefore, too much weight on the surface might lead to chipping or cracking.

Final Word

The issue with marble is that it is quite different from ceramic tile. This means that it can be easily damaged by normal cleaning methods. Therefore, you should pay extra attention while cleaning it. The good news is that the cleaning process is simple, as you can see from the instructions above. If you take your time to clean it the right way, you will have a beautiful floor, which will always be in great condition