Stone Restoration Restoring Marble
Chemicals, poor handling as well as normal wear and tear, can damage the finishes of natural stone surfaces.
The good news is that natural stone can be brought back to life, through JK Marble restoration services.
Just like the name suggests, stone restoration refers to a process of restoring travertine, limestone, flagstone, soapstone.
Marble and other types of natural stone into the state in which they were installed.
It may also involve altering its surface to align with the owner’s desired finish.
Identifying The Condition Of Stone Surface
All stone restoration projects must be preceded by a professional and thorough pre-inspection.
During the pre-inspection stage, the restoration professionals will determine the type of stone as well as its current condition.
This information will help the restoration professionals to choose the equipment and the products that will be used.
Also, the restoration company will also check for evidence of cracks, stains, lippage, or other forms of damage.
The surface will also be examined to see whether a topical sealer was used.
After that, the restoration professionals will then come up with the right polishing procedure for the stone.
The pre-inspection process is then followed by a thorough cleaning.
Cleaning helps to remove all the dirt that might be lodged on the surface.
So that it doesn’t interfere with the rest of the restoration process.
Stone Restoration Process
The cleaning method to be used will vary from one surface to the other, depending on the type of stone.
Soiling conditions, use traffic as well as maintenance.
After the cleaning is done, the surface will then be rinsed. In readiness for the grinding stage.
Stone surfaces that are scratched, scuffed, etched, and stained can only be restored using mechanical abrasives.
And this is where the grinding stage comes in.
Done using diamond abrasives, grinding helps to remove.
Unsightly marks on the surface of natural stone, thus helping to restore its original luster.
It’s important to note that diamond grinding will remove a negligible amount of stone to reach the surface just beneath the scratch or stain.
Once the cleaning process is done, the stone is now ready for the final touches.
Stone Polishing Step
Honing is a stone restoration method that entails the removal of etches and scratches from the stone surface.
It helps to achieve a fine, even texture on the stone surface.
However, it’s important to note that honing will not give the stone surface a shiny, glossy surface.
In short, honing is recommended for people who just want all the etches and scratches removed from.
The stone surface while ensuring the stone retains its natural appearance.
Another benefit of honing is that it will help to minimize slipping and sliding incidents where it has been used.
Honing can be done on a wide range of natural stone surfaces such as vanities, benchtops.
Walls and floors, shower bases, pool surround as well as bathroom floors, among others.
Also, honing can be done on all stone surfaces.
Stone Honed Finish
The honing process is usually broken down 3 main steps.
The first step involves the removal of all types of abrasions on the stone surface.
After that, industrial diamond pads are then brought in, to grind the stone and achieve the desired surface finish or hone.
The hone can be a high matte finish, mid matte finish, or low matte finish, depending on the owner’s preferences.
The final step focuses on restoring the natural luster and color of the stone surface.
As you can see, honing is quite an extensive process, and that’s why it should be handled by professionals.
Since honing leaves a matte finish, it’s highly recommended in areas like stairways and floors, which should be as non-slip as possible.
On the other hand, polished surfaces tend to be more reflective and shinier, compared to honed surfaces.
After the honing process is done, the stone is made shinier using a finer polishing pad.
Apart from achieving a smoother surface, polishing also tends to enhance the features and colors of the stone more compared to honing.
For instance, the different patterns, veins, or variations in hues will be more pronounced when the stone is polished.
Another reason why you should opt for polishing is that polished surfaces are easier to clean compared to honed surfaces. Whether you should opt for honing or polishing will depend on where the stone is used and your personal preferences.
Sealing Stone Surfaces
Sealing is usually the last step in the stone restoration process.
As you might probably know, natural stone is quite porous, which
means that it can allow gases and liquids to move into its inner layers.
Over time, the materials that seep into the inner layers of the stone will damage its appearance and even shorten its lifespan.
And that’s why it should be protected.
Several factors must be taken into account before any sealing is done.
They include the density, hardness, and durability of the stone, the porosity of the stone, the type of finish that was applied, the location of the stone as well as the maintenance program that has been applied to the stone.
There are two main types of sealers that can be used – topical sealers and impregnators.
Topical sealers are mainly coatings or film formers, which are designed to protect the surface of natural stone against oil, water, chemicals, and other types of contaminants.
These sealers are usually formulated using acrylic, natural wax, and various types of plastic compounds. On the other hand, impregnators are solvent-based or water-based solutions, which penetrate the surface of the stone, settle in the inner layers, and become repellents.
Impregnators are basically water-repellents.
However, you can also opt for oil repellents, depending on the location and use of the stone.
As much as impregnators will protect the stone against contaminants, they will not prevent moisture from escaping, which means they have vapor transmission. Food preparation areas and vanity tops are best suited for impregnators.
Stone Care How To Maintain
Natural stone is beautiful and versatile. Whether you want to a rustic outdoor wall or you want to achieve a sleek-looking floor, natural stone can be installed and finished to achieve your preferred look.
However, natural stone also tends to be quite porous.
Therefore, proper maintenance is vital, to ensure it doesn’t lose its appearance and luster.
But if your natural stone surfaces are looking unsightly, it doesn’t mean that you should remove and replace them with other materials. JK Marble Maintenance stone experts can help to restore the beauty, elegance, and luster of your natural stone surfaces.
Contact JK Marble Maintenance 818 984-1195 Our stone restorations experts are serving Beverly Hills, Calabasas, And the surrounding areas of Los Angeles
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Stone restoration in the following city’s : Beverly Hills, Bel Aire, West Hollywood, Westwood, Santa Monice, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Hancock Park, Burbank, Toluca Lake, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Beverly Park, Encino, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Porter Ranch Santa Clarita, Hidden Hills, Bell Canyon, Pasadena, La Canada