Natural stone is beautiful, but it can be damaged by everyday wear and tear. Instead of replacing your damaged stone surfaces, consider professional restoration including cleaning, polishing, and sealing.
Repairing and restoring your natural stone will cost less than replacement, plus it’s an eco-friendly option. This article will explain the four main methods of Natural stone restoration: grinding, honeing, color staining, and polishing.
Damage
Damages to natural stone surfaces can occur in a variety of ways. Heavy damages usually demand a restoration process while light damages can be easily repaired with proper cleaning techniques and products.
Using harsh cleaners can quickly damage the finishes of some types of natural stone. Typical household chemicals like vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and ammonia will leave etching and dullness on stones. Chemicals that are rubbed into the surface of stones such as metal nails, bolts, and cans can cause rust stains.
Stone floors, walls, and countertops add elegance to any home, but these cladding materials are susceptible to wear and tear from everyday use. A professional technician can identify and treat common stone damage. The restoration process includes grinding, rehoning, polishing, and sealing. Grinding uses a diamond grinder to remove uneven surface imperfections and render flat surfaces. This allows for better bonding of adhesive products used on cracks and chips. Rehoning smoothes the surface and helps eliminate scratches, marks and stains. Polishing restores the original shine, luster, and color of natural stone. It can also enhance the natural patterning and accents of your stones, which may have faded over time due to heavy foot traffic or weather. Sealing provides the stone with unsurpassed resistance once the restoration process is complete.
Stains
Stains are caused by water or other liquids that sit on natural stone surfaces for a period of time. Often, they can be removed simply by using a gentle cleanser and scrubbing the surface with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. The key is to rinse and dry the stone thoroughly after cleaning to prevent etching.
When stains do occur, it is important to clean them up as soon as they happen. This is especially important in areas where food preparation or dining occurs, and where chemicals, paints, cleaning products, or metal furniture are located.
It is also important to note that sometimes marks on natural stone may not be stains at all. If a mark appears lighter in color than the surrounding stone, it is most likely a surface damage called etching or corrosion that is being caused by an acidic chemical, and should not be treated with a stain removal technique. In these cases, it is best to polish the affected area to restore it to its original condition.
Color
Various factors will affect the color of natural stone surfaces and floors. These include the specific shade of the stone, the surrounding design elements, and other factors. Some of these factors may be unavoidable, such as water damage. But, others can be remedied by a professional.
Some of the most common natural stone restoration jobs involve removing stains and yellowing. This is especially true in kitchens and bathrooms where the stone is exposed to the most chemicals and foods.
It is also a good idea to get in touch with a natural stone restoration company if you notice that your stone has developed pitting or spalling. These are signs that the stone is absorbing too much water and this will eventually cause it to crack. These cracks can be difficult and expensive to repair.
Sealing
The best way to keep natural stone looking beautiful and lustrous for as long as possible is regular sealing. This process protects the stone from surface etching and staining by filling in pores and capillaries. It also helps to prevent moisture from seeping through and discoloring the stone underneath.
Before a sealant can be applied, the stone must be thoroughly cleaned. This is done using a combination of brushing and specialized cleaners to remove any dirt and residue. If the stone is stained or has organic growth (such as moss) and chemical films, these will need to be addressed as well.
A good stone restoration professional will be able to provide advice about what type of sealant will work best for the individual stone surfaces in your home. They will also be able to tell you how often the stones should be resealed. This will depend on the level of protection desired and how much traffic and exposure they get.
