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Marble tile maintenance
In maintaining marbe tiles, penetrating sealers perform best on marble. Acrylic-based finishes can also be used but then success is often spotty. Marble should only be cleaned with a neutral cleaner. Avoid usage of acid-based products, high alkaline products and products with high chelation. It is only with proper maintenance, using neutral products that marble performs extremely well. It is not however, recommended for use in kitchens. Although marble surfaces take a high polish; they are not very hard and scratch easily. It's natural composition makes marble an easy target for acids which can normally be seen in food and cleaning products. The acids etch the marble surface which damages the polished finished. Marble is considered as a porous stone and requires preventive sealing with silicon-based impregnators. Marble is generally used for bathroom vanities, flooring, tub and fireplace surrounds, and end and coffee table tops. It can also be polished, honed, or tumbled. Immediate careIt is very important to begin taking care of your marble as soon as it is installed. Always ensure that you have proper stone care products on hand in case of a spill. Restoration is often required when it is a neglected or improperly treated marble. The best and simplest way to maintain the appearance of any marble surface is to wash it often and to immediately rinse off any spilled materials. It should be taken into account though that marble should be cleaned periodically with a non-fat, mild detergent and lukewarm water, rinsed generously with clean water and wiped with clean cloths to be sure no residue remains on the tile surface. Abrasive cleaners should not be used on polished marble as scratches and dull areas will develop. Waxing and sealingSome marble tiles on the other hand, such as those used in fireplace mantels, can be protected from dirt and soil marks by applying white or non-yellowing wax or sealer. Wax is not normally used on marble floors or food preparation surfaces as it may make floors not only slippery, but it could possibly cause food contamination as well. Tile sealants may be used for floors, but it may cause a slight darkening of white marble and lighter shades. When in doubt, apply the sealant in a trial application first in an inconspicuous area of the floor. If normal cleaning does not remove discoloration or if staining is deep seated, don't worry too much since a poultice application should do the trick. A poultice is made with powdered whiting and hydrogen peroxide (or a chemical reducing agent), depending on the nature of the stain. Whiting is actually sold in most paint stores. Applying the poultice carefully will lift pretty much any stain. Ideal uses « « Maintenance |
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