Marble Polishing

Do you have visible scratches? If so, they will require a honing process to remove. Polishing a scratch will only make it more noticeable. That said, polishing is sufficient to overcome minor dulling from wear. 

Clean-and-Polish involves re-polishing the surface but does not generally remove scratches. If scratches exist, the result may be shiny scratches, which are even more noticeable. 

Hone-and-Polish seeks to first remove the scratches and then polish the surface to restore a better-than-new finish. Why “better-than-new”? Because we also seal the surface and address any grout-related issues. MARBLELIFE can restore a stain-free grout appearance and even change grout colors—from white-to-black, black-to-white, or any color you choose for accenting. 

The MARBLELIFE COLORSEAL grout line has an acid-resistant surface, allowing even the most damaging cleaners to be used without causing problems. In fact, 25% of MARBLELIFE’s residential restoration work is required due to the use of damaging cleaners. 

Absolutely. Spots and dull areas are generally caused by either: 

• Acid dissolving the marble stone surface 

• Wear and microscratches damaging the surface 

Once a hole or scratch has formed, the stone surface must be lowered to the bottom of the deepest damage to restore a flat, mirror-reflective surface. The good news is that even the worst damage is typically not as deep as the width of a human hair. As a result, a tile can last more than 50 years, even in high-wear environments like hotels or convention centers.Bring us your dull and damaged marble, granite, or concrete, and MARBLELIFE will restore a better-than-new polished surface. 

While all three methods create shine, how the shine is achieved affects how long it lasts. The longevity is determined largely by the hardness of the finished surface and its ability to resist wear. 

• Wax is a non-reactive chemical that sits on the surface. It is melted to form a smooth, mirror-like finish. However, wax is very soft and will lose that finish with minimal foot traffic. Wax does not allow the stone to breathe. On a ground floor surface, this lack of breathability can cause damage when water vapor pressure rises through the floor and is unable to escape. This pressure can push against the weakest part of the stone (typically the vein-to-background stone surface) and literally push the vein out of the stone. 

• Coatings are reactive treatments that generally have greater wear resistance than wax. However, once the coating wears down, it is often impossible to repair without removing and reapplying the entire coating. Re-coating can only be done a limited number of times before the coating becomes too thick. 

• Polishing works directly on the stone surface, which is much harder than a coating or wax, and therefore much more wear-resistant. MARBLELIFE can enhance this further with surface-modifying, hardness-enhancing treatments. A polished surface is more cost-effective but requires the expertise of a grinding and polishing expert, such as MARBLELIFE’s craftsmen. 

Shine suggests that you can see the reflection of a light source, even if it is hazy or fuzzy. 

Clarity refers to the sharpness of the reflection. When MARBLELIFE hones and polishes your marble floor, we can achieve a surface flatness that delivers a mirror finish with such clarity that you can read the label on your light bulbs in the reflection on your floor or counter. 

A stain changes the color within the stone. Etching changes the surface finish and can leave a dull or pale mark. Cleaning alone may not correct an etched finish; an assessment determines whether polishing or another restoration treatment is appropriate.

Marble polishing · Marble cleaning

Marble and travertine are sensitive to acidic products. Vinegar and other acids can dull or etch the finish. Use a cleaner intended for the material and ask your local team about existing marks before attempting a stronger treatment.

Marble cleaning · Travertine cleaning

Sealing can improve stain resistance when it is suitable for the surface, but it does not make stone damage proof. It does not repair scratches or eliminate acid etching on sensitive stone. Cleaning, finish repair and sealing serve different purposes.

Granite sealing · Travertine sealing

Share your ZIP code, surface material, where it is installed, the approximate area and the concern you see. Photos can help explain the problem. Your local team will confirm the appropriate assessment and scope before work is agreed.

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Use the location directory or enter your ZIP code in the consultation form to identify the appropriate team. Confirm service availability, coverage and project requirements with that team.

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