Should it be sealed as it will be in the bathroom

Hello there to the guru of marble!

 

I bought an antique sideboard with a white marble top for my bathroom vanity. The top has some yellow stains on it, as I have heard you be asked several times on your site. But, you repeatedly said "forgot about them"?

 

How would you recommend I clean this not knowing what kind of marble it is? Should it be sealed as it will be in the bathroom?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Margaret Miller.

Would it be better not to seal for a few months?

I found a granite called Antiqua Brown after shopping so  many marble yards.  This granite is the most beautiful I have ever seen, it is "blotches " of chocolate brown, lighter and darker with metallic, almost rainbow bits speckled sparsely throughout and on the edges of some of the odd shaped  blotches.  It is fascinating to look at.  My question is that I am now confused on whether one side of the 11 foot counter top that was installed was sealed...I know one side was but I do not think they did the second side, and would it be safe or sorry to do it again, on other words, would it be better to not seal for a few months, or seal twice in a short period of time....  thanks for helping me with this concern - nytola.

Marble has water stains and is very dull?

Please instruct me on who to contact that would be a pro to bring back
the shine on my marble floor.
The marble floor is located in the bathroom suite.
It has water stains and is very dull.
The marble was beautiful 2 years ago when we first moved in.
This is a small coastal town near Halfmoon Bay.
Money is not an issue.
Sincerely,
Andriana Kazarian.

Alternatives to marble?

Hi - I am building a new kitchen and have a 1920s home. I love the look of marble and limestone for countertops but have read about your strong opposition to these materials being used for kitchen countertops. What would you suggest as a good alternative in terms of achieving a similar look but more durable? thank you - katie.

Have rust problem?

I have had new counters installed just a week ago. The material is Calcutta White Marble.    It looked beautiful when installed, however, four days after installation round rust colored specs and spots started to appear. These spots are not near veins but in the middle of the white part of the marble.   There are many of them. Is their a stone product you would recommend to try to remove or reduce the intensity of the spots?
The stone is not yet sealed.
Also, even if I am successful in reducing or removing the spots, will more spots appear after the material is sealed?   My fabricator is surprised that the spots appeared so quickly and are not located on or near veins.
Thanks for the advice.
Pat.

Dark/light color granites

All,

      Please advise which ones are the best for kitchen countertops - dark color granites or light colored granites.

 

Thanks

Advice wanted For Marble Area

I want to Know that is there any relation  of silica content in massiveness of Marble Deposits ?

i have a large land in which there is a deposite found of dolomite with high silica % of 10-12 % and on the topsurface sand is there and benith the sand the deposite occur .

on the initial surface it is cherty and as we go  deep  it is not that much cherty, there are natural cracks showing in the upper surface cherty material. the area is plane land not any hills . its on ground plane land. and after polishing the material is taking ONYX like polish with some olive lining.

so please tell me that what is the general trend of massiveness of marble is it possible to get blocks with no natural cracks? is there any relation of silica with massiveness? this area is 1200 Meters in width and 1600 Meters in length.

thanks

Abhi.

Aging Marble

hi,
I am a homemaker with a huge problem. It began when I decided to put marble floor in the entry to our dream house. I had No idea what I was getting myself into. Years later my once beautiful shiny floor has become an eyesore with the occasional fur ball, throw up, spill, forgetting how to use the litter box, THE CATS NOT ME, and puppy training. WHY OH WHY didn't someone warn me of the perils of having marble flooring in a family home with pets? I need help!!! We had the professionals out to do the refinishing. Looked great, for about a week, then came the anonymous fur ball, of course there were no claimers, because, no one was in the room when it happened...............all down hill since then, only a few months later, more etching due to the nature of the beast.....the beast being POLISHED MARBLE entry flooring, VERY expensive to install IMPOSSIBLE to maintain. Hum.......I would like to try something drastic before I RIP it all out. I tried a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice and mayonnaise, to a small piece of the marble and let it set till it dried. After cleaning it had lost all of its gloss and resembled limestone. Do you think this will work for the whole floor. I have many times said that I wished the whole floor was evenly etched. Is there any way to instantly AGE a marble floor so that the etching process isn't so obvious. The floor is just too impractical for us.
Thank you for your help,
Nancy.

Volga Blue

Hi All,

Please advise me on the pros and cons of Volga Blue. I like the stone to be placed on my kitchen countertop. I would like to know if

1. Volga blue is a true granite

2. pros and cons on volga blue

3. Maintenance requirements on the same 

 

Thanks

What kind of stone for my front porch?

I have a small entry porch (50 sq ft), I want to install a nice tile/stone flooring. What kind of stone is recommended - durable, easy to maintain, easy on water, not slippery. Thanks

Help in choosing stone

I am looking into buying a granite countertop.  I was going to get silestone but after looking at granite I fell in love with the look.  I am however very concerned about staining (which is why I originally wanted silestone)  I am considering 3 stones and am interested in any info /thoughts on how porous these stones are and if they are good for use in a kitchen with 3 messy kids and one messy husband who never wipes the counter.    The 3 stones are Ivory Brown, Azul Plantino and New Caledonia.   Thanks!!

Maintainence for Nero Black Granite Kitchen ctr.

I just had Nero Black Granite counters installed in the kitchn and bath. Where can I get advice on proper daily, monthly and yearly maintainence? Can anyone offer the "classic" care protocol?
Thanks
Barry Grayson

Stone carving(onyx) from Iran

Stone carving

We have about 2000 vases and bowl made of light green and orange onyx at incredible price. For further information please contact us, hope to hear from you soon. catalog:

Best regards

Mohammad Rohani

Eram Sangan Kousar Company-Iran.

findstone2006-07-10 13:26:54

Red travertine from Iran

We are a subordinate company of Arsh Holding Group. This group owns 16 quarries and modern factories and export Iranian stone to worldwide by Eram Sangan Kousar Company. All products have really high quality and polished.Red travertine price (polished- filled by resin):

40x40x2cm and 30x60x2cm-polished-price: 28usd/sqm

2cm random slabs=39usd/sqm and 60x60x2cm=40usd/sqm

FOB: Bandarabbas-Iran-Port

Other sizes in tiles or slabs have different prices. Size, depends on your favorite. For further information please contact us.Catalog:

http://my.ecplaza.net/ROHANY

main page:

http://www.arshholding.com

Regards

Mohammad Rohani-

Eram Sangan Kousar Company

walnut travertine from Iran

We are a subordinate company of Arsh Holding Group. This group owns 16 quarries and modern factories and export Iranian stone to worldwide by Eram Sangan Kousar Company. All products have really high quality and polished. Walnut travertine price (polished-resin):

40x40x2cm and 30x60x2cm-polished -price: 20usd/sqm

2cm random slabs=25usd/sqm and 60x60x2cm=28usd/sqm

FOB: Bandarabbas-Iran-Port

Other sizes in tiles or slabs have different prices. Size, depends on your favorite. For further information please contact us.Catalog:

http://my.ecplaza.net/ROHANY

main homepage:

http://www.arshholding.com

Regards

Mohammad Rohani-

Eram Sangan Kousar Company

Cream marble from Iran

Dear Sirs

We have about 3000sqm cream marble (slabs) ready to ship. Price 26 usd/sqm. thickness :2cm

FOB: Bandarabbas-Iran-Port

As an introduction:

We are a subordinate company of Arsh Holding Group. One of activity branches of Arsh Holding is exporting Iranian stone to worldwide (by Eram Sangan Kousar Company). This group owns 16 quarries and modern factories, which equipped with resin epoxy line.

We can provide you best travertine and marble direct from our quarries, cut and process them direct in our factories.

For further information please contact us.Cataloge:

http://my.ecplaza.net/ROHANY

main homepage:

http://www.arshholding.com

Regards

Mohammad Rohani-Eram Sangan Kousar Company

White travertine from Iran

White travertine

We are exporting Iranian stone to worldwide.Our main products available in tile and slab:

1-Cream marble (Shayan)

2-Red marble (Khatam-light and dark)

3-Orange onyx

4-Red travertine (Azarshahr)

5-White travertine (new!)

6-Walnut travertine (Azarshahr)

7-Beige-cream travertine

8-Beige marble

Our products are available in tile and slab also can be filled, unfilled, brushed, honed or polished.For further information please contact us.catalog:

http://my.ecplaza.net/ROHANY

main  homepage:

http://www.arshholding.com

Regards

Mohammad Rohani-Eram Sangan Kousar Company

We are renovating our kitchen?

Hello!

Not sure if this is the correct way to post a question?

 

We are renovating our kitchen ... I am desperately in love with Crema Marble - it's gorgeous!  And would like to put it on our island (4'x9') ... as well as on the perimeter countertops.  I have been encouraged to have it honed.  We have 5 children, it is a busy home.  I am aware of the "dangers" of having this product installed ... I am European, and so am familiar with "stone", not like the typical North American :)    Our kitchen, once completed, will be "old-world" type ... and I am ok with the countertops having a lived-in look.  My question:  What must I be sure of in how they prepare the stone?  (when they hone it).  Also, when one of my children cut a lemon on the surface and I am not there to immediately clean it up, how do I repair the surface from the white residue?

 

I am so thankful for your reply, and look forward to it,

 

Marcia Simpson

I am planning to install a marble?

Hello

 

I am planning to install a marble which the retailer said was 'global beige' from Italy. I cannot seem to find this stone on your website. Is this a good marble to install in the living room and passages. I am from Bombay, India.

 

Thanks

Al. Gomes.

advice needed?

Dear Sir or Madam,

I could not locate an answer to my question in your database. If I miss it
please refer me to a right place.

Here is my question.
We had a contractors that installed marble floor in our house. at least 1/2
of the marble tiles that were installed is "uneven". from 1-4 millimeters.
Some of them is easy to notice simply by walking on the floor.
The contractors told us it is normal for marble tiles.

Thanks!

What's the density of Marble?

 

Hii I have to do a sci project and i wanted to know if you can help me wit these questions?

 

What's the density of Marble?

 

and What is it's texture?

Advice wanted?

Hi! 

 

Currently in my kitchen we have Giallo Fiorito - I wanted to know which is the appropriate sealer and how often it should be done.  Also, we are currently in the process of remodeling our bathrooms, although I like the lighter even colors offered by Marble (marfil, crema) everything I read seems to suggest that it is better to go with granite instead of marble.  Is this so??  If I do go with granite, I'm interested in the Madura Gold or if you know another granite that would be similar color that you would recommend instead that would be great. 

 

Am I driving you crazy yet?  I am glad there are "no nonsense" people out there like you that tell it like it is.  I've been shopping around for granite for some time now and everyone just says "there are products out there to clean them"...well, duh! right??  But which ONES are the best and which ones are the APPROPRIATE ones for MY stone, that is the question no one seems to know the answer to. 

 

THank you so very much for all your help.  One last thing...where can I get the MB4 that you recommend for Madura Gold??

 

Have a wonderful day!

 

Zulema

Would a honed granite be the most durable?

Hi.  We are having a marble surround installed around our jacuzzi.  There is a wood molding along the front and the marble goes right up to this.  My question is should the marble be exactly level with this wood edge, or should it be installed slightly above it?  Also, would this be the same recommendation for a flat hearth in front of a fireplace.

Also, what material do you recommend for a family room hearth?  Would a honed granite be the most durable?  Thank you.  Nancy

HOW TO INSTALL THE BIG TILE?

I AM PLANNING TO USE 24"x24" MARBLE TILE FOR FLOOR AND WALL FOR MY BATHROOM,
SHOULD I GO WITH SMALL SIZE? AND HOW TO INSTALL THE BIG TILE.

how can i have the marble tiles dry faster?

Dear sir,

I ma impressed with the detailed information provided in your website. It is definitely very useful especially to layman like us....

 

Recently, something detrimental occured at my home whereby my interior designer has inflicted 7 holes into my marble tiles and which left me with no choice but to have them removed...Coupled with a short time line, the contractors went ahead to polish the day after the marble tiels were laid and it resulted into different tonality problem! I have a stretch of more than 3 metre across the centre of my living room!!

 

May i have your professional advise whether it is advisable for me to have them removed and re-laid or shoudl i take the contractor's words for it that it will "dry off" on its own?? If not, how can i have the marble tiles dry faster so that it can be uniform with the rest of the room?

 

Thanks

Jenny Ho

How can you make cultured marble look new?

How can you make cultured marble look new.

the people that had the house before me had used regular abrasive cleansers.

 

I don't think its a lost cause there are light scratches all over but not real deep

Anything to use to bring back the shine.

desperate for help

Kim

Marble has been put down on my bathroom

Marble has been put down on my bathroom floor. Three pieces keep breaking. What can i do with it or do you suggest thar i dont even continue to put it down please help me I really need this project finished because the toilet is actually sitting in my tub thanks need your help in new Jersey.

How do you suggest we handle this situation?

We are a family owned stone fabricator in business for 38 years.  We recently fabricated and installed Coastal Green 3cm countertops in a residence.  It was sealed in our shop and then twice after installation in the field.  The client has complained that the stone is staining and so it is.  We applied a poultice and the stain lightened...but now the client is insisting we replace the counters with an engineered stone at our expense.  She takes the stand that we should never have allowed her to put that in her kitchen.  The selection of stone was made by her architect.  We purchased it, after her selection, manufactured the countertops and installed them. 

How liable are we for the replacement?  There have been times when because of inconsistencies in the stone or unexpected nuances that we have not been paid.  If it is taken to court, we always lose because the judge is not well versed in the limitations of natural stone.

How do you suggest we handle this situation?

Joan Guido.

How to remove urine stains around commode?

hi any advice how to remove urine stains around commode? thanks,don yellow and black discoloration of the white marble

Do you think it is safe to go with marble?

I am considering white marble countertops and I keep seeing that they are not recommended for entire counters--yet--I see them often in magazines and they look BEAUTIFUL!  Do you think it is safe to go with them?  How do they need to be cleaned--I read that they stain easily--is that really true---how easily?  And lastly--what price should I be expecting to pay on average?  Thanks for all your help---Melodi.

Opinion on a wider grout.

I had a tumbled bronze travertine marble backsplash - 6 x 6 tiles - installed last week.

I told the installer that I wanted the grout joints very thin and not obvious - and also offered him to use the unsanded grout the stone supplier sold me when I bought the stone.

He told me there needed to be some width of grout joint because the tiles have irregular edges (which, to me ,seemed no big issue). He came the next day and his installation consisted of using sanded grout! with grount lines maybe 3/8" -and noticable (although thank god the color is close to the stone). To me, this guy just did the job the way he wanted to  do it - and although the stone looks good installed, it is not what I wanted installation-wise. Is this a common practice for the contractor to just go by his own guidelines of what he thinks is right??

It really aggravates me when I see stone installations w/o a noticable grout line like I wanted. My wife tells me to forget about it but I can't bewleive he did it that way.

Your opinion on the this. Did I NEED a wider grout because of that type of irregular stone?? Please advise

Installation of Travertine

Hi-

I am just about ready to have 18" x 18" honed, filled travertine installed on a floor - over cork (it's in a condominium) and also same tiles to bathroom walls - tub alcove and stall shower.  Can you tell me the best method of installing the cork over the concrete and then the travertine over the cork for the best bond?  Also, what type of mastic? mud? thinset? would one use on the bathroom walls to install this same travertine material?  One contractor insists that the cork goes down with adhesive, then the tile installer needs to put thinset on top of the cork and then mud on top of the thinset.  Also, that there is a different product for install ation on a wall.  Please help! 

 

Thanks.

Cappy Lerman Abraham

Information on honing of travertine tile floor.

Please e-mail me relevant information on honing of travertine tile floor with lippage and type of sealer to use on honed floor. I also need to know which diamond pad grits to strat and end with.

 

 

Thanking you

Riejaad Hess 

Inquiry on travertine

We moved into a condo unit (in the Philippines) which has an outdoor
balcony with travertine floors.  Over time, the floor turned very blotchy
and dirty-looking with gray and brownish spots everywhere.  Some parts of the floor turned gray on the seams (where the tiles meet).  I think this
could be water moisture from beneath but there is no way of knowing since taking the tiles out would be out of the question.  The small crevices or natural holes of the tiles are black, so from afar, the floor looks like
its been hit by black measles.  Even after scrubbing them with regular
detergent, the stains are not completely removed.   We notice the stains
get worse during the rainy season.  Also, the floor under a portable stone
fountain has turned completely gray.  The travertine used is not polished.
 I'm not sure if its honed as it looks raw to me versus the honed
travertine stones I have on my bathroom floor and polished travertine on
the bathroom walls w/c maintained quite well.  Our building maintenance
guys recommended us just to use an all-purpose cleaner like Maitre'D and
scrub the floors really hard with a floor brush.   Is that ok?  Do you
recommend that I fill the crevices with some sort of clear epoxy (after
cleaning them) that I can pick up from the hardware store or should I look
for some filler thats specifically made for travertine stones.

Thanks for your advice.

how to stain travertine?

This may seem like a strange question, but I just installes unpolished,
filles travertine as a fireplace surround.  Is it possible to stain it a
darker color, and if so, how? 

 

Bobbie

how to remove smoke stains from travertine

Hi-I recently had a fire in  my fireplace after a long period of not 
using it.  There was a lot of smoke and the travertine slab above the 
fireplace extending to the ceiling is now badly stained.  Any ideas 
of how to remove the smoke stain from travertine? 

 

Thanks,

Sally

how to remove the water & coffee stains?

My whole kitchen is travertine & the island is the worst.  Our bathroom counters are the same marble!  HELP!!  there are many water rings, drops, and a coffee cup ring.  How do I clean them & seal them?

how to prevent the floor from marks,stains,aging?

Can you please advise me. I decided to use travertine floor in one
bathroom and marble in another bathroom. Both bathrooms have marble wall surfaces. It's an old building built in the late 60s and how can i best
prevent the floor and walls from water marks, stains, powdering, aging?
Did I make the wrong choice of material.
Please reply soon
Gigi

How to remove the lacquer from a travertine floor?

Our contractor just installed 16x16 travertine stone throughout my entire downstairs.  ON HIS OWN, he decided to put a high gloss stone lacquer on the floor of the kitchen (thank GOD he didn't have time to ruin the entire rest of the floor!)  He didn't clean the tiles first, so he ended up lacquering over dust, debris, a drop of grout, and a dirty footprint.  Not only that, but you can see drips on the floor from the lacquer and near the stove the lacquer is so heavy that my floor looks like something sticky was smeared across the tiles.  My husband called DuPont, the maker of the lacquer, and they gave him the name of a product that is supposed to remove the lacquer.

He's been at it all morning and he doesn't notice a difference.  Is the removal process something that will take a little time, or do we need to consider having the contractor rip up the tiles and start over? 

what is the proper product to use to get wet look?

We just sealed our travertine floors with a high gloss finish and sealer.  When it dried it left streak marks from the sponge we used when applying it.  We reapplied with other suggested tools but it still streaked.  I spoke with a customer representative from the company of the sealer product.  He said that we used the wrong product for our type of travertine floors.  Our travertine had a dull matte look to it and we wanted it to appear as if it looks wet to enhance the color.  In order to start all over we know we have to strip the existing finish/sealer.  Is there any easier way to fix the problem?  What do you recommend and what is the proper product to use to get that "wet look"?  Please help, much thanks. 

 

 Shelly

Grout for Tumbled Travertine

Bought some nice 6 x 6 antiqued, tumbled travertine with the uneven edging. Wanted to go with a tight grout line but installer instead insisted on a larger grout for this stone - also used sanded grout - on a kitchen backsplash. Think the finished product looks good but think the lines are a little too big. Did he have to use the sanded grout on this??

Questions for the stone travertine and granite

    2 Questions for the stone guru

1. I have a travertine tumbled backsplash that matches the countertop much better when wet.  Will one of these enhancing sealers darken the tile so the color is similar to what it is when wet?  If so, should I seal before or after I install or both?
2. We have a large granite custom medallion in one of our buildings and a piece of absolute black fromt eh surface about the size of a quarter chipped off.  I could send a photo if easier for your.  Does anyone make a filler in black which will hide this imperfection??

Grinding Down Travertine

I have Travertine flooring in my kitchen area. I recently purchased an under counter wine cooler only to discover that it is 1/16th" to tall to fit under our counter. I must either cut out the flooring or find a way to grind down the travertine to create enough room for the cooler to fit. Can this material be grounded down, and if so, by what type of tools or do I have to cut and chip it out all together? Please advise!

 

Thanks,

 

Roy Walker

granite, travertine

Hi all.

A few questions:

1. I recently installed imperial brown granite in the kitchen countertops. How do I seal it and take care of it in the future?

2. I also installed travertine on the lower level (I think it's Ivory Classico). The painter didn't cover the whole floor so now there's water based paint on the travertine floor, and I didn't even seal it yet. So, first how do I get the paint off travertine without damaging the travertine? And second what's the best way/product to seal travertine and take care of it in the future? 

 

Any knowledgeable reply will be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Costas

marble info

I trying to locate information on the best USA contractors and on the process of importing marble into the US from China. Does anyone know about this or any websites I can locate such information?

thank you

Filling

Our Travertine floors are about 5 years old and we have a lot of holes
appearing where original fill has come out. We are concerned that the
travertine may not have been sealed correctly when put down.  

How do we fix the problem?  On occasion I have added grout to some of the holes, but it does not seem to stay. 

Ken Arnold

Filling holes in Travertine

Have a Travertine floor installed in Laundry room and Bathroom.  Both are starting to chip and develop holes.  I read that sanded grout or portland cement based products work for other stone and granites.  Is this an option for Travertine?  The floor has only been down for two or three years.

 

Sincerely,

Scott

Filled Travertine Stone

My wife likes the look of travertine stone/tiles that are filled but a friend of mine says that the fillings don't last and there will be little "dime" size holes that arise after time. Is this correct? Where can I find anwer to this question.

Sincerely,

 

Henry G.

 

dirty looking travertine

I really need your help!  When I purchased my flooring I informed the dealer that I wanted a shiny finish to my floors.  When the travertine was first being installed I called the dealer and informed him that it did not shine.  He express that I was jumping the gun and that once the sealer was applied it would shine.  ( that was when about 10 sq ft were already installed)  Now, that all 1700 sq feet and THOUSANDS of dollars have been spent my floor looks dirty all the time.  It never shined.  It is blotchy.  The dealer has informed me that I choose a travertine wih a lot of fill therefore the stone and the fill accept the penetration differently.  Well, this doesn't help me!  I have 1700 sq ft of dirty looking travertine.  Can I fix this problem?  Please help me!
Susan

damaged travertine tiles

GENERALLY TRAVERTINE IS BEING USED IN ELEVATION
IF IT IS USED IN FLOORING
IT IS NOT THAT HARD AS MABLE AND GRANITE
IT IS POSSIBLE ALL PATCES NOT FILLED BY CEMENT OR
ADHESSIVES
IF ONE USE TRAVERTINE IN FLOORING
HE MUST BE MENTALLY PREPARED TO HAPPEN SUCH TYPE OF
PROBLEMS
AS YOUR CUSTOMER FACING
REGARDS
S JOSHI

How should I go about removing this deposit?

Hi there! We recently installed travertine in our bathroom, and the shower floor is orange travertine. Our water supply is hard water from a borehole in the garden, and we are starting to get a white calcium carbonate deposit on the surface and the cracks of the travertine. How should I go about removing this deposit?

Stuart

cracked travertine table

I have recently purchased a travertine table which
arrived cracked from one side to the other.  The
furniture store tells me they can fix it...Is this
possible or are they just going to cover it up?  I do
not want this to turn into a problem later.

Dana Trzcinski

How to fill the holes in the travertine?

what can I use to fill holes that have opened up in the travertine?

What do they use to fill the holes of the floor?

My travertine floor was installed about three years ago, and now has several holes.  What should I fill them with.  I don't want to fill them with grout, it does not look good.  What do they use at the travertine factory to fill with.  Please help me!

Do I need to get it rehoned/polished?

Hi,

last year I had my bathroom counter done in beige travertine, nobody informed me of how to clean it and unfortunately my roomate cleaned it with some kind of cleaner (possibly 409) that left a haze on it,looks spotty,like water patches and feels rough or like there is a residue in some areas. Is this etching? Or could it be that the sealant is damaged. You can see it well in day light but not with room lights. Do  I need to get it rehoned/polished?

 

Thanks,

Lorna Woodford

.               

How to clean the floor which looks dirty?

We bought a house a year ago with ceramic Travertine look floors. We were told to not put anything on our floors for the first year. The grout is Haystack color and now is so dirty it looks chocolate. I've tried cleaning to no avail. Do you any suggestions?

 

Thanks.

Miss Bea

Is there some common cleaning substance to use?

I have a beautiful new travertine sink and counter (both filled) and 
walls which are not filled. I don't think I need to clean the walls, 
except for dusting. But the sink is getting sort of slimy. Is there 
some common cleaning substance I could use?

Thank you!

Lucy Scanlon

How to clean and try to lessen the stain?

I am working with a client that had a nice travertine table topped table put in her patio.  The sales person of course did not inform her that it is porous and that you don't put things on it like grease, etc.... So upon having a barbeque and putting a plate of steaks on on the table, the plate was moved, the blood was spilt, and now there is a nice stain.  What is the best way to go about cleaning this and trying to lessen the stain?

Susan

How to clean the travertine tiles?

How do I get soap scum off the travertine tiles I have in the shower.  I have tried stone cleaners, but after hours of hand scrubbing, it is only dull and a bit better. 

How to fill the chips on floor?

I have a honed travertine floor in my kitchen (newly installed and sealed).  While installing the appliances, the floor was chipped in several areas (dropping of tools, appliances, etc)  A few of the chips are small, (1/4 inch wide, 1/16 inch deep), a few are larger (1 inch wide, 1/8 inch deep).  The contractor filled one of the larger ones with the grout that was used when the floor was installed and it has shrunk and doesn't look nice.  the other chips have not been touched yet.  The contractor said there was some type of epoxy that he used on another project that worked great, but he can not locate the product anywhere. (he also doesn't know the name).  The flooring subcontractor said filling the chips with grout will not last very long.  Do you happen to have a solution for the large and small chips and if so PLEASE HELP, everybody's an expert before they get hired, nobody knows what to do about issues after they've been paid.

Thanks,
Anne.

How to cure the blotchy surface of dirty floor?

I just recently had a Travertine floor installed. It was professionally sealed with Stonetech Enhancer sealer, yesterday. I was going for a low sheen, matt finish. It appears now to have a very 'blotchy' surface finish over the expanse of the tile, with certain tiles/areas looking almost 'dimpled' / blotchy dirty on the surface. The sealer is not completel 'cured' as it has been less than 24 hours. Instead of a nice even finish, the floor looks dirty and mottled, completely detracting from the beauty of the stone. Was it sealed improperly? What can be done, at this juncture to rectify the problem and provide an even matt or low sheen finish across the floor?

 

How to clean the travertine tiles?

hi there

We just got a new home with Travertine tiles on the floor, and above the tub going to the ceiling. We want to clean it, but really have no clue what to use on it ! I have been reading on line that we cannot use bleach products on the tiles which would elminate about 90% of the bathroom cleaning products on the market. Please provide any suggestions you may have on how to clean our tiles.

Additionally, the stone is polished.

 

thanks

Chris

Advice on cleaning the travertine tile.

I have travertine tile in my bathroom,

1. What should I use to clean it with ?

2. I have a small hole in one of the tiles, do I need to replace the tile or can I fill it with a product?

3. Was it a good choice to have selected Traveltine for my bathroom floor?

Lastly, how often should I seal the tile?

Thanks,

Beth

Opinion of granite in brick design

I am installing 870 Sq ft of Blue Volga Granite
in my living room area.  I want it installed
butt to butt so it looks closest to an even slab
without grout lines.
One installer told be he either has to use an 1/8 inch
grout joint if the tile is installed on a straight
design or
he has to install the tile on a brick pattern with no
grout joint, the reason is because the granite is
never manufactured perfectly in size, therefore the
grout lines would not be aligned perfectly, but if he
installs the granite on a brick design with no grout
joints the discrepancies will not be noticed.
What is your opinion.  aesthetically will it look
ok in a brick design or better to do straight design
with 1/8 grout?
Where can I see your response?
If butt to butt is not a good idea, can you explain.
My sister has butt to butt travertine which
looks beautiful.

Mille Grazie,
Marina

Is there a machine that buffs the surface?

Is there a machine that corrects the following problem.

We laid travertine stone tiles and when they dried the levels we not good on some of the times .  Not sure if there was settling going on in the mortor or what but you can not run a finger from one tile to the next with out encountering ridges.  Is there a machine that buffs the surface and can rectify this problem.  and then what kind of sealer should be used?

 

thanks

Jennifer Rodrigues

Minimal maintenance for Roman Classic Travertine.

What is your option of the best counter top material for a bathroom vanity ?  

I like the look of Roman Classic Travertine, what am very concerned of the maintenance required ? 

What could I use to get this look with minimal maintenance ?

 

Thanks

Kathy Miller

Any good stone enhancer for the stone pebbles?

We just bought applestone, which they tell us is a type of limestone, to put on our master bathroom floor. Somebody told us it stains really bad. Do you know? If so should I put a sealer on it? Which type? We were going to also put limestone (not the applestone) on the shower walls, but after reading some articles and your website I am afraid to do so. Any light stone like the color of limestone that you might recommend. I like travertine, but most that I have seen are too beige and with too many veins in it. Also we are putting on the shower floor stone pebbles. Do they need  to be sealed? They told us we should. Also any good stone enhancer for the stone pebbles? Thanks, Bel

How to remove the circles of stain from the floor?

Hi,

We recently had a Travertine Floor laid to the downstairs of our home.  Travertine honed and filled. The floor has been sealed but needs a few more coates to finish it.

Yesterday some orange juice (concentraited) fell onto the floor which was wiped off

within 5 mins.  Last night however my husband and I noticed some circles of stain on the floor.  It could only be circles of splashes from the orange that fell but I dont understand how.  The colour of the stains are not orange in colour as you would think but a darker shade of the stone itself.  If they were not perfect (filled) circles that stood out I wouldnt worry but they do stand out and I need to get rid of them.  This has happened in two areas and affected possibly three slabs so apart from changeing them what can I do to remove them. 

 

 

 

Liana Gounaris
London.

Opinion required?

I sell iron furniture with honed Travertine tops and ship them all over the USA. How should I respond when customers ask me about leaving the stone outside in the winter up north?

how to cut tumbled travertine tiles.

Good day,

I seem to be learning a lot, yet getting more confused!  We decided to go with tumbled travertine 4''x4'' tiles for our bathroom floor.  They are beautiful.  We are at the stage where we will soon lay the tile.  We've been told conflicting stories of how to cut this particular tile. we've been told to use a water saw by some, and a regular tile cutter by others.  Your input would be appreciated.  One other question is regarding sealing.  We were told to put three layers of sealing on the tiles.  Two prior to grouting, and one after grouting. but from what I've read on your site, it seems to be not necessary?  We assumed the sealant was for the cement that would push up through the natural 'holes' in the tile.

 

Thanks kindly

Kim

Any advice?

I am considering install a slate entry way and bathroom floor.  any advice? it is over concete.
Thanks.

Patio - travertine - Patio

Hello, I'm redoing an outdoor patio, and I'm planning to install tumbled travertine".  I live in Dallas Texas, where it freezes a few days per year and gets extremely hot in the summer.  It will be exposed to direct sunlight in some areas.  I've been told NOT to use travertine outdoors because I risk possible cracking of the tiles if it so freezes those few times in the year.  Please advise if that's true.  If travertine is ok, then could you please advise how to be install it (grout type, sealer type).  If it is NOT a good choice for outdoors, then what is?  I'm not crazy about slate because of the layered-cleaving effect is has. 

Please write back soon as I need to decide within the next few days.  Grazie molto (thanks a bunch!)

Cynthia

I've a slate-top table that has few whitish stains

I have a slate-top table that has a few whitish stains from a Christmas
cactus.  What could I use to remove them?
Thank you very much,
Paula Scarr.

How do I restore the black color of the slate.

I have a nineteenth-century slate topped table.  Whatever finish it has
on it makes it susceptible to water stains.  Any water left on the table
top turns it white.  How do I restore the black color of the slate where
it has been marked by water?  How do I put a finish on the top that will
make it resistant to being stained by water.  Any help would be much
appreciated.

Can you recommend someone toseal my slate floors?

can you recommend someone to seal my slate floors for me

in Dallas Texas

Mary BEth.

How can I clean the slate?

2 questions:-
I oiled my teak outdoor furniture and some oil dripped on the slate deck and stained the slate. How can I clean the slate?

 

I want to put a new railing on my deck (slate on top of concrete). What drill bit won't damage the slate and will go through both slate and concrete?

 

Thanks,

Mike.

findstone2006-06-07 10:49:49

How do I fix it?

Hello,

I have a green slate/cleft finish dining room table top.  I left a flower pot on top that appears to have sat wet on the table and has stained the top w/round circles where it has sat.  Cloudy white that I can clean off.  How do I fix?

Stefanie Scott.

Can green slate chalkboard be cut by a table saw.

Hi -

Can a green slate chalkboard be cut using a table saw?  Will the
slate break apart and will i end up with a ragged edge?  Is there a
recommended way to cut a slate chalkboard?  Thanks for any information.
Jim.

Any ideas on how to fix it?

Hello

I have a home build in the 1970's that has a dark gray slate in the foyer and on a long wall shelf under the fireplace.  I several areas on both the slate have patchy purplish discoloring.  Any ideas on how to fix it?

Thanks.

how to get smoother travertine?

hi, our contractor purchased honed and filled travertine for our kitchen and bathrooms. it looks very nice, but is not as smooth as i would like, or have seen it in certain installations. was wondering if there is a way to get it smoother? shoudl i ask our contractor to sand or buff it? or would a sealer be sufficient to make it smoother?

Patio - travertine?

 Hello,

I'm redoing an outdoor patio, and I'm planning to install "tumbled travertine".  I live in Dallas Texas, where it freezes a few days per year and gets extremely hot in the summer.  It will be exposed to direct sunlight in some areas.  I've been told NOT to use travertine outdoors because I risk possible cracking of the tiles if it so freezes those few times in the year.  Please advise if that's true.  If travertine is ok, then could you please advise how to be install it (grout type, sealer type).  If it is NOT a good choice for outdoors, then what is?  I'm not crazy about slate because of the layered-cleaving effect is has. 

Please write back soon as I need to decide within the next few days.  Grazie molto (thanks a bunch!)

Cynthia

wonder how would i stain my marbles in my factory

Dear sir,

 

I have seen in the market there is artifically coloured marbles , green and blue coloured marbles, i wonder how would i stain my marbles in my small factory, what pigment or dyes i should use or under what conditions i shall use to stain them with nice colours, please advice.

 

thanks

mohes

Are we still taking a big chance on the durability

Hi,

We are building a new house and are in the process of selecting floors for
the bathrooms.  For one we are thinking of using Ann Sacks suede limestone.
And for another, a dark slate.

I know we are supposed to seal it and clean it with ph neutral products.
But are we still taking a big chance on the durability of the floors?

Thanks,

BB.

Rojo Alicante Marble and Limestone

hi i am an interior design student,  and i am currently studying different stones, I passed by a wonderful photo that include Rojo or rosso alicante marble. but  i cant find any information about its maintenance program , finished and bonding types and fire rating.and the suitable mortars or adesives it could be suitable for. so would any one help!

 

i would aslo appreciate if someone would provide me with some information about Breccia Aroura.

 

thanx a zillion

Ghada

findstone2006-05-29 10:11:39

cleaning and sealing slate patio?

We have a 25 year old slate patio that is stained and dull. Is there something we can use to clean and seal it, something that might give it some luster? Thanks for your time.           
Mary Jo, April 21, Reply.  

Stone floor resurfacing machines

I am getting ready to buy a floor machine for leveling and polishing stone floors. I would like some advice on the machine. Should I get a planatary motion or just the 17" pad machine.

Can I apply a coat of polyurethane for protection?

I have slate in the kitchen and breakfast room which were installed 4 years ago when we built the house.   It has come to the point where they really never look clean.   Also, they look wonderful when wet.  Can I apply a coat of polyurethane for protection and shine?   Would this require a lot of upkeep?  Your site is wonderful and I look forward to your answer.  Thanks Gwen

 

 

Gwen Augustine.

There is a white film of dust on the slate& grout

We recently remodeled 50% of our house from re-texturing walls to new dark multi color slate flooring in all the trafficked areas. Even though our slate floor was sealed before the texturing and painting was done, there is still a white film of dust on the slate and grout. I had the slate professionally cleaned and the white film still remains. How can I get the natural dark color back?  Thank you so much. Sandra.

Trying to spec a slate from India?

I am an interior designer trying to spec a slate from India, however without the coefficient of friction, the hotel will not let me do so.. The distributor I am purchasing from has searched only yo find out that India does not do this kind of testing.  Please help me!  Email me back as soon as possible please! It is an Indian slate called Autumn. Thank you,

                                        Jessie.            

Can you recommend a product to clean this slate.

I have a Florida room with a slate floor.  The house is 60 years old and the slate is dingy.  Can you recommend a product to clean this slate.  Thanks , Daune Walker.

I am trying to identify the stone.

I have an antique gold ring, from my grandmother, and I lost the stone.  It was black to look at but in the sun it turned a glowing tan color.  I am trying to identify the stone.  Gram said it was just costume jewelry.  It was a cabushon cut ring, oval and the underside was cut almost flat, but with cleavage (like the way slate breaks).  All the black stones I have been finding online do not have glowing quality my grams ring had.  Can anyone help me?  Linda in NNY

email me relevant information.

cream travertine from Iran

We own 16 quarries and maodern factories in Iran equipped with stone processing line.One of our main product is cream travertine.We can provide you in different sizes tile and slab,also can be filled,unfilled,brushed,honed and polished.for further information plz contact us.

Regards

Mohammad Rohani

http://my.ecplaza.net/ROHANY

Main homepage:

http://www.arshholding.com

Water Stains on unsealed granite

We have Ubatuba granite for our kitchen countertops.  It was installed 5 years ago and the installer did not seal it, just polished it.  Over the last few years, we've gotten white stains (hard water, I think) around the faucet.  How can these be removed, if at all?  Do we need to have the granite sealed now?  We also have a problem with drinks leaving a dark ring for a while after it dries.  Would sealing the granite fix this?  We use soap and water to clean it, is this right?  Thanks in advance for any advice!

Exterior Slate Help.

My parents are going to be moving out of thier house in about six weeks to
relocate south.  They have slate pieces on the top of thier porch and steps.
About three of these pieces (about 12" x 18") will note stayed adhered to
the surface below which is concrete.  They need to fix these pieces before
the home inspector will give the home his blessing in order to close.  Any
thoughts?  We've attempted to fix these three pieces several times over the
years, but nothing seems to work.  Any advice is GREATLY appreciated!!
TS

Yellowing granite

Hello -- we installed marble tiles instead of a slab in our kitchen. 
It was sealed after installation which was about 9 months ago.  Over
time certain areas (higher use areas) have yellowed or turned golden in
hue.  It is a lighter marble with flecks of coral and black throughout. 
What can I do to lighten the yellowed areas?  I am very puzzled.

Thanks so much, La Vonne Foxx

Granite rings

Please help

 

We have a two week old shiny absolute black granite worktop - it was sourced from India (apparently).

 

We now have faded ring stains where we left 2 (empty) beer bottles for about an hour whilst we were having a BBQ at the weekend, and can't remove them.  As far as I know, the granite wasn't sealed.

 

Please could you help me with ideas to remove the stain, and if possible how to seal the worktop?  I am sure that granite is not supposed to stain that easily - any explanation as to why this has happened would also be greatly appreciated?

 

Many Thanks

Gillian

I've spillt methylated spirits on my slate floor?

Q. I have spillt methylated spirits onto my slate floor. It turned into a series of white spots that I can't remove with soap and water. I tried soda water, toothpaste and salt. Nothing worked. Can anyone help.

Sandy.

Sandtone fire surround

I would like to paint my sandstone fire surround, but do not know what type of paint to use. Do we need to use a masonary paint and does it need to be heat resistant? With the texture being rough, I would like if possible to use a paint to smooth the texture out, such as egg shell? Could egg shell be used?

thanks

I need solution for a disgusting brown stain?

 Thanks for your excellent advice on stone floors and countertops.  Wish I'd seen your advice before we got our slate floor at Christmas.  I love the look of our slate, which I'm guessing is of Indian origin (Lavender Harvest...which, as it turned out, looks great, but nothing at all like the floor on display in the showroom).  Having read this site I wish we'd gone with a North American gray/black slate like my sister had installed in two of her homes as it is very durable and maintenance-free.  Something tells me this Lavender Harvest stone is going to scratch, absorb spills and stain.  On the other hand, I'm thinking that our Black Galaxy countertop is going to do us well as I believe you mentioned somewhere that you installed that in your kitchen.  I'm learning from this site (albeit too late) that all slate is not the same and that "granite" is almost never granite. 

 I have another request: I need a solution for a disgusting brown stain that has been around the base of a bathroom commode on our terrazzo floor.  It has been there since before we moved in 28 years ago and I tried everything I knew to try, finally resorting to just using a bathroom rug cut around the commode to hide it.  Surely there is something I can try (a poultice?) that will be effective.  The terrazzo is going to come out in a remodel next year, but in the meantime I've thrown out the old rug and don't want to get another if something can be done to remove or lessen the stain.

 

Thanking you in advance and very much looking forward to a reply.

 

Respectfully,

Marty Proett.

 

findstone2006-05-31 17:51:29

installing a slate patio

Hi.  I got your e-mail address of a site that answers questions for people about slate patio and floor maitnance. I was wondering if you could help me.  I recently installed a natural slate patio and filled the cracks with sand.  Could you let me know if  there is a way to seal the sand and slate to protect from wear and tear? 

thank you,

Kara

Installing Travertine without inexpert

First, love your style! I bought a bunch of the dreaded, Home Depot Travertine, looks lovely to me does seem a bit brittle and crumbly.  Anyway I have set ceramic tile and slate, even some picture inlays, when it came to the travertine, I felt incompetent. I was told to get a professional because it needs to be set very flat and the surface should be level.  I didn't even know about the grout lines, should they really not be ¼ inch( living room, kitchen, entry & hall)?  I told these guys, whom are supposed to be tile setters and "love travertine" the reason I needed them was about not feeling I knew how to level and room and get a perfectly flat surface when I was through.  Not only did they not level the floor they didn't even use a level at all to make a flat surface. The first three rows(long rows appx ¼ of the room) already are disappointing, but are they salvageable?  They screwed down 1/4 inch Hardie Backer, I thought it should have been ½ inch and let them talk me out of it.  The sub floor is ¾ inch plywood, built on post and piers, in the tropics on lava.  Seems that it could move to me, do I have to rip it up and start over?  Will the big fat grout lines compensate for the ¼ inch backer? Help!  Please Advise.

Nancy Buckley.

Can slate be painted in a faux finish and last?

We have a slate floor in the rather large entry of our home. However, it is an emerald green color along with either very dark green or black. We do NOT like the color as it appears dated. Can slate be painted in a faux finish and last?    Jose.

Marble slabs in the shower.

I have been looking for information about installing marble slabs as shower walls (Crema Marfil).  A contractor suggested this option becuase currently I have 4x4 tile in the entire bathroom and cleaning the grout is a hassle.  I already found a fabricator and contractor to install it, but I am surprised that I cannot find any information/pictures online.  Is it not recommended?  I am wondering if someone has seen this before and can provide feedback.  I would like to have two slabs installed and the other two walls will be glass.  Please advise.

What slate, thinset, grout and sealer should I use

I have some very fine latex paint overspray and drips that I need to remove from my natural slate tiles in an entry Foyer. The paint is anywhere from 3 to 6 years old, and the slate was never sealed as it should have been after the original installation. How do I safely remove the latex paint overspray, and what is the best sealer to use after the paint removal. Also, is it safe to install slate tiles over a concrete slab outdoors in Colorado, where it gets below freezing all winter? What slate, thinset, grout and sealer should I use? Thank you for all your help. Can you e-mail an answer back to me?

maintance information.

Can you please send me information/advice on maintance of slate floors and granite countertops.

Thank you,

Jana Miskey.

Limestone Fireplace

We have what I would call a "rough hewn" limestone fireplace, with floor to ceiling multi-sized blocks of an extremely uneven texture extending about 10 feet in width in the middle of our family room.  There is some discoloration (darkening) at the top of the fireplace proper, which doesn't worry me to any great degree -- it simply looks "used."  However, the base of the wall (about 2 inches high) is quite dark and discolored from repeated cleaning of the slate hearth.

Is there any safe way to remove this discoloration?  Power-washing is not an option, as the hearth only extends out about 2 feet before hitting carpet.  I'm concerned about the proper method of cleaning both the stone and the sanded grout.

Thank you,

Michelle Stochl.

getting stains out of slate

How do we get oily stains out of slate without ruining the natural 
beauty?  How do we protect it from future stains?

White travertine from Iran

Dear Sirs

Eram Sangan is a subordinate company of Arsh Holding Group. This group owns 16 quarries and modern factories,equipped with resine epoxy line. We export Iranian stone to worldwide.Our main products :

1-Cream marble (Shayan)

2-Red marble (Khatam-light and dark)

3-Orange onyx

4-Red travertine (Azarshahr)

5-White travertine (new!)

6-Walnut travertine (Azarshahr)

7-Beige and cream travertine

8-Beige marble

Our products are available in tile and slab also can be filled, unfilled, brushed, honed or polished.We will provide you best service in a short time.

Regards

Mohammad Rohani

trevatine sealant

Hi All,  I have been laying "roman" trevatine tiles on high and medium traffic volume floors and, after filling, tried 2 sealers. Stonemasons Choice @ AUD $ 285 for 3 litres and found result not satisfactory for sealing as liquids with PH reading out of balance still penetrated. Second sealant used "Coohey" a New Zealand product made in Maroochydore Australia for AUD $ 65 for 3 litres and found this such a good sealer that I used this product  on the next floor only and find it excellent. At first the application appears shiny (what I dont want) and after 2 weeks this shine changes into the desired matt finish. That is now all 1 year ago and the floor still performs well. I recommend this Coohey Product for trevatine highly, particular also for its pricing. Cheers Erich

Do I use grout, or just abut them togther?

I am installing slate around my gas fireplace opening, about a 6" border all the way around.  Do I need backer board, or is 5/8" plywood sufficient? My largest span between studs is < 8".  Do I use grout, or just abut them togther without?  A salesman told me this is how to install slate because the grout would stain the surface if I used it.  Finally, he said to use mortar with latex, not an adhesive necessarily.  Any advice??

cultured vanity top cracks

 Looking for possible answers on cracked tops at faucet area that look like they started from over tightening. But it did not appear until several years later.  Could it be from install or are their other possible reasons.

Cleaning Yellowed Slate Floor.

Hi;
I have hundreds of sq. ft. of unguaged slate floor of many densities,
originally sealed with penetrating silicone type sealer which was cleaned by
mopping with Lysol; not by me.  It's now yellowed and darker.  I want to
maintain the matt finish.

I tried and expensive chemical stripper, which still required mega scrub
work get the grime out of the pores.  I prefer to lighten rather than darker
it.

What's an inexpensive mop additive that'll brighten it over time; detergent,
vinegar, peroxide, bleach?  I'll spend a little more if you have a favorite
cleaner.

What say you?

Thanks, Heather.

Wet or Dry set for patio?

For a new home addition I want to use travertine stone on a covered veranda, raised terrace, and a patio surrounding a pool.  There will be about 1200 sf of surface all together.  I'm assuming they will lay the tile on top of a concrete surface with grout, a wet set if I understand the term. 

For the outdoor patio surrounding the pool, am I ok with dry set pavers set on gravel and sand, w a membrane beneath and no grout?  What are the pros and cons of wet/dry set and grout vs no grout? 

 

I'm planning on using 18x18 inch tumbled travertine outside, and maybe a honed tile on the veranda and deck, which will be separated from the pool area by about 6 stairs. 

 

thanks for any advice you can offer,

  Don

 

We put a stone sink in our new home

We put a stone sink in our new home a little over a year ago.  I believe the stone is slate.  The basin portion of the sink is now dull looking and is lighter than the rest of the sink.  Is there a product that I can use to restore the sink to it's natural, dark color.  I have looked at the local home products store, but they don't carry anything that says it will restore the look and color.  Help.  Adam in Decatur, Il. 12Feb.

We recently installed a grey slate floor?

We recently installed a grey slate floor in our bathroom. We did not seal as your web site suggests and now notice that the grey slate seems to be turning a lighter grey. We have been told that it will come off if you use acid to clean.

How can we once and for all bring the colour back.

Will sealing the tile cause it to darken? Is there hope?

Thank you
Neil MacLean

PS Do I have to watch your web page for a response or will you e mail me back
Cheers.

we prefer lightcolored stone what do you recommend

We are in the process of building a contemporary prefab house.  Your 
postings on the slate-questions site have convinced me that the slate 
options ithey offer in the bathrooms--and for the kitchen counter--
are a BAD idea.  Here's my question:  if we prefer light-colored 
stone (beige/golden)--what do you recommend?  Also, the central 
living space is a large living/dining room that opens on both ends to 
outdoor terraces.  The architect recommends using the same flooring 
throughout.  We had planed on a "desert beige" slate (god only knows 
where it's from!), but now need an alternative plan there, too. 
(Again, sand-ish colored stone best suits our area and lot here in 
California.

Thank you very much!
Ellen and Brian

multiple dull spots on new marble

Very recently an Arabescato Marble countertop has been installed in my kitchen and within a few days  d u l l   s p o t s  appeared on the highly polished surface and now, after 4 weeks there are just a hundred dull spots. I would like to find out how to rectify this damage & how to prevent it in future. I was told ( by the installer) that acid substances as in lemon juice and similar items related to food preparation would damage the luster of the polished surface. My own observations do not substanciate this claim. Further, I have a dining table of the same material in use since 15 month with no damage to the polished top. Can anyone give me an opinion on this topic please? Thanks Erich

Granite Finish Problem

I have spilled acetone on a small area on my granite (uba tuba).   The surface in this area is no longer shiny.   Is there anything I can do? 

Thank you.

How can I put the white back in the line?

Dear Sirs:
 I have a slate topped coffee table that has a design of a large boat
engraved in the top. When I purchased it the lines were white  and over
the years and with various cleaning ladies who liked to spray lots of
aerosol cleaners about the white has gradually disappeared. How can I
put the white back in the lines to better show up the design.
Thank you ;

 Bonny Osgood.

How to remove bits of paint without staining slate

I have paint and cement stains on my outside slate entryway.  It has been previously sealed.  How do I remove the bits of paint on it without staining the slate???

 

Can i use acidtone?

 

Thanks,

 

Curt.

What is best way to clean the countertops?

I know from your q&a that you are not a fan of honed black granite.  I originally wanted slate but was advised very strongly against that.  However, that is what I put in my kitchen and love the look (despite the constant water spots)!

 

My question is what is the best way to clean the countertops.  I am now using just a damp sponge and then a Williams Sonoma Granite Counter Top Cleanser but want to make sure I am using the right products.  Also, do I need to do any maintenance sealing, etc?  I wasn't left any instructions from the developer and have been unable to reach him to get the information.

 

Your help and advice is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, 

Renee.

 

How to remove scratches from the countertop

Question,  I have honed black slate countertop in our bathroom.  I'm not
sure if it's sealed but I don't want it to be shiny.  If it's honed, does
that mean it's not shiny?  We have scratches on it, how do I remove
scratches and how do I maintain the countertop?

 

Rebecca.

What can I do to restore the slate

I just bought a house with a slate shower and when it is dry the slate has a whitish color to it. When its wet it looks new. I've tried all types of cleaning solutions and none of them make any difference. What can I do to restore the slate and then seal it to keep its beauty.

 

Thanks:

Steve.

How should i care form y peacock slate floor?

How should i care form y peacock slate floor? Until now ive been using water and household soap,but ive just got a new microfaser mop,from`jemako`,so I cant use the soap anymore as this kills the fleese in the mop,but the floor looks really clean for the first time.im just a bit worried that it may start flaking without any oily products-what do you think?

Removing scratches from a slate chalkboard

Hello,
I have a beautiful slate chalkboard with a small scratch in it.  Is there some way to remove the scratch? 
I was told you could use pumice and  a good amount of elbow to remove the scratch.
Any Ideas?
Thanks,
John Hoffman

Excellent site

Excellent site.

Was considering multi color slate and copper slate for the shower and floor. I really love the way it looks but after reading some of your answers I decided against it. I will be looking for slate looking porcelain tile instead.

 

Thanks!  

 

Dimmi.

opinion on using natural slate in a steam shower?

I found your website forum to be quite fascinating.  Can 
you give me an opinion on using natural slate in a steam shower?  I 
cannot find specifically information that says you should not do 
this, but all indications are that the maintenance issues could be 
significant. Your opinion would be valued.
Bart Bettiga

Flooded Slated Tile Floor

I need expert advice.  My house in New Orleans was flooded and I have slate tile floors in the kitchen and den.  I was there while the water was still in my house and I noticed air bubbles coming from the slate floor.  The insurance company and contractor are telling me that the floor is not damaged, but neither can explain the air bubbles.  I am concerned that water seeped under the tiles and there will be a future problem.  I would very much appreciate advice here. 

Thank you!!

Nancy Wymer

I am an interior designer

How do I clean grease from a slate backsplash??????

I need professional advice on how to remove spots.

I need professional advice on how to remove spots on a slate floor.

The slate is from a quarry in West Granville, NY. The spots are due to grout
and woodstain.

Thanks in advance.

John.

how food stains on slate floooring be removed.

Just curious as to how grease stains (food based) in the kitchen can be removed from slate flooring.   Thanks, Melanie.

Would you please send your maintenance guidelines

Dear Maurizio,

I read with interest your responses to people looking for answers to slate maintenance.  I have a shower enclosure that is Chinese slate.    Would you please send me your maintenance guidelines for residential stone installation? 

 

Thank you,

Elizabeth Novick .

slate backsplash in kitchen

I have slate on the walls of my kitchen the the slate over the cooktop has some grease splatter.  It has been sealed but I cannot get the grease spots off.  If I ever do, I will put an extra coat of sealer on it and will put something up while I cook with oily foods.

 

Please advise,

Peggy Vermillion.

how to clean a slate chalkboard.

I have been looking on your site for information on how to clean a slate
chalkboard.  Much of the info is about flooring and counter tops.

I am trying to restore the blackness of the board.  I have washed it
with a mild cleaner and water but it doesn't seem to be enough.  It was
in a school previously.  What do you recommend.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Kathy.

Grease stains on slate blacksplash

Hello,

We are in a new home with the slate tile backsplash behind the stove.  How do you get small grease stains off of them? 

Thank you,

BRIAN OWENS.

findstone2006-05-26 11:44:49

Did the muratic acid etch the old slate?

I have an indoor black Italian slate floor which is about 40 yrs old.  I recently added on and utilized the same slate flooring in the addition.  We removed the finish from the old slate using a paste type paint remover (Strypeze), removed the penetrating sealer with a 10% soln of muratic acid and then neutralized it.  We reapplied the finish on the old slate and it is lighter than the finished new slate(the new floor transitions into the old floor).  Is there a black stain to darken the old slate?  Did the muratic acid etch the old slate so that it can never be darkened further?

 Thanks

 Mark.

What are these white spots & how to get rid of it.

My front porch (15x18) which is slate is covered with a roof and starting to show white marks on every piece of slate.  I put 3 coats of sealant on the slate shortly after it was installed and everything looked great for 60 days.  Now it looks horrible with these white spots all over.  What  are these white spots, and how do I get rid of them?  It can't be from the rain, b/c the porch is covered. 

 

Best regards,

 
Joshua.

Limestone floor problems.

About four years ago I ordered limestone floor tiles from a dealer here in
Pittsburgh, Pa. The tiles and the installation for a 700 S.F. room were to
be done by the dealer on a trade for merchandise from my business. This was
part of an agreement from a Barter Network that we both belonged to. When
the tiles arrived, they did not look at all like the pale grey (almost
concrete) color of the sample. They were much more dirty looking and also
had lots of marks and stains (I guess). Because they had ordered them in a
non-cash deal, I accepted them because I did not want them to be stuck with
them. Also, they were really trying to sell me on keeping them and I
reluctantly submitted. Then when it came time to install them as part of the
agreement, new management was not happy about the trade agreement made by
former management. He put a real newcomer on the job and the final result
reflects that.

For four years I have lived there alone with the paper remaining on the
floor from when there was still remodeling going on. Finally a few weeks
ago, I took the paper off and it was as dirty looking as I remembered.
Definitely nowhere near the pale grey, concrete like clorthat I had ordered.
It is also very "dusty" or "chalky" under your feet, even though after the
installation, I did put a sealer on it myself. (It is not polished). My new
wife saw it and thought it was awful. Additionally the grout lines are very
wide because the installer told me that it couldn't be done with a small
grout joint.

My question is this:

1) Is there any thing that can be done to improve the look of this floor? I
know that it is very porous so I imagine staining, painting (even dark to
look like slate?) or acid etching it like people do with polished concrete
is out. Am I correct? Is there any way to change the look to what I desired
rather or something attractive rather than tearing the entire floor up and
laying down a new floor? Any advice would be much appreciated.Thanks.

Best regards,

Jeff Malkin.

flooring installation and maintaining information.

Hello,
I am writing to request a copy of you slate/stone flooring installation and
maintaining information.  I have 1/2 inch thick light multicolr autumn slate
from India.  We would like it to have a shiny surface when done installing.
Any suggestions on the best sealers?
Thank You,
Denni Nguyen.

Candle wax has melted on untreated slate hearth.

some candle wax has melted on an untreated slate hearth. Can you advise me on the best method of removing the stain?
Regards

R Smith.

maintenance for slate on outside courtyard

Hi  Maurizio, 
        I found this website that have a bunch of questions/answers on stone care and found your email.   We just recently put in a court yard that has slate and brick.   I have not sealed it yet but am looking for a good sealer.   Is there any other maintenance that I need to know about?  I would like to continue the slate on the steps leading up to our house.    Do you think that is a bad idea?

Thanks,
Judy.

I would like to paint the blue slate in my foyer

I would like to paint the blue slate in my foyer to match better w/ the other floors in my house. Can you paint slate? Will it chip easy?

 

Thanks.

Andria.

cloudiness clearly left from not cleaning thegrout

I recently installed Brazillian slate tile in my entry way and bathrooms.  There is a cloudiness clearly left from not cleaning the grout off completely.  Is there any way to remove the excess grout from the slate tiles?  I fear that I have ruined the tiles!

The sink has cracks in it

We have recently moved into a house with a really nice black slate kitchen sink. The sink has cracks in it which are filled with a rubbery substance. This is starting to peel out. There must be something better that I can fill the cracks with. What?

My husband and I would like to use calcutta gold m

My husband and I would like to use calcutta gold marble for our kitchen counters.ive been hearing mixed reviews about it being good for the kitchen. do you think it ages well?  I don't think we will mind the aging if it doesn't look ratty.  The other thing was slate for the floor.  I spoke to one person who said its not the best idea because it will scratch, but all the slate ive ever seen looks great with some nicks in it from wear and tear..i just don't know who to listen to.

I just don't want to spend a lot of money on the marble and have it look terrible.

paint stain on slate

I have just had a honed slate hearth installed and unfortunately the builders splattered a small amount of paint on it before it had been sealed.  They tried to mop this up with white spirit and it has spread into a pale blotch.  Is there anything I can do about this before I seal it?

 

Many thanks!

Is there something I can use to remove the stain.

My husband and I are renovating a house built in 1897. We have a stone
fireplace, that we believe to be slate or granite. It had multiple layers of
paint on it which we have stripped, but the final layer seems to be a black
stain. I can not find any references to anytime of stone stains. I was
wondering how If there is something I can use to remove the stain. Rubbing
it with the paint thinner helps some, but I would like to get it to an even
color if possible.

Kim

What would you recommend putting down as flooring

I have spent considerable time on your website and read everything I can on flooring. Here is my question, I know its my decision but what would you do.

I have an adjoining kitchen and family room, I am putting in granite counter tops, just fyi. I have 3 Akita dogs (80-100lbs) they spend most of their time in the kitchen and family room. I have two kids 8 and 11 yrs old, we live in the kitchen and family room.  My biggest concern is scratch and stain resistance, ie durability. We are willing to do the proper maintenance but don't want to spend all our time doing it and we are looking for about 10 yrs for it to look decent before we sell. We are getting different opinions based on what they want to sell us. If this was your zoo/insane asylum what would you use, with only three qualifiers we don't want carpet, linoleum, or concrete and are willing to use granite, slate, marble, travertine, porcelain or ceramic tile, hard wood, or something we haven't heard of. 

 

Please I know there are many options but given our situation, ie its a war zone but we still want it to look nice and don't want to spend every waking minute taking care of it. What would you recommend putting down.  Please please, we're so confused...

Rich at the 'nut house' in Georgia.

old slate floor that has been laid on a dirt base

I have an old slate floor that has been laid on a dirt base, and have been advised that the slate needs to breath and cannot be sealed with a commercial sealer. 

I have been advised to use a combination of linseed oil and turps do you know of the correct mix?  Or do you have any other suggestions of what to do?

Thanks

It has developed a white haze over the entire sink

I have a black sink that I purchased at Home Depot last December. I believe it is either granite or slate. I am not sure which. It has developed a white haze over the entire sink. I thought it was a mineral build up from my water, but nothing will remove it. I even tried vinegar. Any ideas?

Dawn Kern.

slate for kitchen countertops???

Hello

I found your site on line trying to figure out if slate is a good idea for a kitchen countertop.

 

I am remodeling my kitchen and have a limited budget but will live in the house for the next 20 years. Its a small kitchen and I'm looking for something that is low maintenance, durable and timeless.

 

Can you tell me what is the best bet?

 

Thanks so much!

 

Sunshine