Stone restoration is the process undertaken to remove imperfections from natural stone surfaces. Over time, stone flooring will experience normal wear and tear and eventually lose its shine. This can be accelerated through improper care such as wiping up spills or allowing items to gouge the floor, or even dropping items that could cause cracking. There are a variety of natural stones that are commonly used for flooring including Granite, Marble, Terrazzo, and Travertine. Let's explore some tips to get you on your way to restoring a stone floor and explore why it may be a good option to have a professional do the job for you.
Stone Restoration Tips
The process of restoring a stone floor is an art form that, if not done properly and with the right tools, can cause your stone floor to need to be replaced. This would be a costly exercise so let’s prevent that by using the right knowledge and materials for the job.
First, you need to understand the type of stone you have so that you can prepare appropriately. Each stone type has properties unique to them which will determine how they react to chemicals and polishing agents. Understanding your stone’s properties will help you select the right equipment.
Second, secure the right cleaning products for the job and make sure you clean the flooring thoroughly. This will make the process of grinding and honing the flooring easier and produce a better result.
Third, make sure you have the right equipment for honing and grinding back the stone. You will need a machine that resembles a large circular sander and grinding pads and buffers with varying grit strengths on them. You use each pad, from coarsest to finest, to remove all of the imperfections from the stone.
Fourth, apply a high-quality sealant. This will ensure your stone, that you have just worked so hard to restore, lasts much longer than it would without protection.
Finally, make sure you wipe up spills immediately so that they don’t stain the surface. Another suggestion would be to protect high traffic areas with the use of rugs or floor runners.
Do I need Stone Restoration Service?
If you have any doubt in obtaining the tools to complete the work, or your ability to get it done, it might be time to contact a professional restoration service. What may seem like an easy task or weekend DIY project might turn into something larger than expected. The professionals will be well equipped to handle those unexpected changes in scheduling and will also be able to easily source additional equipment or man-power if it is required.
Sometimes it can seem like a great cost-saving exercise to do a job yourself, however, it is important to understand exactly what the job involves before committing. This is because a job done incorrectly may cost more to fix than it would have otherwise. Consider the tools required for the job and the hours it would take. We have provided some great tips for you to consider if you do decide to do the job yourself.