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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. How do I tell the difference between natural and cultured marble? If you want to learn how to use an electric polisher on your marble, keep reading! Get a magnifying glass and carefully examine the surface of a "pristine" marble. 23 May 2019. If you do not have access to a polisher, you can apply your marble polish with a soft rag; however, this method is very tiring. Carefully scrape the crumbly poultice away with a razor blade without gouging or digging at the marble surface. Follow with a clean, damp rag to remove the powder residue, then wipe the marble dry to reveal its restored shine. This article was co-authored by Bridgett Price. You could also use a silicone spray when you're done to help it shine and protect it from staining. RELATED: 10 Ways You’re Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops. Consult your countertop’s manufacturer for product and application recommendations specific to your marble. When the marble is completely dry, apply a sealant and wait for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a dry cloth. Still, polished marble is the more common choice for the kitchen countertops or table inlays. Start in a corner and work your way around the entire area to make sure you apply an even polish. To clean cultured marble dampen a clean rag with white vinegar. Determining the time needed to remove old stains is a trial-and-error process. Use one part of ammonia plus two-part water to create a mixture. Marble polishing powder is usually made from tin oxide, and it’s also used to polish glass and jewelry. Use peroxide and baking soda. Do not use products such as lemon juice or vinegar for cleaning. Make sure there isn’t too much vinegar in the rag by wringing out the excess liquid. If you discover a stain on your black marble, clean it with a cotton ball dipped in acetone. Marble polishing powder is available at a hardware store or a store that sells supplies for working with stone. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. The "shine" on marble is not something that sits on top of the marble... it is part of the marble itself. Can I seal real marble without harsh chemicals? To combat this, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to clean and polish marble tile. Remove any stains. A secret in knowing how to clean marble countertops: You don’t need specialty cleaners for marble. Acidic or abrasive liquids like citric acid (e.g., lemon or orange juice) can eat away at marble, compromising its strength over time while also dulling the surface and leaving it vulnerable to other destructive liquids. ", "Clear and easy to understand in minutes!". If you want to learn how to use an electric polisher on your marble, keep reading! Use newspaper or paper towels and a hot iron. Marble tiles are the definition of stone sophistication, melding together the modern and timeless for a captivating look. Learning how to polish marble floors will certainly save you thousands in replacement costs. The polish or shine on marble doesn't come from the application of any wax or product. For this diamond floor polishing pads with grit 100 and 200 are used and are effective. Before polishing a marble surface, clean it to remove any buildup, with a product specifically formulated for marble care. Instead use a dry towel or chamois cloth to remove residual water or cleaners from your marble floor. Use a very fine steel wool #0000. Its natural beauty, depth of pattern, and unique markings make it an elegant, luxurious choice for flooring, countertops, tabletops, and vanities. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If you have a drill, you can replace the drill bit with a felt-top sanding disk so that you can use it as a polisher. Most specialty marble sealers (available from the manufacturer and at home improvement centers) spray or pour directly onto the marble’s surface. Use special silicone-carbide sandpaper in range of grits to slowly work out those imperfections. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. While sealing won’t completely prevent staining, this act will help your marble resist major stains and boost its glossiness. After 24-48 hours, remove the plastic, pour a little water over the dry poultice, and wipe it away with a soft cloth. Cultured marble is much easier to clean than natural marble. Wipe the etched areas with a water-dampened cloth, and sprinkle a small amount of marble polishing powder onto the etched spots. Wipe the marble top with a soft, dry cloth to remove any surface dirt and debris. It is created by grinding and smoothing using diamond abrasives. However, it still requires attention and care. How To Polish Marble Countertops. In addition, it doesn’t dissolve in water, so you’ll get a smooth, even finish. Then, go over again with a dry cloth. Every machine-made marble has these markings and if you polish a marble these "factory markings" will be removed. Or, you can add a cultured marble polish as a top coat for your countertop or bathroom vanity. Approved. It’s easier to add more than it is to remove excess. Use a clean, damp rag, wipe the cleaner off the marble. Marble stone is one of the metamorphic rocks, which can be widely varied in hardness, longevity, colors and veining. Bridgett Price is a Cleaning Guru and Co-Owner of Maideasy, a maid service company that services the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. Maintaining your marble floor By Michelle Ullman. Read the directions on your marble sealer carefully, and apply as directed. Whichever you choose, distribute the cleaner across the marble, buffing away any spots of food or other debris. Make a paste, cover the entire surface and let it dry overnight. Bridgett Price. One thing people may not realize is that even the spray from glass cleaner, used in cleaning the mirrors over your bathroom vanity, can actually etch your marble’s surface. Let the marble dry again for 8 hours before placing anything on it. When the marble is completely dry, apply a sealant and wait for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a dry cloth. Leave the poultice in place for 12 to 24 hours, after which you can remove the plastic wrap and leave to dry out completely. Rinse the area with cold water to remove any residue. When your marble surfaces have lost their shine, the following procedures will bring back the glory of this classic stone. Rub the powder into the scratches with a clean damp cloth using circular motions. Moisten the area using a spray bottle. How do I repair a chip on the threshold of marble? How do I get hot candle wax marks off natural marble? If neither of these products works, cultured marble can be wet sanded using 1,000-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Acids will damage natural marble. Now, spread the poultice over any stained areas using a clean paintbrush and cover with plastic wrap (edges taped down). instead, they will be sealed in. This article has been viewed 536,381 times. Use a circular motion with steel wool to remove hard water buildup, then wipe with a clean water damp cloth. If you want a higher shine on your cleaned floor, you can make a paste from 50/50 water and baking soda and spread it gently over the marble. Wet polishing using marble diamond polishing pads is an ideal preferred method to polish marble. Polishes that are safe for cultured marble countertops include: Countertop Magic…according to Ask The Builder Gel-Gloss Polish …according to This Old House Hope’s Cultured Marble Polish…according to Carolina Marble Products Sprinkle a small amount of marble polishing powder on top of any spots with scratches or scuffs. If the surface has a tacky or sticky feel, continue to buff until the marble is smooth to the touch, and has a high level of shine. You can use a mild dish-washing detergent (but not an acidic one). Most sealants recommend a wait time of 10-20 minutes. While a matte marble finish can minimize the appearance of imperfections, the glossy finish that most homeowners prefer on their countertops often shows off every etch and stain. Still, the beauty of marble—and the value it adds to your kitchen or bathroom—makes it worth a bit of extra trouble. Cultured marble is made of a mixture of polyester resin, limestone dust, fillers, and pigments with a clear gel coat finish on top. After removing any chalk residue, the marble should be clean, clear and sparkling. How to polish Marble May 23, 2019. Yes, use a silicone spray cover with a good coat and let dry for two hours, then polish with a camel cloth. Polish, then seal. If you have cultured marble, make sure that your product says it’s for cultured marble. Marble is a beautiful material for a worktop. AsktheBuilder.com: Marble floor polishing can remove small scratches. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon – Soft rags – Sponge – Commercial marble cleaner – Mild dishwashing liquid – Chamois or microfiber cloths – Ammonia – Hydrogen peroxide – Baking soda – Paintbrush – Plastic wrap – Tape – Razor blade – Marble polishing powder – Marble sealer. She holds a Master of Management from the University of Phoenix, specializing in digital and traditional marketing. If your sealant recommends two applications, then repeat the steps once. Rub the sponge onto the marble in sections using circular motions. You’ll find it helpful and quite interesting. Here’s the basic technique: Starting in a far corner, move laterally to the right until you meet the wall. Cultured Marble . If you are not sure how much polish to apply, start with a little and add more as needed. It enhances the shine and smoothness of the marble floor. Thoroughly dry the area. While it is possible to transform a polished marble counter into a honed surface, or vice versa, the project requires skill and experience and special equipment—in other words, it’s best to leave this job to a professional with a stone polishing machine. Doing so can etch the polish, leaving you with dulled spots. It can remove stubborn stains and discoloration on your floor. To make a poultice, mix just enough hydrogen peroxide into flour to create a paste. How to Polish Marble Countertops or Floors. Avoid harsh and acidic cleaners, like vinegar, citrus, or ammonia, since they can damage the sealant on your marble and allow bacteria to leech into it. It's a common myth that the shine on marble countertops and floor tile is achieved by applying some type of chemical or "polish" to the surface. Personal care products don’t stain marble unless they’re allowed to sit. % of people told us that this article helped them. Honed marble has been sanded to create a velvety finish—not quite matte, but definitely not shiny. Cleaning Marble. Next, apply a manufacturer-approved … Shining Marble. Old stains may require more time. Wipe the marble clean with another clean damp cloth, then dry it with a fresh cloth. Use another clean, dry cloth to buff the sealer into the marble, using circular motions. Polish the marble as needed to remove mild roughness in texture, known as etching, with a marble powder and buffing cloth. If the stain persists, repeat this process again. A single use of these acidic substances will eat into a marble countertop’s surface and dull the stone. You can purchase a commercial poultice or you can make your own. [1] Start by polishing the marble stone with a 30-grit sanding pad attached to your angle grinder. Change the paper frequently until the wax is gone. Dry with a chamois or an unused microfiber cloth. Don’t use vinegar, Windex or bleach on marble. Moisten the sponge with water and then dab it into the chalk. Michelle Ullman, make a small kitchen appear larger than its footprint, 10 Ways You’re Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops, The Best Winter Camping Destinations in America, 45 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Do, The Dos and Don'ts of Air-Drying Everything You Own, 10 Cleaning Chores You Should Be Doing Every Week. The diagrams were excellent also. While very severe etching requires a professional’s touch, you can often remove minor etching from acidic foods and cleansers yourself with a polishing powder from any old home improvement centers (just be sure to check with the marble manufacturer on which they recommend). Wet a non-abrasive sponge with warm water, wring it out and wipe the marble top again. No. No matter the look of your home there’s a colour of marble that will fit perfectly, be it white, black or even pink. If you let it sit longer than the recommended time, the sealant will streak. Plus, its shine offers a semi-reflective surface that is both attractive and helps to make a small kitchen appear larger than its footprint. Use an etch remover polishing compound if you have water rings. Remove any accumulated dirt, grime, or grease with an appropriate commercial stone cleaner and a sponge or a soft cloth, rinse lavishly, and make sure the marble … Then use a sift cloth and polish in a circular motion. Then, apply the product to polish the marble with a clean cloth, making circles with your hands to achieve a better polishing of the material. Do not apply polishing compound to the entire piece of marble at once. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. You can polish the flooring either by dry sanding or wet sanding. How do I remove metal marks from a drain opening snake? Before polishing marble, clean the surface with a clean, damp rag, then use a poultice to remove any stains, if necessary. Do I need to seal first and then polish marble, or visa versa? You have to make sure the top dust is buffed off and then seal the spot so that new dust doesn't accumulate in it. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. NOTE: Never use vinegar, bleach, scrubs, or other harsh chemicals to clean your polished marble. Last Updated: October 8, 2020 Don’t use abrasive cleaner or pads, either, because marble can be scratched. The latter problem, etching, refers to dulled spots that sometimes appear pitted and feel slightly rough to the touch. Expert Source Marble is bright and smooth and will open any room. Bridgett PriceHouse Cleaning Professional No, water won't be enough. Spread the sealer across the entire marble countertop with a clean, dry cloth and let the sealer soak into the marble for the length of time specified on the product’s container (typically less than five minutes). Don’t let the sealant fully dry or it will streak. 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