How to Fix Damaged Marble Floors and Other Marble Surfaces
Produced primarily in the Western hemisphere, marble is a classic and highly sought-after material. Ancient Greeks preferred marble for sculpting because of its softer texture. Today, it is used as flooring in many homes.
After years of wear and tear, however, marble becomes dull and needs restoration. There are several ways to fix damaged marble floors. Repairing issues as they come up can keep your floor looking bright and shiny all year long. And preventative measures along the way can help you avoid needing to replace the floor altogether.
Types of Damage
One of the most important things to remember about marble surfaces is that any liquids including water left on the surface can damage it. Here are some common household items and solutions that may be damaging your marble floors:
- Drink spills (soda, coffee, juice, etc.)
- Food spills (berries, tomatoes, etc.)
- Harsh detergents that contain acid
- Tap water
- Oil
- Grease
- Tobacco
- Bleach
- Liquid marble cleaners
Through daily use, marble floors can endure cracks and scratches, too. There are many home remedies online to deal with damaged marble. If you have the means to hire a professional, however, you should. Investing in materials and equipment specifically to try a home remedy with no guarantee of repair can cost more than having a professional fix the marble in the first place.
Cracks
- Before you can repair a crack, you need to clean the marble. Using a brush, make sure to remove dirt, grime, and any shavings off the damaged area. Use acetone (not on light-colored marble) or a paint remover to clear the sides of the crack. This prepares the area for when you put a new finish over the crack. Once you have done this, make sure to dry the marble completely.
- The next step is to fill the crack with grout. To make the grout blend in, you will need to add a touch of stain to match the color of the floor. After applying grout and wiping away the excess, you should allow it to dry for at least 12 hours.
- Make sure you fill in any patchy areas and level out the surface before putting on a finishing layer of polyurethane. Please note that if a portion of the marble tile is missing, you may have to replace it instead.
Stains
Marble is a porous material, meaning that liquids will seep into it if left to sit. Your approach will depend on the type of stain. People often use agents like bleach, acetone, oils, paint thinners, and rust removers to try and remove stains from their floors. The result is usually spotty or scratched, and sometimes these efforts can destroy the marble altogether.
If you are having trouble getting a stain out, marble poultice may do the trick. It is a cleaning solution that has pulls stains out of porous materials. You can use it for almost any kind of stain. You should avoid putting any acidic compounds on the flooring if you are not sure of what you are doing. This can turn a simple stain removal into a much larger and costlier problem. It is best to hire a professional for tough, old, or large stain removal.
Scratches
The scratch removal process requires professional services, specific tools, and solutions which means that if you decide to do it yourself, you may cause even more damage.
If you do decide to skip professional help, however, you might be able to remove marble scratches with a polish. Before applying the polish, you will want to wash the surface and buff it with a damp or dry cloth. Polish is mixed with a small amount of water and applied in thin coats. Eventually, the polish fills in scratches and makes them much less noticeable or invisible.
What to Avoid to Prevent Damaged Marble Floors
Marble comes in all different shapes, sizes, and grains, and not every single variety of marble should be cleaned or restored the same way. Avoid store-bought compounds and chemicals when fixing damaged marble floors. These products can cause etching, unevenness, and permanent discoloration. You should especially avoid acidic products like vinegar. Many blogs recommend the use of these chemicals on marble, but the truth is that acid is very harmful to natural stone.
Taking Care of Marble Floors to Prevent Damage
No matter what type of marble or natural stone that you have, all of it requires regular maintenance and care. Whether it is floors, countertops, shower walls, or vanities, marble needs routine upkeep to preserve its natural beauty.
Of course, needing to fix damaged marble floors is something you should avoid. Everyday living can take a toll on flooring, but there are ways to prevent excessive wear. Here are some tips for maintaining your marble and preventing future damage:
- Use a cotton string mop to wash them.
- Avoid acidic cleaners like bleach. Choose a natural product and warm water, instead.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent the liquid from seeping into the marble.
- Try to use a stone soap instead of dishwashing soap and stay away from tap water, if possible.
- Be careful not to drag heavy items across the floors.
- Put down protective mats in high-traffic areas (like the front entryway).
Regardless of how well you upkeep your marble floors and other marble surfaces, eventually, they will need professional cleaning. When you see that your marble floors are deeply soiled, have discolored sealers or yellow wax build-up, you will know that it is time to bring in a professional team that can help you restore your marble floors to their previous shine.
Hiring an Expert to Restore Damaged Marble Floors
Damaged marble floors can be easily restored with the help of our professional marble cleaning services. Our industry-specific experts are seasoned in all things marble. With specific techniques and the appropriate materials, our crew will work to restore your marble floors from the damage they exhibit.
Contact us today at 866-578-3600 for professional marble restoration in Miami. Our team has all the best machinery to get the job done in a timely and consistent manner, taking the worry off you.
