Can Scratched or Etched Marble Floors Be Restored?
Can Scratched or Etched Marble Floors
Be Restored?
Table of Contents:
Marble floors add timeless elegance to a house, but over time, they can become damaged or deteriorate.
If your floors are dull, scratched, or marred by marks, you may be wondering: Can scratched or etched marble floors be restored?
The good news is—yes, they can. Your marble can look new again with the right procedure and the right expertise.
In this article, we will look at how one can repair marble floors, why marble is damaged, and why one must do marble maintenance on a regular basis.
What Causes Scratches and Etch Marks on Marble Surfaces?
Marble is an attractive material composed of calcium carbonate. It contains tiny pores and can be damaged by daily wear and tear and certain chemicals.
Here are a few common problems that might cause deep scratches & etch marks on marble flooring :
- Wearing shoes on dirty or coarse surfaces with lots of people can lead to minor scratches, and perhaps even big ones
- Acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, or wine can mark surfaces.
- Using incorrect cleaning solutions (such as harsh bleach or any non-ph-adjusted solution) can have long-term negative effects.
- Roughly cleaning marble or cleaning it too aggressively can cause the stone surface to lose its sheen.
- Hard rubbing of marble or cleaning marble using the incorrect tools will dull the surface of the stone.
The Marble Floor Restoration Process Explanation
Stone restoration professionals take a not-so-quick process that involves many steps in order to really clean and protect your marble.
1. Damage Assessment
Experts employ diamond abrasives to carefully reduce the damaged layer of marble, following guidelines outlined in the Australian Natural Stone Design Manual.
2. Deep Cleaning
Before any repair work begins, the surface receives a thorough cleaning with a ph-neutral cleaner and clean water to remove dirt and buildup. This primes the floor for effective repairs as well as the following polishing.
3. Etch and Scratch Removal
Experts employ diamond abrasives to carefully reduce the damaged layer of marble. This technique helps in eliminating etch marks and profound scratches while preserving the stone's overall structure.
4. Polishing for Aesthetic Appeal
The application of polishing compound comes next. It is used to reestablish the high sheen and slick, smooth surface of the marble after grinding. This restores the aesthetic appeal of the stone and gives it that classic marble look.
5. Lippage Removal (if needed)
When floor tiles are not level with one another, lippage removal is performed. This is done to hone the stone's surface to a consistent finish across the entire floor.
6. Sealing the Surface
To prevent the marble from further damage, a top-grade stone sealing service is applied. This helps to ward off stains from spills and allows for the upkeep that is required on a regular basis. Learn more about the benefits of sealing stone floors and why it's a crucial final step.
Why You Should Avoid DIY for Deep Marble Repair
Although you can use a damp cloth and warm water for regular cleaning, it is acceptable to have deep damage left to the professionals. Moreover, DIY efforts using acidic cleaners or scrub tools can make things worse. For professional guidance, refer to
Safe Work Australia’s Codes of Practice.
Instead, marble restoration services know how to work with the unique structure and needs of marble surfaces, in particular, the demands of Canberra's climate and the many architectural styles that make up its built environment.
Proper Care to Prevent Future Damage
Prevention is always better than trying to fix problems once they have occurred.
With this mindset, the following are some effective methods to maintain and care for your marble floors properly:
- Clean up the messes immediately, particularly with acidic substances such as fruit juices, coffee, or wine.
- Use ph-neutral cleaners as the first option instead of harsh cleaning products. Avoid household products that damage stone and stick to neutral, gentle cleaning agents.
- Place rugs or mats in high-traffic zones.
- Regularly wipe off dust and clean up spills with a damp cloth, following these Marble Maintenance and Care Tips.
- Schedule a yearly tile and grout cleaning and maintenance to ensure your floors always look new.
Where Can Marble Floor Restoration Be Used?
Restoring marble flooring is not limited to homeowners. Indeed, it is also very well suited for:
- Bathroom floors and commercial spaces
- Kitchens and entryways
- Terracotta Tiles placed alongside marble flooring need careful consideration as well as thoughtful planning, especially where the two different materials interface with each other.
- Townhouses or apartments based in Canberra that are actively seeking to improve and refine their interior design and aesthetics.
Why Choose On Point Property Services?
On Point Property Services is a company that works in the specialty field of stone restoration across Canberra, ACT.
Whether you need help with marble countertops, bathroom floors, or full-on stone surfaces, our team provides high-calibre
marble restoration services in Canberra, including polishing, etch removal, and marble repair.
We know marble's unique characteristics and use tried-and-true, professional-grade techniques and tools to restore it with the best results.
You'll get superior service, bespoke guidance, and a look that serves to make your already cool home look even better (not just good enough).
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a scratch and an etch on marble?
Physical abrasions are scratches, while etches are chemically burned areas, frequently produced by such substances as vinegar or lemon juice, that have ingrained themselves in the marble.
Can I use vinegar to clean marble?
Absolutely no! No, vinegar is acidic and can leave etching marks or even cause permanent damage. Please always use a cleaner that is ph neutral for marble cleaning.
How do I maintain marble floors after restoration?
Use fresh, clean water and a damp cloth for your everyday cleaning needs. You need to avoid using any abrasive or harsh cleaning products. Also, ensure that you schedule professional sealing services annually to ensure the surfaces remain in good condition.
For how long does marble restoration last?
Your restored marble floors can look fantastic for years—even in high-foot traffic areas—if you give them proper care and regular maintenance.
Is marble restoration suitable for commercial spaces?
Yes, without a doubt. At On Point Property Services, we proudly offer stone restoration for commercial spaces, providing durable and beautiful finishes across the Canberra area that need high-quality, durable, and beautiful stone surfaces.
Is a bathroom floor marble suitable for restoration work?
It is. Bathroom floor marble can be restored. Its susceptibility to water spots and chemical spills makes it a candidate for the treatments we offer.
Can restoration fix uneven tiles?
Yes. Lippage removal is applied to level out floor tiles, and it is safe as well as aesthetic.
