CARING FOR  Polished & Honed MARBLE & LIMESTONE FLOORS IN LUXURY HOTELS & FINER HOMES

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This report is designed to help ones to better care for polished and honed marble (limestone, travertine, serpentine) in a maintenance setting.

It will  give you options to consider when caring for the floor on a daily basis.

Since marble is gaining in popular usage it is "forcing" many homeowners, luxury hotel staff & janitorial firms to "learn" how best to care for what is now their responsibility.  You are now expected to know how to care for marble as you do for tile and carpeting.

This report will help you with some tips and product suggestions.

Restoration and Maintenance are two different terms to denote a level of expertise.

Restoration of marble would imply you are thoroughly knowledgeable with

• Diamond grinding & which types are good for which stones
• Specialty equipment for stone repair- glues/ adhesives etc.
• Knowledge of all types of stone and their different properties
• Many different types of problems you may encounter when dealing with natural stone. So, restoration and maintenance of polished marble are two separate subjects!

Since to learn how to restore marble requires expert learning and skill and time, lets focus on how to care for the shine AFTER the floor has been "restored" or is still in good condition. Some of the results you may achieve with these products may make you feel like a restoration expert though.

Goals of Proper Marble maintenance / cleaning:

• To provide a high natural shine to the floor
• Keep the floor looking clean
• Help lengthen the life of the natural shine to "reduce" but not eliminate the need for more costly diamond grinding contracts
• To provide a safe surface with some slip resistance added

Goals meet reality or expectations: Some owners or maintenance contractors want more out of natural marble care than what is possible to give! Some are under the impression that marble is a rock so it should be easier to care for.

When the shine slips away they may resort to waxes to achieve the shine and not try to keep up the shine naturally.

To care for marble to keep a natural looking shine requires extra care and periodic diamond grinding to resurface and polish the floor.

To care for marble with a wax requires less care  and expenses. It will be hard to achieve a natural looking shine but may be what you are left with trying to do because of budget concerns.

We will try to help with BOTH concerns and manners of marble MAINTENANCE

Some like the saying "If it is not broke don't fix it". This means if you are happy with your current care you may not wish to change anything. However many older cars are still running, many older typewriters are still working, and many older dial phones still work fine. So what your are used to working with may not always be the best. Having an open mind to new products will many times help. (secretaries who balked at learning the computer when they first came out now love them)

Still though if you are happy and don't want to try anything else we respect your skills and don't want to "force" our products on to anybody and everybody.

To try something new is a big step. Lets start easy and safely!

FIRST NEW PRODUCT TO TRY:   

StoneClean^TM "60"  Cleaning and Ongoing Maintenance

We all need to still clean the floor daily! Whether we are caring for the stone naturally with powder or cream polishing or crystallization methods or with waxes- the floor still needs daily cleaning!! Effective daily cleaning will

• Prolong the life of any coating you may be currently using - some "neutral pH" marble cleaners can weaken the wax/coating
• Remove the days dirt completely to avoid it being ground into the pores of the stone
• Condition the stone to help preserve the natural shine longer

BENEFITS AND QUALITIES OF StoneClean^TM "60"

It has the unique ability to achieve excellent cleaning results WITHOUT dehydration of the stone . This combination of performance characteristics differentiates it from mild "stone soaps" which may not dehydrate but are often not effective cleaners and "stone cleaners" which are effective but often dehydrate the stone surface.

You will notice how effective it cleans by using only 2 oz. per gallon of water. (maybe even try after you have cleaned the floor as a test) It is exceptional in how it can not only FLOAT the contamination to the surface but also in its ability to TRANSFER it to the MOP!

It is non-acidic cleanser which contains a number of surfactants, amines and other ingredients scaled to "grab" the contamination and float it out. Also there is another ingredient which sinks to the surface of the stone. This substantially alters the water extracting effect of the cleaning agents on the stone itself and leaves a very, very slight, totally clear, moisturizing layer.

The above description is what generally eliminates the need for a rinse because the water evaporates from above the stone instead of from inside the pores of the stone! Also since there are no detergent residues in the make-up it also reduces the need for a rinse.

It is also "coatings" friendly so will work wonders in keeping a waxed surface clean! Residues from detergents or from dirt  & oils not totally captured by daily cleaning can more quickly soil the surface treatment to the stone!! This is especially true when you go to buffing the stone or coating after ineffective cleaning!

Use StoneClean^TM "60"

1. during the restoration process to better clean between diamond grits to prolong the life of the diamonds and to better remove residues between grits
2. do a final rinse before applying any surface treatments such as re-crystallization, waxes or sealers
3. to maintain daily a surface maintained by natural methods
4. to maintain daily a surface treated with a wax or sealer

Not all cleansers are created equal! Please give StoneClean^TM "60" a try! See how a little goes a long way! See how well it cleans and leaves no residues. It is by far my best seller!!

See how the cleaning chemistry conditions the stone to keep cleaner longer.

2ND - PRODUCT TO TRY: Deep Cleaning with StoneClean^TM & Strip

Now that you see the benefits of daily cleaning with StoneClean^TM"60" you will equally see the benefits of periodic deep clean with StoneClean & Strip.

Not all "intensive" cleaners are created equal as well!

StoneClean^TM & Strip is safe for all sensitive stone surfaces. It has an exceptional ability to penetrate well into the stone surface and to draw out deeply embedded dirt and oils. If allowed to "soak" into a stain or badly soiled stone it "may" eliminate the need for a poultice to draw the stain out.

Polished marble floors have a pesky problem when it comes to deep cleaning: CLEANING THE GROUT! One contractor said that homeowners are extremely happy with his service because he pays attention to cleaning the grout with StoneClean^TM & Strip! He thinks that is a bigger concern than the shine in some cases to the homeowner. Typical grout cleansers are acid based and we all know not to use them on marble!!

The extra time spent on deep cleaning the grouting make the whole floor look clean and not just the shine. If you are having work done by a professional (diamond grinding) make sure they get the grout joints clean as well! A lot of contractors miss that opportunity to deep clean and "restore" the grout at that time. One building owner paid good money for a job and what stood out was the grout was still dirty!

StoneClean^TM & Strip can many times make quick work of waxes or coatings put on marble. This will remove that dirty wax and will get you back to the stone surface better. (there are sealers that will require extra effort to remove) When coatings are involved and they are built up in the grout joints it can be very difficult to remove the excess! Don't try to do it all in one time if your having a problem. By letting the floor dry out a day or two before trying again may help.

DAILY CLEAN: StoneClean^TM "60" (1 to 64 dilution)

INTENSIVE CLEAN: StoneClean^TM & Strip

Polish Protection Options

Since marble/limestone is only 3-4 on the Mols scale of hardness- where diamonds are 10 and quartz (sand) is 7 there is a need to try to "protect" the surface. Here are some of the options and suggestions for trying to "maintain" the high shine.

1. Leave the natural finish from any surface treatment and maintain with periodic "powder" polishing or polishing with a refinishing cream. This is for the purist who wants marble to stand on its own merit! This can be done successfully only when the staff is quick to use the oxalic acid polishing powders or cream that contains potassium oxalate. The concern is that if the staff is not properly trained in the use of oxalic acid polishing it can cause concerns of "overuse" and re-etching if not quickly rinsing and buffing. The safest system in our "opinion" is the one using Italian Craftsman Polishing Cream.   (please follow the link Italian Craftsman Polishing Cream ) I can provide a 10% discount to have some drop shipped to your location. 

   5-Extra Polishing Powder is a powered form and is what most professional refinishers use as well. Please ask for special pricing as well. 

    It is one third less acidic than oxalic acid so reduces the possibility of damaging the stone. It is used wet with a white pad and a regular speed buffer- so no special stone equipment is needed. The cream & powder may be a little slower in bringing up a high shine than stronger solutions but still can do the job even with scratched stones! For dark/ black limestone a gret non-acidic polishing powder is needed-

   52-B Polishing Powder

2. Acid based crystallization is another way of polish protection that is common. It changes the calcium carbonate into a harder surface. The advantages of these treatments for initial polishing is how quickly they can bring up a shine. HOWEVER to use on a "maintenance" setting to maintain the shine is fraught with concerns. Decomposition caused by the contact of acidic polish with the stone creates calcite powders which remain in the finish. Overtime these residues can become visible as clouding or yellowing with progressive polishings. This surface fatigue means that it becomes harder to bring back a good clear shine over time.
3. \
4. Non-acid Stone Hardening:Please read carefully the following brochure StoneHardener^TM 2 Polish can protect the newly restored or new floor! It is NOT a restoration product so will bring limited results on dull or worn stones.  However when used as a final polishing step for further surface protection it is amazing! Use it following oxalic acid polishing, crystallization, cream polishing and new installs as the icing on the cake treatment of polished marble. The advantages: Increased slip resistance, adds to abrasion resistance, adds to the shine, safe non-acid formula will not harm sensitive stones, easy application and touch-ups, will not yellow or discolor with repeated applications, will not trap dirt into the finish & doesn't require stripping. Use of StoneClean^TM "60" as the daily cleanser is high suggested since some cleansers can weaken the shine by leaving residues.
5. Combining the of Italian Craftsman Cream or 5X Powder & 52-B Powder & StoneHardener^TM 2 Polish to maintain the shine. Use the cream when the stone starts showing wear from scratching and then reapply the StoneHardener.

All of the above will not eliminate the need for periodic diamond re-honing and polishing. Cleaning with StoneClean^TM "60"  & periodic use of the cream and StoneHardener^TM 2 Polish will help preserve a good shine in between diamond grinding contracts!

Surface Treatments to enhance the Shine: Coatings

There are a lot of surface polishes for marble!! Since most janitorial firms and hotel staffs are not trained in the trade of natural marble care as discussed above topical polishes are commonly used. A few guidelines will help to determine if your system of care is in need of repair or whether you can still be happy using what has gotten you by so far. We are not about fixing what isn't broke in your care of marble.

Consider a few things your use of a topical shine should accomplish;

1. should be durable to provide a sacrificial barrier to scratching the stone
2. should NOT yellow or trap dirt into the finish making the finish look dirty and dull quickly
3. should be "cleanable" to keep the high shine looking clear and natural as possible
4. should be buffable to refresh the shine by either spray buffing or re-application
5. should not quickly soften under wet conditions or lose its shine
6. should be easily removed with a moderate pH stripper (high pH stripping of stone is NOT a good practice)

Give SuperTop^TM Renewable Finish a TRY! For higher traffic areas where you want a topical protection then also consider SuperTop HD will likely reduce labor costs from periodic strip and re-coats, from frequent spray buffs to enhance the shine, & from using less product over time. It will likely outperform current waxes in the durability of the shine and in maintaining its clear clean shine longer. Can be used with either a regular speed buffer or propane buffers for larger floor areas. When StoneClean^TM "104" or StoneClean^TM "60" are used to maintain daily with it will also preserve the clean high shine. When the time comes it is nice to know that it can be quickly removed with StoneClean^TM & Strip!

CONCLUSIONS :  PROPER MAINTENANCE PAYS

The products suggested for use here may be a little more expensive than what your are currently using. They will prove their value in keeping up the floor and possibly reduce your total budget for floor care. Example: StoneClean^TM "60" cleans so well without residues it will reduce the need for a final buff after cleans! When used in an auto scrubber you will be pleasantly surprised at its effectiveness! Using a cleanser that costs less but requires an extra rinse or buff is costing you in LABOR.

We highly respect those with the skill and equipment to do marble refinishing with diamonds! We are also respectful if ones are happy with their method of polishing and maintenance methods. We would be happy if the only product your tried was StoneClean^TM "60"! That cleanser can make your job easier with any method you are currently using! We cannot solve every maintenance concern with these products however it won't hurt to ASK!

Good Polishing to You!

It is my “opinion” that when you combine effective daily cleanings with StoneClean™ “60” and “maintenance” polishing with Italian Craftsman Polishing Cream followed by spray buffing with StoneHardener 2 Polish™  you are adding value to the care of a polished marble/ limestone floor. It will help reduce the cost of maintenance greatly! Hotels, Commercial Buildings, and finer Homes will appreciate your expertise in helping them reduce the cost of caring for their capital investment of the stone flooring!

How would you like to be told that the suit you bought for $500.00 will need special cleaning a couple of times a year that costs $100 a pop! That is about the same for some stone floors. The owner adds up the costs and says no way! Giving value to the shine you restore is worth it to the client! With all the marble already installed would a firm be at a loss of work if word got out that he helps set up maintenance programs that will actually reduce his costs? I don't think so! Your enhanced reputation by using and recommending these fine products will reward you with more work than you can handle. Good news can travel fast!

Your expertise at diamond grinding & powder polishing will always be needed from time to time. Your making money by selling to your clients products that can help maintain their floors will be residual income that you will not want to pass up in the long run. Let me explain how that could work for your firm.

I was asked to come and do a test cleaning for a fast food establishment near Ames Iowa. When I arrived with the one who arranged the appointment, the manager said the district manager was coming and that I didn’t need to do a sample. He told me that last night they spent two hours scrubbing and scrubbing the floor. Since I drove nearly two hours to make the appointment I insisted to do a small section of the floor. Not caring about it anymore he left to start his day. In a very short time the dirt and grease came floating up and out of the tiles and grouting! I never did find out if he has to explain to his district manager why there was a clean section in his floor.

This shows again that other products cannot match the cleaning power of the StoneClean™ Concentrates!