Natural Stone

Marble

Marble Before Marble After

Known as calcium carbonate stone, marble reacts to acids and gives a high gloss appearance. Is acid sensitive and scratches easily; most marble stone have veins, swirls and bands.

Cleaning & Restoration.  For cleaning and restoration purposes, the most suitable method should be chosen according to the level of wear.  It entails removing dirt, erasing stains, and restoring the worn protective layer.

Slate

Is classified as a "rough" material with low absorption.  Slate can be found both in interiors and exteriors, and rarely has a high polished appearance unless a coating is placed on it.  Slate can be a problem, especially in wet areas, because of its high content of clay, and can develop efflorescence easily.

Cleaning & Restoration.  A good quality silicone impregnator sealer can protect the stone and generate more durability. A color enhancer can be applied also in this type of floor to create a colorful look to the stone.

Terrazo

Terrazo Before Terrazo After

The appearance of terrazzo is more uniform than most natural stone and is available in tile forms or by pouring application on the slab. Terrazzo is a mixture of Portland Cement and marble chips. These chips can range in size from a fraction of an inch to several inches. The very good side about Terrazzo is it can be ground, honed and polished just like marble and can be easily mistaken for granite.

Granite

Granite is an extremely hard natural stone with low porosity.  It is normally given a polished finish. Granite is formed by volcanic action, and is acid and scratch resistant as well.

Cleaning & Restoration.  Granite paving is not usually treated; in this case waterproofing the material is recommended, especially if it is laid in places such kitchens or bathrooms.

Travertine

Is limestone that has been formed in hot springs. Water movement caused the erosion of the stone, creating numerous holes of varying sizes. A polished travertine will have its holes filled with color-matched Portland Cement filler. These fillers do not take a high polish and therefore the overall polish tends to look blotchy.

Flagstone

Is the term given to almost all-stone material cut into thin, irregular shapes. Found extensively on public spaces like sidewalks, foyer entrance, and pool decks, flagstone can be almost any material but is commonly the SANDSTONE type.

Cleaning & Restoration.  Flagstone should not be ground and should only be cleaned and sealed.