Protection Concepts of Marble and Stone Surfaces

The key to keep your stone floor looking 'new' is stain prevention.

There is a common misconception that marble, granite and other natural stone are very hard minerals, which do not require surface protection and post-restoration care. Unfortunately, that belief is totally wrong and many owners who have heavily invested in expensive stones have paid a high price to call back the premium shine and original beauty. This can be easily avoided! Stone owners should remember that all natural stone is porous and stain very easily. Granite has low porosity whereas limestone has high porosity. Marble is right in between. The following test proves its permeability:

Leave a wet rusty nail on a marble surface and find the ugly reddish spot on the stone after a period of time. This spot is the rust penetrating into the marble. There is a good chance of cleaning this spot up. After a couple of weeks, this mark might be impossible to remove completely. Stone changes color by absorbing rust. Stone takes in virtually any liquid. Stone can be etched, stained, discolored and corroded.

The potential source of staining is vast. Fruit drinks, grease, coffee, tea, alcohol, algae, urine, oil, efflorescence, food, soot, shoe polish, tar and much more.