The Counters Blog

Standard Size Computer Desk Kitchen Counters – Or ? Corian V Quartz

How Restore Glassy Shine To Marble Tiles

If this wears off, the natural, slightly duller surface of the stone emerges. Sealer is a liquid product that’s applied using a sponge, although some sealer manufacturers might recommend a proprietary applicator. Marble polishing powders make glassy tiles seem possible, but these products might only produce a soft sheen. When once-shiny marble turns dull, the culprit is often etched damage from acids, such as fruit juice, or improper care using harsh cleaners.
Dull Granite? Do’S & Don’Ts To Having Shiny Granite Countertops | Duration 13 Minutes 22 Seconds Some shiny marble has a topical shine product to enhance its luster. Read the label before you buy; some sealers leave no sheen, and only penetrate to protect the stone. Sealers penetrate slightly, and a new coat might not bond with an older application. A professional restorer can grind the marble tiles and buff them to a shine. This sits on the surface of the marble and dries to a shine but can wear off quickly. In addition to holding a degree in paralegal studies, she has more than 10 years of experience renovating newer homes and restoring historic property.

How To Restore Shine To A Marble Countertop Or Bathroom Vanity That Is Scratched and by household-tips.thefuntimesguide.com

It’s still white, and looks clean, but it’s got tiny scratches all over it. If you’ve ever had a marble countertop — either cultured marble or solid marble — then you know how easily they can be damaged. Most homeowners have, at some point, scratched their marble countertops, or cleaned them with the wrong products. In general, cultured marble is less expensive and slightly easier to maintain due to a gel-like coating that helps protect from stains & scratches. All you need to decide is whether you want to use a sander, or not. You aren’t going to be able to repair deep gouges with this technique. Or, you can add a cultured marble polish as a top coat for your countertop or bathroom vanity.

How To Polishing A Marble Surface Became Opaque Due Wear And Age | Duration 7 Minutes 15 Seconds Is there any hope for restoring the surface of this countertop back to its original shine? Normal wear and tear alone can leave your countertop or vanity looking less than stellar, primarily due to minor scratches. Solid marble is more expensive, more porous, and takes a good bit of extra care to keep it looking nice. Here’s how to repair a cultured marble countertop using a sander: 1. Be sure that you don’t sand down too deeply or you’ll go right through the gel top coat of a cultured marble top. Once you’ve wet sanded all the shallow scratches and surface stains off, then rinse and dry the countertop. With a little time and elbow-grease, you can polish your natural or cultured marble and make it look new again. If you have cultured marble, make sure that your product says it’s for cultured marble. If you have stains, remove them with a poultice before polishing. Use an etch remover polishing compound if you have water rings. If your marble is surrounded by other surfaces such as wood or chrome that could be damaged by the products you will use, protect them with painter’s tape. If you have wood floors, consider taping around the edges of the bottom of the cabinet if you will be using a spray product because the product could land on the floor. Polishing your marble will not remove the stains; instead, you will be sealing them in. To make a poultice, mix just enough hydrogen peroxide into flour to create a paste. Put the compound on the small section where you will begin work. How much polish you should apply will depend on the type of polish you choose and the size of the space you are polishing. While you can use either, it takes longer to use a soft cloth, and if you do not keep up the same level of pressure it could affect your results, so a low-speed polisher might be your best bet. Working in small sections also helps you evenly distribute the polish because you are able to add small amounts of polish as you go. If you’re using a soft cloth, make tight, circular movements. When you finish with the flat sides, polish the corners with a soft rag, continuing your circular movements. If your cultured marble still has stains or shows damage, you can polish it with a buffing compound and then again with a polishing compound. Don’t try buffing compound or wet sanding on natural marble because it is more easily damaged. Countertops and vanities are usually sealed with an impregnator, while floors and other types of marble may be better served by a topical sealant. Personal care products don’t stain marble unless they’re allowed to sit. You can purchase marble sealant in a spray bottle at a hardware or home goods store.
<br />
Granite Shield Shiny Granite Trio | Duration 7 Minutes 24 Seconds Adding water to sealant that is drying too fast will prevent streaking. If your sealant recommends two applications, then repeat the steps once. You don’t want to risk getting the sealant that’s seeped into the surface wet while it’s still fresh. Use a circular motion with steel wool to remove hard water buildup, then wipe with a clean water damp cloth. Vinegar stains happen from acid eating into the marble and then dust penetrating the “bald” porous surface. Apply a protective sealant to marble every one to two years to help prevent stains. Always use a cutting board when preparing food on marble surfaces. When you’ve finished polishing, use a dry cloth to wipe away excess compound and wait 24 hours. Let the marble dry again for 8 hours before placing anything on it. While it brings natural beauty to your home, it requires special care to prevent damage and stains, which occur easily due to marble’s porous surface. You can collect the items yourself or purchase a kit. If you do not have access to a polisher, you can apply your marble polish with a soft rag; however, this method is very tiring. Keep in mind that if you use a poultice you will need to wait at least 24 hours to continue to the next step. If you have stains, try removing them with just your detergent by gently working the area with your damp cloth over the stain. A poultice will remove stains that have settled into the porous surface of your marble. You can purchase a commercial poultice or you can make your own. Smooth the poultice onto the stain and seal it by taping plastic wrap over it. Consult the side of the container for proper measurements, as different products recommend different amounts. Do not apply polishing compound to the entire piece of marble at once. If you are not sure how much polish to apply, start with a little and add more as needed. If you have a drill, you can replace the drill bit with a felt-top sanding disk so that you can use it as a polisher. Only work on one small section of 1-2 feet at a time to create an even finish and avoid having your polishing compound dry out or begin to clump up.
<br /> Start in a corner and work your way around the entire area to make sure you apply an even polish. If you’re using a polisher, slowly move it in a controlled circular motion. Use a dry cloth to wipe away the residue, and then finish with a damp cloth to ensure a clean surface. If neither of these products works, cultured marble can be wet sanded using 1, 000-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Topical sealants sit on top of the marble and prevent staining, while impregnators go below the surface and repel water and oils while still allowing the marble to breathe. Don’t seal cultured marble because it’s stronger and doesn’t need a sealant. You don’t need to seal marble in a shower unless you plan to use products that stain. Shaving cream can cause etching, but that’s not prevented by a sealant. A sealant won’t prevent all stains, but will provide some protection to your marble surface. As you spray on your sealant, make sure that the entire surface of your marble is wet. You can add water to the sealant by spraying on water or dabbing with a damp cloth. After your sealant has been on the marble for the recommended time, use a dry cloth to wipe the surface dry. If you let it sit longer than the recommended time, the sealant will streak. Avoid using or placing anything on your marble until it has completely dried because the seal needs time to set. Make a paste, cover the entire surface and let it dry overnight. You could also use a silicone spray when you’re done to help it shine and protect it from staining. You have to make sure the top dust is buffed off and then seal the spot so that new dust doesn’t accumulate in it. Sealer lives on the top of the surface, so if you seal first, then polish, you’ll strip the sealer off. Protect marble surfaces from stains and scratches by using coasters, floor mats and area rugs. Do not place hot items such as pots and pans, curling irons, or cigarettes marble. Do not use products such as lemon juice or vinegar for cleaning. Apply a polishing compound using a soft cloth, working in small sections and using circular movements. When the marble is completely dry, apply a sealant and wait for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a dry cloth.
Marble Polishing: Repair Dull Spots and Marble Etching by countertopspecialty.com
Many think that the shine or polish on marble comes from applying a potion, lotion or chemical during marble cleaning. Because a polished/shiny finish is so common, many people believe that all marble is supposed to be polished or shiny. Each of these has a different look, however all of them are non-reflective. It is very common for marble floors to have a honed finish since it’s easier to maintain. A shiny polished finish will wear down with foot traffic creating dull trails around the floor. Sometimes people buy a house with a honed floor and mistakenly think that something is wrong with it because it seems dull compared to the shiny marble seen in hotels, etc. However, let me explain the subtle distinct ion that arises with the issue of etching. Likewise, if you use the wrong products for cleaning marble (too acidic or too alkaline) you can destroy the shiny finish over the entire surface making your whole marble countertop or floor “dull”. Also, plain water (unless acidic like some well and city water supplies) does not cause it. As noted above, the original finish (no matter what type) is done “at the factory” with machines. It will not take raw marble and make it shiny or “polish” it, nor is it really suitable to re-finish a honed marble so it is polished and shiny. It’s easy to see why this issue creates such confusion and misunderstanding. Again, a finish can be changed once installed, but that is a demanding job that requires special abrasives, tools and the skill of an experienced stone restoration professional.

How To Make Your Marble Floors Shine | Duration 40 Seconds Also, any finish type you find on marble (say in an existing home you purchase) is likely the original finish. Although, it could have been etched by using the wrong marble cleaning products, but that’s the only time it ever “needs” marble polishing. Also, some believe that all marble is supposed to be shiny and that the dull etch marks are some type of “stain”. It’s not surprising there’s confusion surrounding the topic of marble polishing since the term “polish” has a number of subtly different meanings in the stone industry. Natural stone can be finished with a number of different surface types, styles or looks depending on what is wanted by the buyer. However, as noted above, marble (or nearly any stone) can have a number of different finish types. And even though colors are more muted with a hone finish, many stone colors and patterns are more appealing with a honed finish. Also, dust and dirt are seen much more easily on a polished floor. They reason that it should be shiny, or it just needs “polishing” with a marble “polish”. While there is one situation (etching – see below) where a chemical compound can be used to polish marble, it utilizes as physical process (like sanding wood) to bring back the shine. Also, this specialized product is engineered to work on marble (travertine or limestone too) that was originally polished to a shine. If your marble or travertine tile floors need refinishing, you’ll want to learn about recrystallization. Etching begins on contact and the longer the exposure the more severe the etching. You must prevent contact with the reactive substances. Etching and staining are two completely different processes. It will make a honed marble shiny or more shiny, but it is not made to be used by a homeowner to re-finish a large area like a floor or entire countertop. If it is “dull” or honed, then likely that’s the way it is supposed to be and it doesn’t “need polishing”. Of course, if you’d rather have a shiny polished finish, then you can have a honed surface polished into a shine by a professional, but there is nothing “wrong” with the honed floor.

How To Clean Marble Naturally » Housewife How Tos® by housewifehowtos.com

Polished marble looks swanky, which is one of the reasons it’s so prevalent in spas and hotels as well as home construction. Honed marble looks older, like it’s been well-loved over time. For that reason, foodie homeowners are increasingly opting for honed marble in the kitchen where they know etching is inevitable. Even dirt can damage polished marble’s shine through abrasion. Use coasters under glasses and candles on marble tables or counters. Stay away from commercial “all-purpose” cleaners and even homemade cleaning mixes that use vinegar or lemon juice since these will harm your marble’s finish. Soap and water are the best ways to clean marble tiles and floors, too. Your first step, of course, is to try the cleaning methods above. Cover this with plastic wrap, tape down the edges, so it remains in place, and wait 24 hours for the mixture to “pull out” the discoloration. If you discover a stain on your black marble, clean it with a cotton ball dipped in acetone. Even with diligent care, you’ll still want to seal your marble countertops and tiles on a regular basis. Given the protection regular sealing offers your marble countertops and tiles it’s time well-spent and should be done at least twice a year. That’s a shame, too, because marble is a gorgeous building material that can improve your home’s value if you care for it properly. Depending on which you have, you’ll need to choose the right way to polish it and remove stains. Marble surfaces used in home construction are either shiny or satin. This smooth, gleaming look is accomplished mechanically at the factory long before installation. The less-glossy, more satin finish is known as honed marble. Polished marble is more stain resistant than its honed counterpart but maintaining that shine takes effort. Whichever finish your marble has, knowing how to clean marble naturally — and how to prevent and treat stains — can protect your investment while saving you expensive professional treatment. Foods like lemons and limes, vinegar, and even wine will etch and scar marble if not immediately wiped up. Attach felt pads to the bottom of small appliances to prevent countertop scratches. Use welcome mats at entrances to reduce abrasive dirt on marble floors. For the most part, quick attention with soap, water, and a microfiber cloth is enough. Once clean, polished marble needs a good buffing to restore the shine. If there’s still discoloration, spread a paste made of baking soda and water on the spot. Be sure to wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth afterward. Wipe the chalk powder away with a soft, damp cloth to remove all residue and then wipe it again with a dry cloth to bring out the shine. Sealing is neither difficult nor time-consuming: the counters in an average kitchen take a half-hour to seal, and a bathroom vanity takes even less.

How To Restore The Shine On Cultured Marble Countertops by todayshomeowner.com

Automotive compounds are mildly abrasive materials that are used to smooth and remove blemishes from cultured marble, fiberglass, paint, or clear finishes. Automotive compounds can be applied to the surface by hand with a soft, cotton cloth, or by using felt or wool pads on a power buffer, which requires much less physical effort. Wipe off any residue from the compound with a clean, soft cloth, then wash and dry the top with water. We encourage the community to help each other when they can. It left stains from the blast of spray and streaks running down the walls. They are made of a very heany stone like substance which is highly polished on one side. I would like to locate a cast solid surface pan which incorporates the curb which would provide a better water seal and eliminate some caulking joints. While you can’t remove deep scratches that go all the way through the gel coat, it is possible to restore the surface and shine using extremely fine sandpaper and polishing compounds. One fan may have the answer to another fan’s question, and we think that’s awesome. I will try picking up the product and trying it out this weekend! I bought a spray product but it doesn’t bring back the gloss in those areas. I have completely removed the shower down to the studs and was able to get all solid surface panels out without damaging them. I really like the heavy quality of the existing material and prefer not using acrylic.

What Is Marble Honing and Polishing and How Does It Make Marble Shiny? by sirgrout.com

The key feature of luxurious marble is the quality of its surface. When you keep a busy home, maintaining your marble floor’s beautiful polish can seem impossible. Calcium-carbonate is extremely vulnerable to acids – so much so that the calcium bonds with the extra hydrogen in the acid and gets damaged. The smoothness makes it very easy for light to reflect from it. This happens because light stays together when it reflects from the stone, so much so that each ray bounces from the surface in the same direction. This uneven surface causes the light to refract, and our eye perceives a dull slab of marble. Marble honing is simply a method of buffing the stone and creating a more even surface. The finish will be very scratch resistant at this point because it is not glossy. Of course, this surface must be sealed – if left unsealed, honed marble will act like a sponge and soak up any liquids that spill on it! Once sealed, regular maintenance will help you keep your marble looking beautiful. Here are a few of the liquids that should immediately be wiped up to prevent any damage to the seal or the stone underneath it. First, they will damage the seal, and after the “cleaning” is done, they will turn your polish dull and leave your marble exposed to future damage. Just call us at (866) 476-8863 and we’ll give you a free evaluation of your marble surface! Likewise, feel free to share it using the share options below. The challenge occurs when so many abrasives dull the surface. Now, most marble is formed from limestone, a stone that is made up mostly of calcium-carbonate. This is just one source of damage to a stone’s beautiful, shiny finish… but how do we get that glossy look in the first place? A shiny stone surface indicates that the surface is extremely smooth. Of course, when a marble surface becomes rough and scratched up, the light bounces in all different directions. Once the rough spots are honed away, the marble will have a matte finish. There will be no clear reflection when light shines on it, but the surface will appear smooth. If you want a glossy finish, there’s a step after honing that will create the glossy finish you’re looking for. Using a fine grit, we gently polish the surface until it sparkles. It is still susceptible to scratching and etching from caustic liquids, so all spills must be wiped up immediately. Both finishes should be sealed to prevent liquid penetration. First, look out for common household substances that can easily spill on your luxurious marble. Both acidic and alkaline cleaners can easily damage and stain your stone. Want us to cover another topic of your interest pertaining to hard surface restoration?

Restoring Cultured Marble by doityourself.com

It is less expensive than regular marble, but takes on the same look. Cultured marble can be formed into one-piece countertops with sinks molded into them, bathtubs, shower surrounds and kitchen counters. The finish can dull over time and scratches can be begin to add up. Soak a soft cloth in peroxide, apply it to the stain and let it sit overnight. Wipe off in morning and rinse it off with a mop or a clean cloth. Mix ½ gallon of hot water with ½ cup ammonia, ¼ cup of baking soda and vinegar and wash the area with a sponge for 5 minutes. Once the stain is removed you can apply a wax to the surface to bring back the glossy shine. Get an abrasive polish like automotive rubbing compound in liquid or bar form. It doesn’t matter which you use, but the buffer will make it a quicker process. The compound will grind down the ridges, and also fill in the scratches, while you are polishing the surface. This combination creates a highly moldable and extremely hard polymer. A lot of homes are using cultured marble countertops because of its great look, durability and applications. Also, there can be a buildup of dirt, cosmetics, soap and other substances that will take way from the color and the beauty of the polymer countertop. The peroxide will working on the base of the stain making it more soluble. If the stain is not gone use a solution of ammonia, vinegar, baking soda and water. However, you have to be careful not to remove the finish with the buffer. Using the buffer, or the cloth, begin rubbing out the scratches.

The Difference Between Honed and Polished Stone Interior Design Ideas by marble.com

Several natural stone finishes are offered, but honed and polished are among the most popular finishes for countertops, bathroom vanity tops, and fireplace surrounds. The finish of the natural stone influences the look and feel of the room. Polished finishes have a sophisticated appearance that invokes a feeling of luxury in the space. There are advantages and disadvantages to both honed and polished finishes. There is a very little reflection of light on the stone’s surface. Generally, the stone colors seem lighter, compared to the same stone with a polished finish. For example, granite and marble have more shine than travertine. Abrasive polishing pads are used to remove small bits of stone to create the matte finish on the surface. If you choose honed countertops or bathroom vanity tops, you must be diligent about wiping up spills. The full color and depth of the crystal structure within the stone and vibrancy of stone colors are more readily seen with a polished finish. The stone is first honed with abrasive pads before being polished to a high gloss. The result is a smooth texture that is not as porous as honed. Are you trying to create a more relaxed, casual, or tranquil space? Whenever possible, it is a good idea to visit the slab yard in person to find the perfect stone for your marble, granite, or quartzite countertops. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of finish. Many homeowners choose a specific finish to create a particular atmosphere. Honed surfaces have a softer look that creates a more casual and laid-back mood while retaining the elegance and beauty of the natural stone. The stone appears porous and has a natural-looking matte finish. Some types of stone have a naturally unpolished look, while others have more of a natural shine, even before the finishing process begins. As a result of this process, the surface of the stone is satiny to the touch. This polishing process also lightens the color of the stone while creating a smooth looking and feeling surface that is not glossy. Honed marble and granite are more porous than a polished finish, which means it will absorb spilled liquids easier. On the other hand, scratches are not as obvious, as the stone is not as reflective when the light hits the surface. The initial process for polished stone is the same process used to create a honed finish. To create the shiny surface, the stone is polished again with finer polishing pads to bring out the glossy, reflective polished finish. However, spills still need to be wiped up quickly on some types of natural stone, such as marble, to make it less prone to staining or etching the surface. There are several factors that you may want to consider when selecting both the type of stone and finish for your bathroom vanity top, kitchen countertops, backsplash, or fireplace surround. Are you looking for new countertops for a high-traffic kitchen, a firep lace surround, or bathroom vanity top? What type of atmosphere do you want to create in the room? Honed and polished are among the most popular finishes used in kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, shower surrounds, and fireplace surrounds.

Granite and Marble Polish For Extra Shine and Protection by store.countertopspecialty.com

If the surface is dull or damaged it will not make it shiny. It works much like car wax makes your car’s paint color and shine look its best, but won’t make weathered paint shiny. We gladly provide guidance to get the most from the product and achieve the desired results. It took about 3-4 applications on the worst spots but only one application on the scrubbing bubbles areas. We had a white film around our granite around the kitchen sink. Professional, non-wax formula will not build-up or discolor like traditional granite and marble polishes. Also for use on unglazed porcelain and ceramic tile and grout and stainless steel appliances. This product will make the surface extra slippery and dangerous when used on flooring. For example, glass cleaner does not make a mirror reflective. This product will enhance the shine that exists to make it really pop. I will remain a customer of theirs and their wonderful products. It also felt smoother and provided less friction that seems to make maintenance and care easier.

How To Polish Rough Marble by homeguides.sfgate.com

Start by polishing the marble stone with a 30-grit sanding pad attached to your angle grinder. Higher speeds can result in grinding the marble down too quickly, so use the lowest setting at the start while you practice. For surface applications, place the pad so that it is contact with as much of the stone surface as possible. Apply slight pressure as you move the pad gently over the surface of the marble, letting the circular movement of the pad do the work for you. Smooth the surface area down to a rough finish with the 30-grit pad. Turn the grinder off, and switch to the 60-grit pad for the second pass over the marble surface. Each pass with a smoother pad will result in a finer level of polish. Continue switching out pads as you achieve greater levels of polish until you get the desired result. Some people prefer a rough polish, while others want a glossy finish that can only be achieved with the finest grit pads. Every polishing kit brand has a slightly different angle grinder and installation method for the pads/discs. He spent more than 15 years as a third-generation tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing. Regardless whether it is installed in a home or an office setting, it provides an earthy aesthetic that ceramic and other man-made tiles cannot. While some people prefer the look and feel of the rough stone, it is sometimes necessary to polish the stone for specific installations, such as the edges of a sink, countertop or bathtub or the lip of a stair edge. Use the variable speed function on the grinder and set it to the lowest settings until you get a feel for the tool. Hold the tool firmly in both hands, and apply the surface of the pad to the area that needs to be polished. For edge work, place the pad in such a way that it is against the edge of the marble at an angle. Increase the rotation speed of the grinder once you are comfortable working with the polishing tools. Smooth edges to a roughly rounded shape if you are working on bullnosing/rounding the edges. For example, use the 100-grit pad for the third pass, the 220-grit pad for the fourth pass, and so on. You may not need to use all the pads to achieve the desired result. You can purchase stone polishing kits, which include the angle grinder and pads with six to 12 different grits. Refer to the user’s manual for your specific brand on the method for mounting the pads/disks onto the machine.

Marble Polishing: Repair Dull Marble Countertop by kjgranite.com

Marble polish is used to make the surface shiny and there is a difference between etching and polishing. However, you need to understand that the natural stones can be polished and finished in number of ways depending on the style that is required by the buyer. Because the shiny surface is very common with granite and marble countertop both, many people think that the polish is the only way to make marble look good. Many people opt for this finish as it makes the grains look prominent and the surface looks more natural. Honed finish looks dull when compared to the shiny finish and many people mistake it for some defect. The texture on the surface of the marble depends on the choice of the owner. They give you a much smoother finish where the colours look more rich and deep. The shiny surface on the marble is not achieved by applying some chemical or any other shining products. When the surface is polished, the shine comes out in a more pronounced way. Before getting the polishing process done, make sure that you are calling the right experts for the job. Many people tend to get it done by non professionals and that results in different tones on the surface of the marble. Many people don’t have the right idea about the correct procedure of marble polishing and they think polishing is for removing marks and stains from the surface of the marble. There are many marble slab suppliers who will guide you in the correct procedure of the marble polishing. When you get the surface of the marble polished, it gives it a mirror like finish and makes the colour look more deep and saturated. The colours remain muted and the finish on the surface is more towards the matte finish. Honed finish is also very easy to maintain and the colour patterns look more appealing. As we all are in a habit of seeing the marble with shiny surfaces everywhere, right from hotels, to malls, we think that the marble comes originally with it. It also makes the grains on the surface of the marble look more prominent, giving it a very elegant and classy look. The shine on the marble is something that is in its construction and it’s a part of the marble itself. In etching process, the chemical compound might be used by some manufacturers to give it the required finish and bring out the shine. Polishing is a long process and must be done in right manner to ensure that the surface is polished in an even way. Always call the experienced marble slab suppliers for the installation and the polishing process.

How To Make A Marble Countertop Smooth and Shiny Again? by answers.yahoo.com

How to make a marble countertop smooth and shiny again? However, if the marble was polished at one time, but is just a bit dull now and/or has light spots called “etch marks” then you’ll have a great chance at restoring the shine using a good marble polishing compound. Will widening a bathroom door affect the selling price of a condo? You’ll need to hire a marble pro to re-finish and polish the marble with special abrasives. Is there cream, shampoo, spray, any kind of treatment for damaged hair to make it shiny and smooth again? If you had to paint your walls pink, what shade would you choose?