How to Polish Marble – Orange County CA
How to Polish Marble – Orange County CA
Marble has been treasured for centuries for both its beauty and utility. It’s a natural limestone that has been transformed, through heat, pressure and time, into a lovely and durable building material that is commonly used for flooring, counters, staircases, tables and fireplace mantels. Sturdy as it is, however, it is also very porous and stains easily; regular care is essential. Read on to learn how to keep the marble surfaces in your home looking like new.
Method 1 of 2: Polishing Natural MarbleRemove any existing stains. Marble is highly porous; stains are caused when substances seep into the stone and get trapped. Common spills like juice, wine, sauces, cooking oils and coffee will all stain your marble surface. You can avoid this by wiping up spills immediately.
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- To remove simple stains, use a damp sponge or soft cloth. Using lukewarm water and a mild dish soap, gently rub the stain until the area is clean. Rinse thoroughly.
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Draw out stubborn stains by using a poultice (optional).
- In a bowl, combine hydrogen peroxide, a few drops of ammonia, and some shredded paper towel, paper napkins or diatomaceous earth. Stir until your mixture is the consistency of a smooth, thick paste. You only need enough to cover the stain, so start with a small amount of each ingredient and add more as needed.
- Apply the poultice to the stain, approximately 1/4″ (6.5 mm) thick. Overlap the edges of the stain by 1/2″ (13 mm) or so.
- Completely cover the poultice with a piece of plastic wrap and tape down the edges. Poke a few holes in the plastic to vent it.
- Allow the poultice to completely dry. This can take up to 48 hours, so be patient.
- Remove the plastic, pour a little water over the dry poultice and wipe away with a soft cloth. Thoroughly dry the area.
- If the stain persists, repeat this process again. Stubborn stains might require two or three applications.
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After stain removal is complete, begin with a clean, dry surface. Marble is soft and scratches easily, and you don’t want to damage it while polishing.
- Use a clean, dry cloth or dust mop to gently remove all dirt, dust and grit.
- Wash away grime as needed with a soft cloth and warm water. Use a mild dish soap if needed. Rinse well with clean, damp cloth.
- Dry the surface well with a clean cloth.
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Polish your marble surface. Use a mixture of baking soda and water as a polish.
- Combine 3 tbs. (45 g) of baking soda to 1 qt (0.9 L) of water and mix well.
- Using a clean cloth, apply the mixture to your surface in a thin layer. Allow to dry for about 5 hours.
- Use a clean cloth and warm water to rinse the marble surface.
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Dry and buff the marble with another clean cloth. Using a soft microfiber or chamois cloth, gently wipe down the marble in wide, circular motions. Move in progressively smaller circles as the surface dries.
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Add a sealant (optional). A sealant won’t prevent all stains, but will provide some protection to your marble surface. You can purchase marble sealant in a spray bottle at a hardware or home goods store.
- Follow the package instructions carefully. The steps below are for general guidance only.
- Tape off any areas around the marble surface that are not to be sealed – wood trim, chrome or stainless steel. Use masking tape or plumber’s tape.
- Spray the marble liberally with the sealant. Make sure the entire surface is completely wet.
- After 15-30 minutes, use a soft, dry towel to wipe the surface completely dry.
- Apply one more coat of sealer, let it sit for 15-30 minutes and wipe dry.
- Allow the marble to cure for 6-8 hours. Do not use the surface during this time.
- Reapply sealant every 1-2 years, depending on how heavily your marble surface is used.
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