Marble polishing is a treatment that aims to increase the brightness of the stone especially in cases where the marble floor is opaque or yellowed, for example when the marble is installed outdoors and is therefore exposed to direct sunlight or subjected to the constant action of atmospheric agents.
Marble polishing is nothing more than the actual removal of the surface and worn layer of the marble floor which allows to obtain a smooth, intact and uniform surface again. Shining is another step of marble polishing whose aim is to restore the luster and beauty of the stone which, over time and with continuous treading, may decrease. Both terms tend to be used indistinctly.
Marble polishing is a process that combines the use of chemical products and abrasive equipment: a professional granite and marble polishing machine called “sander” with increasingly finer-grained discs. In the final phase of marble polishing, chemical products are added in order to obtain a “mirror” polished marble surface.
Therefore, polishing is a finish made by expert marble workers to obtain the classic polished marble surface but also a mechanical process that is implemented through the use of a special marble polishing machine to regain the original splendor and luster of the stone, if lost or diminished with time and wear. These are undoubtedly the best and suggested methods for a a correct marble polishing. However, there are also tips and methods within everyone’s reach that can be followed to clean and polish the marble, or simply to revive the marble, if there is a marble floor, a wall covering, a bathroom top or a kitchen top in slightly opaque marble or with small areas which have lost their initial luster.
Below we analyze both the techniques for marble polishing used by professionals and the suggestions on how to polish marble which can be followed by all those who have a marble floor.
A marble floor is undoubtedly the surface that most needs polishing treatment as it is continuously exposed to foot traffic and, in the case of outdoor marble floors, to the elements. Few professionals know how to polish marble floors correctly as it is not enough to contact a cleaning company to guarantee a quality and long-lasting result.
Marble floor polishing is a very specific procedure that requires knowledge, technical skills and a marble floor polishing machine; elements without which it is not possible to obtain a total restoration of the splendor of the stone. It is for this reason that it is always advisable to contact expert companies in the field: just think that there are companies specialized exclusively in marble floor polishing service and thus know what are the best marble floor cleaner and polish. In many cases these activities even constitute a traditional family legacy, with procedures and methodologies that are handed down from generation to generation: this is why tasks such as marble floor polishing remains the prerogative of a few experts.
In the past, a technique was mainly used for marble floor polishing, the so-called “lead polishing”. Since this technique has drawbacks (e.g. lead is toxic and this polishing has a shorter duration since it is chemically obtained), we have moved on to simpler and safer technologies.
Professionals who know how to polish marble floors also know that diamond polishing is the most effective and durable technique today; moreover, thanks to this mechanical marble floor polishing procedure, much less water is used and much less dirt is generated.
Another technique for marble floor polishing involves the use of special waxes that are “spread” on the floor to be restored. However, the results obtained with this technique are qualitatively lower than marble floor polishing service with diamonds. Wax is characterized by a recurring problem or the formation of a sort of film that is easily damaged with some types of shoes, does not last long and is not able to cover existing scratches or imperfections on the stone surface. The technologies available have made activities such as diamond marble floor polishing much less expensive and consequently accessible to those who own a marble floor, without having to resort to other palliative solutions such as wax polishing.
Once it is clear that only professionals and experts in the sector know precisely how to polish marble floors if the floor conditions are not the best, it is possible to present a series of simple handmade marble polish solutions in case the surface only needs to be slightly restored or it is opacified in some limited points.
First of all, marble polishing can only be done after the surface has been properly cleaned. In general, marble polishing and cleaning are activities that can be carried out using natural diy marble floor polishing products. This because, unless you choose products specifically designed for marble, there is a risk of damaging this material if, for example, an acid or aggressive detergent is used. First of all, it is necessary to remove the dust with a soft cloth after which it is possible to wash the surface with a mixture of warm water and a few tablespoons of Marseille soap, always wiping it gently with a soft cloth. Marseille soap, in fact, is a natural and dedicated product that has always been recommended for the routine maintenance of this high-quality stone. Finally, rinse the floor with lukewarm water so that there are no traces of soap on the floor or surface which could make it sticky.
After cleaning the surface, let’s see how to polish marble by hand. Among the different homemade marble polish remedies, we want to focus on two in particular: woolen cloth and sodium bicarbonate.
In the first case, a woolen cloth is soaked in a little warm water and rubbed quite vigorously on the area to be polished, being careful to make circular movements always in the same direction, counterclockwise or clockwise.
In the second case, on the other hand, if the floor or surface needs a more abrasive action, another natural product with abrasive and polishing qualities is sodium bicarbonate. To best marble polish by using bicarbonate, you will have to mix a few tablespoons of this product with a little water to obtain an abrasive paste to be passed on the surface to be polished or on the points to be restored.
What is always advisable, regardless of the product used for marble polishing by hand, be it Marseille soap, sodium bicarbonate or a specific detergent, is to test the effectiveness of the product on a limited area that is not very visible in order to check that the product is not too aggressive and therefore can damage the surface. However, these are small home remedies that have nothing to do with the services of an experienced professional.
Ultimately, operations such as smoothing marble or marble polishing by hand can be performed with the help of natural remedies but with caution as long as the surface conditions are not critical: in this case, to be able to obtain a polished marble it is necessary to turn to professionals who know perfectly well how to polish marble countertops, floors and surfaces to perfection using special machinery and marble polishing pads and products.
Among the various products for best marble polish, we mainly focused on natural products since, in general, they are more delicate and are unlikely to significantly damage the marble (they can therefore also be used by less expert hands). Among these products for marble polishing, we have Marseille soap, woolen cloth and sodium bicarbonate.
On the internet you can also find specific products for treating marble. This category certainly includes marble polishing powder and granules: products that are spread on the surface, wet and rubbed for their abrasive action (similar to bicarbonate). It is also possible to find specific types of abrasive marble polishing paste to be used according to the type of marble to be treated.
Wax is another product for marble polishing. On the market it is possible to find a real marble polishing kit including marble polishing pads for spreading wax. However, we believe that the application of the wax is not an activity that can be performed by any person or by improvised operators. For this reason, in addition to natural marble polishing products, we suggest not wasting time and money in the search for specific products which can also lead to counterproductive results. If natural remedies and products for marble polishing such as Marseille soap and baking soda do not solve the problem, the best thing to do is to contact professionals in the field to be sure of the result and preserve the beauty as well as the integrity of the marble.
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