With over 30 years of experience, we take all the worry out of natural stone care and restoration. We serve clients in Beverly Hills, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, El Segundo and surrounding areas.
It makes sense that certain cleaners could damage your natural stone but did you know that even common household spills like fruit juice and soda can damage the surface. Etch marks are caused by acidic spills and leave a dull mark in the surface of the stone that can only be removed using a specialized restoration process.
Using a properly trained and qualified stone restoration professional ensures your stone is safely restored to its original beauty and luster using proper techniques and products. Not all natural stone is cared for in the same way. Travertine is care for differently than granite, slate, marble, limestone and other types of natural stone. Each type has it’s own distinct cleaning, care and restoration needs.
Natural stone floors must be maintained properly to avoid damage to the stone surface. Many common household cleaners can permanently damage natural stone leaving dull etch marks or white marks in the stone.
In many cases, a professional restoration process must be used to restore the stone back to its original condition.
Restoration of marble, granite, limestone, travertine or other natural stone involves the removal of scratches and/or other damage from the surface of the stone. Grinding is accomplished by mechanical abrasion known as diamond grinding. The grinding process is normally used to remove “lippage” from a stone floor.
Lippage occurs normally during the installation process where one tile is installed slightly higher or lower than an adjacent tile creating a “lip”. Grinding will remove the lippage and create a flat surface to continue the restoration process.
Honing is a continuation of the grinding process, using finer and finer abrasives to achieve an even finish to the stone. Honing can be accomplished using diamonds, abrasive powders or sanding screens depending on the condition of the stone. Honing can leave the stone with a dull, even finish or a matte finish depending on the desired look.
Polishing goes beyond the honing process, using even finer abrasives to achieve a shine on the stone surface. Taking it to this level further enhances the natural beauty of the stone surface. As the polishing steps continue to use finer abrasives, the reflectivity of the stone is enhanced, creating a mirror like finish. This can densify the surface of the stone, and can help prevent stain absorption.
Sealing natural stone is one of the most important ways to prevent permanent stains and discoloration. Penetrating sealers and impregnators fill the pores of the stone and help to repel dirt and spills from the surface. Most natural stone should be re-sealed every 18-24 months to maximize protection and minimize permanent staining and damage.
Morris Cleaning & Restoration
1908 Wendy Way
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310-545-8750