Stone surfaces are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their natural beauty, durability, and low maintenance requirements. However, like all materials, they are susceptible to damage over time. In this blog post, we will explore the three most common types of damage to stone surfaces – etching, chips, and stains – and how to repair them.
Etching on Stone Surfaces
Etching on stone surfaces is a type of damage that occurs when acidic substances come into contact with the surface. This causes a chemical reaction that dissolves and dulls the surface. Common culprits of etching include acidic liquids like citrus juice, vinegar, or wine, acidic cleaning products, and acid rain. The severity of the etching will depend on the type of stone and the duration and intensity of the exposure.
Stone Etching Repair
To repair etching on marble surfaces, the process used depends on the depth of the etching. If the etching is not too deep, one can attempt to remove it using marble polishing powders. This is done by using a hand machine with a soft pad and a bit of water. The polishing powder contains small grit particles that help to scratch away the etching. If the etching is successfully removed, then the repair process is complete. However, if the etching is still visible, diamond pads of varying grades are used for further polishing. Once the etching is removed, polishing powders are applied, and the area is machine polished and rinsed.
Chips on Stone Surfaces
Chips on stone surfaces can occur due to a variety of factors, such as impact from a heavy object or tool hitting the surface, regular wear and tear over time, and exposure to extreme temperatures or weather conditions.
Stone Chip Repair
Stone chip repairs are commonly performed on benchtops and involve fixing chips on the corners or edges. Two-pack epoxy fillings can be used to match the color of the benchtop. Alternatively, a gel can be applied and cured with UV light. After the curing process, fine emery paper is used to shape the repair, followed by polishing paste and polishing until the repaired area matches the rest of the benchtop’s shine.
Stains on Stone Surfaces
Stains on stone surfaces can be caused by a range of factors, including spills of liquids like coffee or wine, exposure to natural elements like water, dirt, and debris, and chemical reactions between the stone and substances like cleaning agents or acidic foods.
Stone Stain Removal
Stone stain removal typically involves using a poultice, which is a paste made from mixing a powder with water. The poultice is applied to the stained area and then covered with polythene, which is sealed to prevent air from getting in. The goal is to create a “sweating” effect that will draw the stain out of the pores of the stone and to the surface. This process usually takes 24-48 hours. Afterward, the poultice is removed, and the area is rinsed with a solution of carbon soda to clean the surface.
Stone surfaces are a beautiful addition to any home, but they require proper care and maintenance to stay looking their best. Understanding the types of damage that can occur, such as etching, chips, and stains, and how to repair them can help prolong the life of your stone surfaces and keep them looking like new for years to come.
