Care and Maintenance

Q. Hello. I have just built a new home. I have Crema Alara Marble in the kitchen and foyer floors, slate in my mudroom and travertine in my bathrooms. All have been professionally sealed. I do not use any chemical cleaners. Is water and a microfiber... Read More

Q. The resin coating of our Knoll Saarinen marble top table has been cracking and peeling for the past year. We don't know what to do. Any advice?   A. Some manufacturers use resins to create a topical polish, which look amazing... at first.... Read More

Q. The house was built in 1975, the entry and hall is the multi-color stone/slate typical of the 1970's There are faded red, dark gray, green-gray and light gray random shapes all with 90 degree corners. Can this floor be changed to a single... Read More

Q. The church stairs in our sanctuary are visually difficult for our aging population, and we want to install something that will prevent fall hazards but be more aesthetically pleasing than black grit tape. The sanctuary is designed with a total six... Read More

Q. I'm totally confused and need help. I'm looking to redo my bathroom and getting different answers on the use of stone tiles for the bathroom and shower. I have been told everything from it is very easy to seal and should only to be... Read More

Q. What can I use to seal the grout on my ceramic tile shower walls and is this something I can do myself?   A. Many brands of grout sealer are available for this purpose. Most sealers are easy to apply, but it is very important make sure the grout... Read More

Q. We just sealed our marble tile with a water-based sealer. There is now a light, rainbow-like film on the surface of the tile. I have used every cleaner I could purchase to try get it off, but it won’t budge. Any suggestions?   A. Sealing... Read More

Q. We installed a marble shower wall, and the contractor used an acid to clean it. We had it professionally repolished, but it keeps getting etched after we take a shower. What’s causing the etching and how do we correct it?   A. If you are... Read More

Q. Is there a low cost option to repair my etched marble table top or do I have to have the whole (huge) surface sanded and re polished? A. If the etch is very deep you may have to call in a restoration professional. However, before you do that, you... Read More

  Q. What can we do to clean marble lobby floors in our various commercial buildings? A. The yellowing and graying of certain Italian and Greek white marbles is a common problem that I see all over the world. There are several possible causes for... Read More