Q: Hi. I have applied a poultice of DE and iron out to white marble to try to remove the iron. Where do you purchase a chelating agent that is to follow? A:  If the iron out works than a chealting agent would not be needed. ... Read More

If you apply a silicone impregnator to the back of a tile before setting, this may cause a bonding problem. Since most setting mortars are water based they will want to repel the water. Use an epoxy-type setting material. TIP: Before setting any... Read More

There are several techniques that can be used to bring it back, but first it is necessary to determine why the floor has faded. If the fading is due to excessive wear from foot traffic, resurfacing and polishing should return the color. If the fading... Read More

What you were told is absolutely right. Rubber-backed mats, as well as some jute-backed mats, can stain a marble floor. Advise them to use only cloth-backed floor mats. Be sure to take them up at least once week to avoid moisture build-up. TIP Also... Read More

Yes, there are several color enhancing sealers available that will darken the granite as well as seal it. Check in the resource directory at the back of this book. You may also want to try a mixture of linseed oil and mineral spirits. Start with 50%... Read More

Polishing black granite is very difficult and requires a lot of patience and is very time consuming. Here are several suggestions which should help: Make sure you are using a granite polishing compound.* Marble polishing powders will not work on... Read More

Q. A cork backed trivet stained the marble. Can it be removed by one of your recommended products or methods?     A. Yes, you will most likely need to use a poultice that you can make, or you can use a stain sponge. Either way, it may take several... Read More

This shadow or halo is a sign of moisture in the granite. When the stone gets wet, it turns dark; the granite then dries from the center out, leaving a moisture shadow which has the appearance of a stain. To eliminate this shadow, the granite will... Read More

The green growth you see is probably algae. Algae usually grows were there is abundant moisture. My guess would be that the tile stays wet after a rainstorm, allowing the algae to grow. To clean it, prepare a solution of bleach and water; about one... Read More

First, has the tile been sealed? There are several urethane coatings on the market that are used to coat Mexican tile. These urethanes are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light and will turn yellow. Strip the floor and apply a Mexican tile sealer.... Read More