Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention   By Frederick M. Hueston www.stoneforensics.com The crystallization of soluble salts in Historic masonry causes severe deterioration of the substrate. This crystallization is called... Read More

The stone should be completely dry for the sealer to work at its best. If the stone is still wet the sealer will not penetrate areas were water is present and therefore that portion of the stone will be unsealed. If the stone has some moisture(damp),... Read More

This is a very common problem on granite. Granite is a very porous stone, more porous than most marble. Because of its porous nature, granite has the ability to retain a great deal of moisture. The dark area in this case may simply be excessive... Read More

Q. I just had natural stone installed in the shower and bathroom. It was sealed using an enhancer. My staff used a squeegee to remove excess water, without using any chemicals. The squeegee left some rubber stains on the new tile. They are in the... Read More

Q. What is the best way to fill holes in travertine tiles?A. One quick and effective way of filling holes in honed travertine is to squeeze some almond-colored caulking material in the holes. Fill in excess, push the filler in as deep as possible... Read More

Q. How do I preserve my stone floor’s finish?   A. The number one thing you can do to preserve the finish of your natural stone is to keep dust, dirt, and grit from accumulating on your floor. These abrasive substances create small scratches... Read More

Q. I just had my floors refinished, how do I maintain them?   A. There are several things you want to avoid when maintaining your floors, as well as some of the best practices for floor maintenance:    Don't use stone soap. Don't damp... Read More

Q. How do I care for my newly installed floors?   A. The best thing to have done to a brand-new polished stone floor is a detailing job by a properly trained janitor, or a professional stone refinisher. Detailing means deep-cleaning every square... Read More

How Long Silicon Impregnators Last and When to Reapply Many different factors contribute to the longevity of silicon impregnators, including the stone type, porosity, and finish, as well as how much traffic and use the area gets and what kind of... Read More

Two Ways to Test Stone Sealer Performance If you want to do a field test to find out whether the sealer on natural stone is performing, you can choose a quick, informal test, no equipment required, or a more scientific test using a Rilem tube. Here... Read More