Q. How do I remove a candle wax stain on bluestone? A. Here are the full instructions for candle wax stains: To remove candle wax that melted into the pores of the stone: Use a hot clothing iron (preferably one you don’t mind getting wax on)... Read More

Q. Wax from a citronella candle spilled onto my outdoor natural stone bench. Please advise on a remedy to remove this. A. Candle wax can present a few issues. The candle wax that has melted onto the surface and into the pores of the stone and will... Read More

Q. We had travertine tile installed 1 1/2 years ago and I had a hole open up and it is gradually getting bigger and now a 2nd hole has opened up too. Don't know what has caused it? Need to know how to fix it? We had it sealed when it was done...... 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

The picture framing you describe is nothing more than moisture. As the tile dries the moisture is wicked to the edges of the tile. The picture framing will disappear as the tiles dry. TIP Sometimes this picture framing will deposit salts and cause a... 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

Unfortunately, most polyurethane finishes require strong solvent-based chemicals for removal. Methylene-chloride strippers as well as a number of safe strippers are available, but be forewarned: removing polyurethane is a messy job. I know several... Read More

This is a difficult problem, since water is usually required to refinish marble, and water will warp the wood. But there are several options. First, consider refinishing the marble using dry abrasives, such as sanding screens; these will create dust,... Read More

Q. Our dark granite counters are smooth but porous. No amount of cleaning, polishing, sealing leaves a lustrous, even finish. We have light granite counters in another home that clean and polish with no imperfections. Can they be refinished and... Read More