A Resource of Stone and Tile Restoration

My granite floor appears to be developing cracks beneath its surface. These cracks do not go all the way through the tile, but can be seen only in a bright light and only at certain angles. It almost looks as if they’re cracking from the bottom

Jan 21, 2022 0 0 746 0/5 (0 Vote)

The condition you are describing is called compression cracking. It is caused by movement of the substrate to which the granite is attached. If the granite tile is set over a plywood floor supported by joists, movement in the floor may be responsible... Read More

I just looked at a marble floor that had some type of a wax on it. There appears to be a blotchy appearance as if something is coming up from the marble and just under neath the wax. What is this?

Jan 20, 2022 0 0 744 0/5 (0 Vote)

It sounds like moisture is trying to escape from the marble. This is a problem if a non breathable coating is placed on the marble. You will need to strip the coating off the floor and allow it to dry for several days. I would suggest polishing the... Read More

Replacement tiles are lighter than the surrounding tiles. Is there a way to make the new tiles look darker?

Jun 17, 2022 replacement tiles, marble, refinishing 0 0 789 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q. Help!!! I have honed crema marfil marble. I had a plumber relocate my sink, which required the destruction at least 4 tiles. I purchased tiles to replace the four, however, they are much lighter than what has been already installed. Is there any... Read More

Can cement tiles or ceramic tiles be installed on top of Corian or Avonite?

Jun 2, 2010 Can cement tiles or ceramic tiles be installed on top of Corian or Avonite? 0 0 491 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q. Can cement tiles or ceramic tiles be installed on top of Corian or Avonite? I am restoring a kitchen on a tight budget, and I prefer to cover the existing countertops vs rip out and replace. A. Yes, you can install them directly over the Corian... Read More

Membrane for cracked tile replacement?

Sep 25, 2009 Sub-floor membrane tile mat polyethylene underlayment 0 0 447 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q: Hello, I have a problem with a few cracked ceramic tiles in an entryway. The tiles have cracked due to cracks (mostly hairline) in the concrete foundation. I have heard of some kind of membrane material that can be used when such cracked tiles are... Read More

I have a customer with a marble tile kitchen floor that has several chipped tiles. Replacement tiles are no longer available. What is the best way to repair?

Jan 20, 2022 0 0 737 0/5 (0 Vote)

To repair chips in marble tiles use a polyester resin and color match to the existing material. If the chip is shallow the polyester may not stick. It may be necessary to make the chip bigger. Read More

Restoring Stone Sealed With a Silicon Impregnator

Mar 9, 2023 silicon impregnator, stone restoration 0 0 577 0/5 (0 Vote)

Restoring Stone Sealed With a Silicon Impregnator Every stone restoration contractor knows that when a stone floor or surface is polished, abrasive friction removes the uppermost layer of the stone, revealing the brand new stone underneath. Since the... Read More

After a leak, how long will it take for darkened marble tiles to lighten up?

Jun 17, 2022 marble, darkened tiles, leak, wax seal 0 0 474 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q. We had mosaic marble tiles installed in our bathroom about a month ago and recently noticed the tiles about 12 inches around the toilet were a darker gray color than the rest of the floor due to a leak in the wax seal when the toilet was replaced... Read More

Does grout turn darker when wet and lighter when dry even with color seal?

Mar 29, 2021 grout color sealer 0 0 539 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q. Does grout turn darker when wet and lighter when dry even with color seal? A. Unsealed grout has tiny pores that absorb moisture, which can give unsealed grout lines a darker appearance. Once the moisture evaporates (assuming the moisture is... Read More

How to Remove Oil-Based Hairspray Stain on Marble

Apr 9, 2020 oil stain, marble, poultice, stain removal 0 0 461 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q. Hi. I watched your youtube video and need advice. I spilled sea salt hair spray on my marble counter and it left a stain. I believe that it is an oil stain. What kind of poultice should I create to remove the stain? A. Natural stone is porous,... Read More