Q. I was reading your Stain Management Application about cleaning vinegar stains, and in the types of stains on the left, vinegar is not listed. I was hoping you could clarify what poultice and method to use. Vinegar diluted with water was... Read More

Q. Some lime juice got spilled on my Bluestone table top and it left a big dull spot. Is there anything I can do to bring back the shine?   A. Maybe. If the etch is severe (deep to the point that it looks and feels rough), then you will need to... 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. Can I remove etching from my stone? A. Maybe. If it is polished marble or travertine or onyx, then there’s hope. If it is hone-finished marble or travertine, or hone-finished slate (like a chalk-board), or mixed "granite" then you’d... Read More

The streaking may be caused by any one of a number of problems. The mop you are using may be dirty. Use a clean string mop and make a point of only using it for the marble floor. Wring the mop out several times as you clean the floor. Are you using... 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