Q. We are considering using a large format marble tile on a kitchen wall. The tile is 7 1/2" X 24" X 3/4". Is this size tile too heavy to use on a wall? Is special thinset needed? Currently the wall is lathe and plaster (100+ yr old home), should... Read More

First of all, don’t waste too much time in applying poultices to large areas if it would be easier and cheaper to replace the material. Here are some suggestions for applying poultices to large areas: Use multiple poultices and work in... Read More

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. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the author of  Stone... Read More

What should you do about hard water deposits on a ceramic tile shower? Hard water deposits can build up on ceramic tile in a shower, leaving behind an unsightly residue. Here are suggestions for removing and preventing hard water deposits.  NOTE: Do... Read More

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

Q. How do we clean white spots from bird droppings on colored concrete? We have a church under construction with tiles on the floor. Windows hadn't been put in yet, and birds came in. The tiles are left stained white from the droppings.Â... Read More

Q. How do I remove grout stains from ceramic tiles? Grey grout has penetrated and stained some of my ceramic wall tiles. Is it possible to draw this out? The stain is from grey grout. The tiles were sealed, but unfortunately one pack had not been... Read More

Q.  I just bought a house that has very dated floral designs baked into various kitchen tiles on the counters and backsplash. Is it possible to remove the design and repaint the tile? I would be ok with a different color tile as long as I could... Read More

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. I spilled some coffee in my tile and it won‘t come off. I tried floor cleaning solution, vinegar and water, vinegar and baking soda, watered bleach, hydrogen peroxide. Nothing seems to work. I am pretty sure it is porcelain tile. Once you... Read More