A Guide to Stone Restoration – STATEWIDE STONE CARE

Your stone surfaces are an important part of your home or business, so it’s crucial to keep them looking their best. Unfortunately, even with regular cleaning and upkeep, time and wear and tear eventually take their toll. Marble floors, granite countertops, and other natural stone surfaces begin to look worn and scratched, or their finishes become dull–especially in areas of high traffic and heavy use. That’s where professional stone restoration comes in.

Unfortunately, many home, business, and building owners delay doing anything about their worn-looking stone surfaces–mainly because they believe their only option is to replace the stonework, which can admittedly be quite expensive. The good news is that there are other, more cost-effective options available. With today’s advanced stone restoration techniques, it’s possible to completely revitalize your tired and worn natural stone surfaces without having to replace them. The following guide will help you know everything you need to know about stone restoration–what it is, what it entails, and most importantly, how having stone surfaces restored can benefit your floors, counters, and other natural stone surfaces.

What Is Stone Restoration?

Stone restoration is a broad term that refers to returning damaged or worn stone surfaces back to their original condition at the time of installation, or as close to new condition as possible. Because every type of stone is different and because the underlying causes of disrepair are different in every situation, restoration can include a wide range of processes as expert technicians determine the best methods to utilize to bring back the stone’s natural beauty. The restoration process is extremely useful in preserving and repairing historic buildings (which often contain large amounts of stonework) because it keeps the original stone as part of the structure without having to replace it. Stone restoration can also refresh areas of high foot traffic, breathe new life into aging countertops, and much more.

The Stone Restoration Process

The stone restoration process begins with one of our experienced technicians making a site visit to your home, business, or building to evaluate the condition of the stone. When he is through assessing the stone type and condition, the technician explains the proven methods for restoration, offers illustrations, examples, and advice, guides you through the various stone restoration processes, and explains any difficulties you can face. After discussing the options and deciding on the best approach, you’ll be given a quote as to what needs to happen and what it will cost.

Once you’ve reached an agreement, the work begins. Our technicians are specially trained in all aspects of stone restoration and will work diligently to restore your surfaces to their original condition. The methods used during the process will depend on the type of stone being worked on as well as the underlying issues. Some common techniques used during stone restoration include, but are not limited to:

• Grinding: We use a variety of abrasive pads to grind down the stone, removing scratches, stains, and other blemishes in the process.
• Leveling and lippage removal: We grind down uneven areas, especially around the edges of stone and tile, to return them to a smooth, even surface.
• Stain removal: We use a variety of poultices designed to draw stains out of virtually every type of stone.
• Honing: Honing uses a finer stone-polishing pad to produce a smoother finish–an excellent solution for stone surfaces that do not have deep scratches or stains but still need to be refreshed. Honing is also the process of choice for creating a matte finish on stone surfaces or improving traction on stairs.
• Polishing: We use a variety of fine abrasive compounds to restore the original luster and shine of the stone. This is a proven process for creating a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish.
• Crystallizing: Using advanced chemical compounds, crystallizing creates an ultra-high gloss finish on stone surfaces–an excellent solution for restoring calcium-based surfaces like limestone or travertine.
• Buffing: Buffing is used for fine-tuning, evening out the finish or fixing minor blemishes in the stone.
• Sealing: Most stone surfaces need to be sealed after they’ve been restored. It’s a critical part of the process because it creates an invisible barrier that protects the stone against contaminants that could cause staining and ensures the stone retains its beauty for a long time.

How to Tell When Your Stone Needs to Be Restored

There are several signs that indicate when it’s time to have stone restoration done. If you see any of the following, it’s time to give us a call:

• Scratches: Surface scratches can be unsightly and detract from the beauty of the stone. In some cases, they can also lead to deeper damage if they’re not addressed in a timely manner.
• Stains: Many types of stone are porous and can absorb spills, which can lead to staining. If you have stains on your stone surfaces, call us right away–the sooner we address them, the better the chance of complete removal.
• Etching: Etching occurs when an acidic substance comes into contact with the stone, causing it to eat away at the surface. If you see any etching on your stone, it’s important to have it addressed as soon as possible because it can lead to further damage if left untreated.
• Uneven finishes: If you have areas of continual foot traffic and heavy use, these areas can eventually look dull compared to the rest of the surface.
• General loss of luster or shine: Over time, the shine on stone surfaces can diminish, making the surface look dull. This is usually due to a build-up of dirt and debris, but it can also be the result of wear and tear.

Can I Restore Stone Myself?

We don’t recommend it. Stone restoration is a delicate process that requires the use of specialized equipment and techniques. Many people who attempt the DIY approach end up causing more damage can calling us anyway. It’s best to leave it to the professionals so you can be sure the job will be done right.

Who Can Help with Stone Restoration in New York?

We can! At Statewide Stone Care (a Stonework company), we specialize in high-quality restoration for all types of stone and tile surfaces, both new and old. We work with homeowners, business owners, property managers, architects, and contractors across the Tri-State area. We have the experience, knowledge, and tools to restore your stone to its original beauty. For a free quote on our stone restoration services, contact us today.