Marble, Limestone, Granite
Appearance
Unusual finishes may be applied to many stones, and as such will render them different in both look and feel.
Some Things to Keep In Mind
- “Tumbling” is a process that is used to distress the surface of calcium-based stones, primarily marbles and limestones:
- Tumbled marble has a rough, beaten surface with a great deal of relief. This finish is often popular for backsplashes and floors.
- However, tumbled stone has the disadvantage of being difficult to clean. Its relief and many depressions capture dirt, and mopping usually leaves such finishes progressively darker and more soiled looking.
- Intense heat is also used to create attractive finishes. These “flamed” or otherwise heat-treated surfaces may have smooth appearances that are not shiny, but have rolls, waves or other “surface flows.”
- Similarly, other methods can be used to create “river washed” or “leathered” finishes.
- While these looks are attractive and often elegant, problems can occur if the surface is etched or scratched.
- Restoring these non-planar surfaces requires atypical measures not generally available in the field.
Marble, Limestone, Slate, Travertine
Care and Cleaning Tips
As with all other natural stone surfaces, resealing on a regular basis (at least annually) is important.
- Cleaning is done with a neutral pH cleaner on a daily basis.
- Abrasives must be avoided.
- Flamed, river washed and other specialty finishes are smooth but not level to the touch. As such, most mechanical means of remedying surface problems are off limits.
- Tumbled stones can be cleaned more aggressively, but deeply imbedded dirt is often difficult or impossible to reach.
- When this happens, peroxide can be used to bubble up some of that deep grime. The peroxide will not harm the stone and may bring the dirt within reach.
Granite Care and Cleaning Tips
- Annual sealing of the granite will fill the pores of the stone with a substance that will generally reject water and other household liquids.
- Resealing is done periodically due to the evaporation of the sealer and the eventual breakdown of its solid components.
- Routine (daily) cleaning should be done with a neutral pH cleaner.
- Keeping the surface dry after use will help extend the life of the sealer as well.
