FLOORCARE & MAINTENANCE
cleaned using various specialist treatments, including a poultice for some of the deeply set stains.
In addition, the stunning Nero Maquina floor required the Specialist Stone Care experts to strip back the old surface polish with a strong alkali, which also acted as a cleaning agent. This was followed by polishing the surface using various diamond pads to bring back the marble’s natural shine while ensuring an even finish to all areas.
Finally, to preserve the flooring it was protected by AquaFend G – a surface protection that has a life of at least eight years and makes ongoing maintenance and care significantly easier. And as part of the preservation process the team at Fishmongers’ Hall were trained to look after the marble floor using the Vitrification method. Once a floor has been treated I would always recommend using a quality surface protection – it makes ongoing maintenance efficient, significantly easier and also cost effective.
Vitrification combines diamonds and polishing powders, which hardens the stone and allows a gloss finish to be produced. This is done by experts with a low speed rotary machine and is usually carried out periodically in conjunction with the correct daily
cleaning regime. Using these methods and enhancing the natural properties of the stone, it is possible to control the finish that can be achieved from a matt honed finish to high gloss. It also removes light scratching.
Other restoration processes used by Specialist Stone Care include Diamond Grinding and Clean (strip) and Seal.
An interior stone floor will always require re-grinding at some point to remove scratching and to restore the floor to a smooth level and a honed or high gloss finish. Diamond Grinding is similar to sanding a wooden floor; it is simply removing the damaged layer of the floor and then re-finishing it to the required appearance.
Using specially weighted rotary machines and the latest metal and resin bond diamonds, all natural stone floors can be restored to a honed or gloss finish, while enhancing the natural properties of the stone.
Once the floor has been ground to the required level, the crystallisation process is then employed to achieve the desired finish. As part of the grinding process, any lippage in the floor is removed to allow a smooth, level finish. An impregnating seal is recommended to prevent permanent staining.
Clean Strip and Seal is the alternative restoration process used. This involves deep cleaning the stone to remove any polish/sealant that may have been administered previously. The stone is sealed using either a surface or impregnating seal.
The sealing of natural stone is important as it prevents the stone from absorbing water, salts and oil based stains that can harm it. Of course, the type of seal used is dependent upon the kind of finish required.
Complimentary processes that can also be employed are a colour enhancement or surface coating.
Interior stone care is key in order to maintain its beauty and avoid irreparable deterioration.
www.specialiststonecare.co.uk
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
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