Mistakes to Avoid in Marble Polishing: Explains TFTS

The moment you think of marble, your mind is transported to a world of sophistication, luxury, and timeless beauty. Whether it’s the intricate flooring of ancient villas or the sleek countertops that define modern homes, marble has always been a hallmark of elegance. Its natural patterns, smooth texture, and subtle glow make it a favourite material for designers, architects, and homeowners alike.

But while marble is undeniably beautiful, it requires regular care to maintain its charm. Over time, it can lose its shine, develop stains, or show scratches if not handled properly. As a porous material, marble is particularly sensitive to improper maintenance, and polishing it without the right approach can do more harm than good shares Mr. Atul Mahajan, Director of Trendsetters Facilities and Technical Services.

Which mistakes do you need to avoid in marble polishing?

To help you preserve the beauty of your marble surfaces, TFTS, India’s leading company providing professional marble polishing services for hotels, hospitals and offices, brings you a guide to avoid the most common mistakes while polishing marble.

1. Relying On Homemade Solutions

If you think you can save money by using homemade remedies like vinegar, lemon juice, or ammonia to clean or polish marble, think again. These substances, while seemingly harmless, can cause significant damage to your marble surfaces.

Marble is a soft, porous stone made primarily of calcium carbonate, which reacts with acidic and highly alkaline substances. Acids like those found in vinegar, lemon juice, wine, orange juice, and even coffee can etch the surface, leaving it dull and permanently damaged. Alkaline agents like ammonia can also corrode and ruin its finish. Instead of risking irreversible harm with DIY solutions, invest in quality cleaning products specifically designed for marble. While they might seem costly upfront, they’re far cheaper than repairing or replacing a damaged marble surface.

2. Applying polish without checking the quality of marble

It’s essential to know the type of marble you’re working with before polishing it. Marble comes in two types: natural and cultured. Natural marble is in its raw form, while cultured marble has a protective coating applied at the factory.

Polishing natural marble requires care—applying too much pressure can cause it to break since it lacks the wire mesh backing found in cultured marble. This mesh makes cultured marble more resistant to pressure. To distinguish between the two, check the back; cultured marble will have a wire mesh, while natural marble will not. Identifying the type of marble is vital, as the wrong polishing technique or excessive pressure can damage your floor.

3. Water Being Used As The Only Polishing Agent

While plain water can be used for cleaning marble, it is not ideal for polishing as it can damage the stone over time. Marble is porous and absorbs water, which can lead to dullness, etching, or discoloration, especially if the water contains chlorine, salts, or minerals.

Additionally, water alone cannot effectively cut through dirt and only removes surface dust, leaving the marble looking unattractive. To maintain its shine and integrity, it’s essential to use marble-specific polishes or solvents that are neither acidic nor basic, as these could corrode the surface.

4. Not Removing Stains Before Polishing

A common mistake during marble polishing is failing to remove stains beforehand, as marble is a porous material that easily absorbs stains. Polishing over stains can cause them to become more deeply embedded, making them harder to remove and potentially damaging the surface.

The abrasives and chemicals used in polishing can worsen the appearance of untreated stains, leading to a dull or uneven finish. To maintain the marble’s integrity and achieve a smooth, polished look, it is essential to address any stains before starting the polishing process.

5. Not Cleaning After Stain Removal

If you were thinking that removing stains from marble is the final step, think again. Failing to clean the surface with a soft, wet cloth afterward can lead to scratches and damage, as dirt, grime, or small particles left behind act like abrasives during polishing.

Polishing a dirty surface not only risks embedding stains deeper into the marble but also results in an uneven and dull finish. To maintain a smooth, polished look, always ensure the surface is thoroughly cleaned after stain removal before proceeding with polishing.

After reading this guide, it’s clear that maintaining marble’s elegance requires careful attention and the right techniques. Avoid using homemade solutions, understand your marble type, use proper polishing agents, remove stains beforehand, and clean thoroughly after stain removal. Following these tips ensures your marble stays beautiful, polished, and timeless for years.