Naples Marble and Stone Restoration Floor restoration terms and their meaning
Finishes: There are two primary stone finishes we can achieve, polished stone, or honed stone. There are different degrees of reflectivity we can achieve within these finishes.
A polished finish has a glossy surface that reflects light and emphasizes the color and markings of the material.
A honed finish is a satin smooth surface with relatively little reflection of light. Generally, a honed finish is preferred for floors, stair treads, thresholds, and other locations where heavy traffic will wear off the polished finish. A honed finish may also be used on furniture tops and other surfaces.
A flamed finish is a rough textured surface used frequently on granite floor tiles. We perform a clean and seal this finish.
Lippage: A condition where one edge of a stone
is higher than adjacent edges, giving the finished surface an uneven appearance.
Maintenance: Scheduled cleaning, specific procedures, and inspections performed on a daily, weekly, or other regular basis to keep the stone in proper condition.
Poultice: A liquid cleaner or chemical mixed with a white absorbent material to form a thick, stain- removing paste.
Refinishing: Repolishing or honing of dull, once-polished marble, limestone, or granite floors and walls.
Renovation: Cleaning and repolishing of neglected dimension stone surfaces.
Restoration: Large-scale remedial actions taken to restore a structure or area to its original or acceptable “near original” condition. We have often heard our customers exclaim their floors now look better than new!
Etch Marks: (calcareous stones) Caused by acids (typically from milk, fruit juices, alcohol, etc.) left on the surface of the stone, some will etch the finish but not leave a stain; others will both etch and stain.
Efflorescence: A white powder that appears on the surface of the stone, it’s caused by water carrying mineral salts from below the surface of the stone to the surface and evaporating. When the water evaporates, it leaves a powdery salt residue. It can also precipitate in grout joints or cracks as a crusty surface. We have even seen efflorescence form small stalactites hanging from vertical surfaces!