Marble Tile Maintenance

[Vickie]

Well, I've searched through the threads and can't find anything as basic as this, so at the risk of sounding like an idiot, I need help identifying the type of tile I have in my entry hall. I believe it is marble, but I don't even know if there is such a thing as thin marble tile. Regardless of the type, I need to know how to make it look better. Hand mopping doesn't help - it still looks dull and dirty.

I tried to attach a picture of the floor but it said the file was too big. It looks like marble - (would-be) white with tan and gray "marbling" through it. I would appreciate any and all advise/help - including how to upload a 354 kb jpg file.
Thanks! :)

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[MudMaker]

Vickie..
Welcome to the Forum... :) http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=14926

[ceramictec]

Hi Vickie,

email me the picture and I will post it for you.

maybe some of the guys & girls here can help you out with the
identification of your tile and a way to clean it up like new.

:)

[Vickie]

Hopefully, the pic is attached.

[ceramictec]

thats real marble Vickie. probably Statuary White or White Carrera.
nice job you have there. :)

*maybe a Mod can move this over to the "Cleaning, Restoration and Sealing" section for some good cleaning tips.

[Vickie]

Now that I'm sure of what it is, I'll pose the question there. :)

[Tool Guy - Kg]

I moved it for ya. :)

[Vickie]

I'm a home owner with little knowledge but I'm willing to learn and work. We have a marble tile entry hall. It seemed shiny when we moved in but now is dull and looks dirty no matter what I clean it with.

1. How can I tell if it has been sealed?

2. If it needs to be sealed, what do I use and how is it done?

3. What should I clean it with and how can I get it to shine again?

I'd appreciate any advise. I've attached a picture. It is about 40 sq ft.

Thanks,
Vickie

[GeorgeT]

Hi Vickie -

Your stone looks like Calacata d'Oro. It's a dense marble that polishes well.
You can do a simple water test to determine if it has any sealers or water repellents applied to it.
Just sprinkle drops of water on the floor. Every few minutes wipe one off with a towel. If you notice a slightly darker spot it means water soaked in there(it will dry back out). If there is no appearance of water soaking in 20 - 30 minutes, the stone is either sealed or very non absorbent.
Sealing with a high quality penetrating sealer is process that is easy enough but needs to be done with care to ensure a quality job. Application requires applying a coat of sealer to the stone surface, allowing it to soak in for the suggested period of time and then wiping the surface clean and dry removing all residue.
You can find some great sealers right here in the TYW Store....
You can also find the maintenance products you'll need to clean a sealed stone floor. A neutral pH cleaner will be the best for your sealed stone.
If the floor is worn or scratched you may want to have a professional stone restoration contractor look at the floor. They can help you determine what can be done to improve your floors appearance.

[Vickie]

Thanks. I'll try the water test when I get back in town.