Thursday, March 30, 2023
The Stone and Tile Industry Should Be Aware of Green Washing
How to Choose a Good Tile Contractor
Friday, March 17, 2023
Rectified vs Non-Rectified Tiles
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
How Do I Clean My Marble Shower
How Do I Clean My Marble Shower
By Frederick M. Hueston,
Stoneforensics.com
Marble showers are a beautiful addition to any
bathroom, but they require proper care and maintenance to stay looking their
best. Marble is a natural stone that is porous and can easily be damaged by
harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools. To keep your marble shower looking
new, it’s important to follow these simple steps for regular cleaning and
maintenance.
Step
1: Gather Your Supplies
Before
you start cleaning your marble shower, it’s important to gather the right
supplies. You will need a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge, a pH-neutral
cleaner designed for marble, and warm water. Avoid using acidic or abrasive
cleaners, as they can damage the surface of your marble shower.
Step
2: Prepare the Shower
Before
you begin cleaning, remove any items from your shower, such as shampoo bottles
or soap dishes. Then, wet the entire surface of your marble shower with warm
water. This will help loosen any dirt or grime and make it easier to clean.
Step
3: Clean the Marble Shower
Apply
the pH-neutral cleaner to your soft cloth or sponge, and begin cleaning your
marble shower. Be sure to work in small sections, starting at the top and
working your way down. Avoid using too much pressure, as this can scratch the
surface of your marble. Rinse your cloth or sponge frequently in warm water to
remove any dirt or debris.
Step
4: Dry the Marble Shower
After
you have finished cleaning your marble shower, use a clean, dry cloth to dry
the surface. This will prevent water spots from forming and keep your marble
looking shiny and new. Be sure to dry all surfaces, including the walls, floor,
and fixtures.
Step
5: Regular Maintenance
To
keep your marble shower looking its best, it’s important to maintain it
regularly. This means wiping down the surface after each use to remove any soap
scum or water spots. You can also use a marble sealer to protect your shower
from stains and damage. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when
using any cleaning or maintenance products on your marble shower.
Cleaning
a marble shower requires gentle care and the right tools. By following these
simple steps, you can keep your marble shower looking beautiful for years to
come. Remember to always use pH-neutral cleaners, avoid abrasive tools, and dry
the surface thoroughly after cleaning. With a little bit of maintenance, your
marble shower will be a stunning addition to your bathroom.
Are my Weep Holes Clogged? Why my shower floor is darkening
Are my Weep Holes Clogged? Why my shower floor
is darkening
By Frederick M. Hueston
Shower drains are an essential part of any bathroom,
but over time, they can become clogged with debris, soap scum, and hair. Weep
holes are an integral part of shower drains as they help to prevent water from
pooling in the shower pan, but they can also become clogged, which can lead to
problems such as mold growth, unpleasant odors, and even water damage. The most
common sign of clogged weep holes in stone shower is a large discoloration
around the drain.
Cleaning the weep holes in your shower drain is a
relatively easy task that can be done in a few simple steps. Here's what you
need to know:
Gather the necessary tools and materials.
Before you start cleaning the weep holes in your
shower drain, make sure you have the following tools and materials:
Rubber gloves
Screwdriver
Wire brush or toothbrush
Vinegar or baking soda
Warm water
Remove the shower drain cover
To access the weep holes, you'll need to remove the
shower drain cover. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the cover in
place. If the cover is stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it up.
Clean the weep holes
Once you've removed the shower drain cover, you should
be able to see the weep holes. Use a wire brush or toothbrush to scrub away any
debris that may have accumulated in the holes. If the weep holes are severely
clogged, you may need to use a small tool such as a toothpick or tweezers to
remove any stubborn debris. You can also use a awl with a right angle bend at
the tip.
Use vinegar or baking soda to clean
If you notice that the weep holes are still clogged,
you can use vinegar or baking soda to help break up any remaining debris. Pour
a cup of vinegar or a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain and let it sit
for 10-15 minutes. Then, pour warm water down the drain to flush out the
debris.
Reinstall the shower drain cover
Once you've cleaned the weep holes and flushed out the
drain, you can reinstall the shower drain cover. Use the screwdriver to tighten
the screws and ensure that the cover is securely in place.
Cleaning the weep holes in your shower drain is an
essential part of maintaining your bathroom's plumbing system. By following
these simple steps, you can keep your shower drain free of debris and prevent
water damage, mold growth, and unpleasant odors. Remember to clean your shower
drain weep holes at least once every six months to ensure that they are
functioning correctly.
Friday, March 3, 2023
What’s the Dark Ring Around my Granite/Quartzite Sink
What’s the Dark Ring Around my Granite/Quartzite
Sink
By Frederick M. Hueston
You've probably heard of ring around the collar, and
in the stone business, we sometimes refer to it as "ring around the
sink" or "ring around the profile." Recently, I have been
inundated with inquiries on the reason why particular granites and quartzites
begin to form a dark ring around the perimeter of the sink and sometimes around
the top edge of the profile. This darkening can occasionally appear shortly
after the installation, while other times it can take several months before it
becomes noticeable. What factors have contributed to this darkening, and more
importantly, how can it be remedied?
The formation of a dark ring around the sink or
profile of granite and quartzite is a common occurrence, and several factors
can contribute to its development. One primary factor is the accumulation of
soap residue, body oils, and other substances that are not entirely removed
during regular cleaning. Over time, these substances can create a dark and
unsightly ring that can be difficult to remove.
Another
factor is the porosity of the stone. Certain granites and quartzites are more
porous than others, which makes them more susceptible to staining and
discoloration. Additionally, the type of sealer used during installation can
play a role in the formation of a dark ring. If a low-quality sealer is used,
it may not provide adequate protection against staining and discoloration.
Not sealing the underside or sides of the stone can
also cause moisture to soak in causing these rings.
Also, the use of certain caulking types such as
silicone and acrylics that are used to seal the sink to the stone can bleed
into the stone causing it to darken.
Fortunately,
there are several remedies for these issues. The first step is to thoroughly
clean the affected area using a mild soap and warm water. For stubborn stains,
a poultice can be used to pull the stain out.
To check for moisture use a moisture meter to see if
the darkening is moisture. If it is moisture, it can sometime be dried out by
carefully using a hair dryer or heat gun.
If the staining is caused by the caulking used than
the sink may have to be removed, the caulking scraped away, a poultice applied and
then reinstalled with a non-staining caulk.
Once
the darkening has been removed, it is crucial to apply a high-quality sealer to
protect the stone from further staining and discoloration. The seal should be
applied to the sides as well as the overhang on the sink.
While
ring around the sink may be an unsightly and frustrating issue, it is a common
one that can be remedied with proper cleaning and the application of a
high-quality sealer.
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Choosing the Right Floor Pad for Your Stone: Key Considerations Before Buying Buffing Pads
Choosing the Right Floor Pad for Your Stone: Key Considerations Before Buying Buffing Pads
By Frederick M. Hueston, StoneForensics.com
Keep in mind that every floor pad has a particular purpose and shouldn't be used on every type of stone. The following are some important queries to make before buying buffing pads.
I have what kind of stone am I polishing? Is it marble, granite or whatever?
What type of tasks am I doing? Polishing, cleaning, heavy-duty cleaning, removing a coating
What size pad do I need? Can I use a larger pad than my pad driver.
All these questions need to be answered in order to select the right pad for the task at hand.
Method of Color Coding for Floor Scrubber Pads
In order to make it easier for you to understand how harsh a particular pad will be on your floor; floor pads have an industry-standard color-coding scheme. Darker colored pads are often more aggressive, whereas lighter colored pads are thought of as light duty. Because they are used to buff at extremely high rates, floor burnishing pads generally be aggressive despite not adhering to the industry standard color-coding system.
White
The softest floor pad you can choose from is a polishing pad, which works well for daily duties. To give your floors a smooth finish, use white polishing pads with a low-speed floor polisher and a fine water mist. White pads are often used as the final dry buff after the stone has been polished. They can also be used in place of steel wool with some crystallization polishing systems. White pads can also be used with stone polishing powders but often are not aggressive enough to achieve an acceptable shine. White polishing pads are not made for high-speed machines and won't hold up on rough surfaces.
Red
Red buffing pads produce a brilliant polish and sheen while removing minor scuffs and grime from stone flooring. For light-duty use, buffing pads are ideal because they won't harm most stone flooring. They are made for a low speed buffing machine and are suited for the majority of daily cleaning activities. Some red pads will bleed with polishing powders that contain oxalic acid So I would avoid them for use with these powders.
Green and yellow
These pads are more aggressive than the red pad but not as aggressive as the black pads. They can be used to remove heavy soil along with heavy duty cleaners as well as for stripping light coatings. They can scratch the surface of marble and limestone, so care is required.
Black, Brown and Purple
These pads are used to completely remove finish, sealant, waxes, and grime. These should only be used with low-speed machines since they are quite abrasive and harsh and will scratch most marble and limestone flooring
Stripping pads are typically black, however they can also be found in purple and brown. You can select the ideal color stripping pad for you based on the type of floor stripping you are performing.
Burnishing Pads
Burnishing pads are used on high-speed buffers for burnishing certain wax finishes. However, they are the mainstay for polishing marble, limestone and other stone surfaces using a 175-300 rpm buffer. They are just abrasive enough to generate the right amount of heat along with standard polishing powders to produce a factory shine. These pads go by many names depending on the manufacturer, but most all are generically called hogs hair pads.
Diamond Impregnated Pads(DIP)
These pads are used for resurfacing marble and other stone types. They are impregnated with diamond abrasives and are available in various grit sizes ranging from 100 to as high as 11000 or more. The higher grits can be used on a burnisher but the lower grits generally work best on a standard 175-300 rpm buffer.
Not all manufacturers stick to the industry’s color-coding system so make sure to ask what the recommend use is for from each pad.
Pad sizes
Pads sizes are typically sold in a 16 -22 inch size but you may find other sizes as well. Small sizes, less than 16 inches, can be hard to find but you can always cut down a larger pad to fit small drive plates.
Buffing Pads are an essential tool for restoring and maintaining the shine and polish of marble, granite and most stone surfaces. By selecting the correct pad for the job, you can ensure that your natural stone surfaces remain in pristine condition for years to come. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these pads, and if in doubt, seek advice from a professional.
Article have Moved to the a new site
All of my article as well as many new ones have moved to my website, here is the link https://stoneforensics.com/articles/
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All of my article as well as many new ones have moved to my website, here is the link https://stoneforensics.com/articles/