Restoring a marble fireplace that has lost its shine or has chips, and scratches requires a careful approach. Often years of smoke have also darkened the stone and taken away the original colour. If you want to undertake the task yourself, here's a step by step guide to help you. For scratches and chips its best you call a professional company like ours to do this for you.
1. Clean the surface first: Start by cleaning the fireplace thoroughly with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as they can further damage the marble by scratching it.
2. Removing stains: If there are any stains on the marble and you feel comfortable and confident to tackle this problem, you can create a poultice by mixing a baking soda and water paste or simply buy a poultice online. Apply the poultice to the stained areas, cover it with plastic wrap and seal the wrap using tape to keep air from getting it in and let it sit overnight. The next day, gently remove the poultice and rinse the surface. Please note you may have to do this several times before the stain is totally removed.
3. Repairing scratches and chips: If you would like to repair small chips and scratches, use a marble repair kit that matches the colour of your fireplace (you can buy these online). Follow the instructions found with the kit to fill in the damaged areas. For deeper and badly damaged marble or stone, it's best to consult a professional marble restoration expert and get us in to mend the damage.
4. Polishing the surface: Once the repairs are complete, you can restore the shine to the marble by polishing it using different technique, from using a marble polishing powder, a wax or a specialized marble polishing product. Once again it’s best to get advice from us or allow us to polish your stone with a polishing machine. If you are confident just follow the instructions on the product which often mentions using a soft cloth or a buffer pad to gently polish the counter top, vanity unit or fireplace.
5. Applying a sealant: After polishing, we recommend you apply a marble sealant to protect the surface from stains and etching. Choose a high-quality marble sealant you can buy online and follow the instructions to apply it. Ventilate the area well during and after the application process because the fumes can be dangerous and harsh.
To maintain the marble fireplace’s nice new refreshing look, here are some tips to follow if you are confident.
-Do use abrasive cleaners or scrub brushes that can scratch the surface pf the stone.
- Clean up any spills quickly to prevent staining and etch marks.
-You can use coasters or mats under hot objects, preventing heat damage.
-Regularly dust the surface of the fireplace with a soft cloth or a soft feather duster.
-Do not place sharp or heavy objects directly on the marble surface.
- Annually reapply a marble sealant to maintain its protective effect.
Remember, granite, limestone and marble is a natural stone, so over time, it will develop a patina that adds character. If you're unsure about any step or there is extensive damage, give us a call 02071250125 or email us services@londonpolishers.co.uk
