Travertine, halfway through
Mike took this photo in the middle of the job. The near tiles haven’t been touched yet. The far end is already clean. The second photo is the finished hallway.
In progress
After
Stone needs a different approach
Travertine, marble and limestone react to chemicals that ceramic tile shrugs off. Vinegar and many bathroom cleaners are acidic, and acid etches these stones, leaving dull spots that no amount of scrubbing will remove. A cleaner that’s fine on porcelain can damage a marble floor in one pass.
That’s why stone work starts with knowing the stone. ICS stands for Innovative Chemical Solutions, and choosing the right cleaner, polish and sealer for each surface is what Mike has done since 1998.
What stone restoration includes
Every stone job starts with a look at what you have and what it needs.
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Travertine and marble polishing with diamond pads and honing powder
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Filling the holes and pits that open up in travertine over time
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Penetrating sealer chosen for your stone
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Sealing for granite and other natural stone countertops
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Stone floors, showers, entries and countertops
How a job works
1. Call or send a photo
Tell Mike what's bothering you. A few phone photos are often enough to get started.
2. Get a clear estimate
You know the price before any work begins.
3. Your home is protected
Mike covers nearby floors and fixtures and cleans up when he's done.
4. Clean, repair or restore
Mike does the work himself, with the right products for your tile or stone.
5. Seal and care tips
Surfaces are sealed where needed, and you get simple tips to keep them looking new.
Stone questions
Can you fill the holes in my travertine?
Yes. Travertine is full of small natural holes, and over time more of them open up and collect dirt. Mike fills them, then cleans and seals the stone so the surface is smooth again.
How should I clean travertine between visits?
Use warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner made for stone. Skip vinegar, bleach and acidic bathroom sprays, which can etch the surface. Wipe up wine, coffee and citrus spills quickly. Mike leaves you with care tips for your specific stone.
Do you seal granite countertops?
Yes. Mike seals granite and other natural stone countertops.
How do I know if my stone needs sealing?
Try a water test. Put a few drops of water on the stone and wait a few minutes. If the spot darkens, the water is soaking in and the stone is due for sealing. If the drops bead up and the stone stays the same color, the sealer is still working.
Will polishing change the look of my stone?
Polishing brings back the finish your stone had when it was new. If you prefer a softer, matte look, tell Mike at the estimate.
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Get a free estimate
Send Mike a few photos and a quick note about the job, and he’ll get back to you with next steps. Prefer to talk? Call (916) 802-5043.