FAQS |
What does Sigma Polishing & Restoration do? |
| We are exclusively specialized in the stone care and maintenance
of natural stones. We offer full service cleaning, sealing and
restoration of natural stone, tile and grout. Restoration is
the perfect way to protect and maintain the beauty of your stone.
Depending on the condition of the stone, our restoration experts
can strip away years of wear and tear, leaving your surfaces
looking virtually new. |
|
How do I get started? |
| The first step is to call Sigma Polishing & Restoration
and set up an appointment with an estimator. Our estimator will
visit the job site to take measurements and determine the price.
Once our bid is accepted, our experienced professionals start
working on your project. |
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How do I care for my floor on a daily basis? |
To maintain your floor’s natural beauty:
•
Dust-mop floors as needed,
• Use mild detergents
to clean surfaces, making sure to rinse and dry thoroughly,
• If spills occur, blot up immediately,
•
Avoid acid containing cleaners such as: vinegar, lemon juice,
bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, tub & tile cleaners or
other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone travertine,
or onyx surfaces,
• Do not use abrasive cleaners. |
|
How durable is marble? |
| With a simple, regular maintenance program, marble will last
far longer than the building in which it was installed. |
|
Is marble really appropriate to use in kitchens or high-traffic
areas? |
| Since ancient times, marble has been used in all areas; from
furnishings to floors. Marble stone has proven as durable as
materials traditionally considered to be sturdier with the added
benefit of creating a warm welcoming atmosphere. |
|
What is the advantage of using an outside marble specialist
instead of the in house maintenance crew if the work needs to
be done on a daily basis? |
| The floor needs to be maintained nightly but the actual refinishing
of the marble only need to be done once a month or less. A building
with 5,000-sq. ft. lobby should need to have 2 days a month
touching up the traffic areas, and maybe six days for an annual
refinishing. It just makes sense to sub out the one month of
refinishing to trained mechanic who does this work all the time
instead of a fairly unskilled porter. |
|
My floor is shiny but not smooth, little craters appear beneath
the shine. |
| Your floor is not being maintained properly. If the surface
is not perfectly smooth the stone is not being polished. There
is either a wax or some other coating, or a heavy crystallization
coating. The least damaging would be the wax, but that would
look the worst. The other two coats will lead to the deterioration
of the floor. |
|
What some of the specific cleaning problems that I should know? |
| Marble floors are frequently stained by iron, bronze, copper,
oil and grease, ink, tobacco, and smoke. Always use the gentlest
means possible to clean marble. Never attempt to remove stains
or deposits by scraping, scouring, or indiscriminately applying
bleaching agents, liquid marble cleaners, or other harsh chemicals.
Damage such as rust stains may not appear until months later.
In addition, all acids are potentially harmful to marble surfaces.
Experienced marble cleaning contractors can select appropriate
poultices (smooth pastes applied to the marble which dissolves
the staining matter) for specific stains. For large-scale cleaning
and stain removal on floors and walls, consult with a conservator
to determine the appropriate test procedure and to develop specifications
that can be used to solicit bids from qualified contractors. |
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