Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our marble and natural stone Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, where we have compiled a list of commonly asked questions and answers to provide you with quick and easy access to information. Whether you are a new customer or an existing one, we hope this page will assist you in finding the answers you are looking for. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please do not hesitate to contact us directly, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Natural Stone Questions

Why is marble a good choice for home projects?

- Beauty: Marble comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it a beautiful addition to any home project. Its unique veining and coloration add a sense of luxury and sophistication to any space.

- Durability: Marble is a very durable material, making it ideal for high traffic areas like countertops, flooring, and backsplashes. It can withstand heat, scratches, and stains with proper care.

- Versatility: Marble can be used in a variety of home projects, from countertops and flooring to fireplace surrounds and shower walls. Its versatility and natural beauty make it a popular choice for many different design styles.

- Value: Marble adds value to a home, both in terms of aesthetics and resale value. It is a sought-after material that can make a property more attractive to potential buyers.

Why does marble need maintenance?

Marble is a natural stone that is porous and susceptible to scratches, stains, and etching. Because of its porous nature, marble can absorb liquids and other substances that can cause stains and discoloration. This means that regular cleaning and maintenance is necessary to keep it looking its best.

In addition to staining, marble can also be scratched or etched by acidic substances like citrus juice or vinegar. This can cause dull spots or a loss of shine on the surface of the marble. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues, as well as provide a protective layer to help prevent future damage.

Proper maintenance of marble typically involves regular cleaning and sealing. Cleaning should be done with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damaging the surface of the marble. Sealing should be done every 6-12 months, depending on the amount of use and wear on the marble. This helps to protect the surface from stains and etching and keep it looking its best for years to come.

How does a marble sealer work?

Marble is a porous material, which means that it can absorb liquids and stains if it is not properly sealed. A marble sealer is applied to the surface of the stone and then allowed to soak in and dry. It works by penetrating the pores of the marble and forming a protective barrier within the stone. This barrier repels liquids and prevents them from penetrating the surface of the stone.

Apply marble sealers periodically to maintain their effectiveness. The frequency of reapplication will depend on factors such as the type of sealer used, the level of use the marble surface receives, and the type of substances that come into contact with the surface.

Overall, a marble sealer is an important part of marble maintenance. A quality sealer helps to protect the stone from damage and staining while extending its lifespan.

Should I use a professional marble maintenance company?

Choosing to use a professional marble company depends on the extent of the maintenance needed and your level of experience. If you have minor stains or scratches on your marble, you may be able to take care of it yourself with the proper cleaning and polishing products. However, if you have deep scratches, etching, or other significant damage, it may be best to consult with a professional.

Professional marble maintenance companies have the expertise, tools, and products needed to restore and maintain marble surfaces. They can also provide guidance on the proper care and maintenance of marble, which can help to extend the life of your marble surfaces and prevent future damage. A sample of our work can be found in our project gallery.

If you choose to use a professional marble maintenance company, be sure to choose a reputable company with experienced artisans. Please reach out to us at 703-631-4625 or submit a contact request through our website to receive a free consultation.

What other natural stones can professionals restore?

Professional stone restoration companies typically work with a variety of natural stones beyond marble, including:

- Limestone: Limestone is a soft and porous natural stone that is commonly used in flooring and wall tiles. However, it is susceptible to etching and scratching, and may require professional restoration to remove these blemishes and restore its original beauty.

- Travertine: Travertine is a type of limestone that is commonly used in flooring, walls, and outdoor hardscapes. Like other natural stones, it can become dull or damaged over time and may require professional restoration to bring back its shine and beauty.

- Slate: Slate is a durable natural stone that is commonly used in flooring, roofing, and outdoor hardscapes. It can become discolored or damaged over time and may require professional restoration to remove stains and blemishes and restore its natural beauty.

- Terrazzo: Terrazzo is a composite material made from marble chips and other aggregates that is commonly used in flooring and countertops. It can become dull or damaged over time and may require professional restoration to restore its shine and smooth surface.

Professional stone restoration companies typically have the expertise and tools needed to restore a wide range of natural stones to their original beauty. They can also provide guidance on the proper care and maintenance of these surfaces to help prevent future damage.

Marble and Natural Stone Restoration

Why should you choose the Marble Doctor for your restoration needs?

The Marble Doctor offers a unique, customized restoration process based on over 25 years of experience in the industry. Marble Doctor technicians are some of the most knowledgeable and expert stone artisans in the D.C. area.

Marble Doctor restores and maintains marble, limestone, travertine, terrazzo, slate, and other natural stones. Our trained technicians repair and restore your natural stone to its original beauty using techniques developed in Europe and used for centuries.

Our all-natural restoration process is environmentally conscious and has a history of success. It is significantly different than the chemicals and waxes commonly used on stone by others. Once Marble Doctor has restored your natural stone, we recommend a Maintenance Prescription Program to keep it looking its best. Please reach out to us at 703-631-4625 or submit a contact request through our website to receive a free consultation.

What is a ‘honed’ finish?

Honing is a type of stone surface finish that creates a matte, low sheen, or satin finish on natural stone. Honing is achieved by using a series of progressively finer abrasives to remove a thin layer of the stone surface. The process of honing removes minor scratches and other surface imperfections, resulting in a smooth and even surface.

Honed surfaces are less reflective than polished surfaces, which can give them a more natural and organic appearance. They are also less prone to showing scratches and wear, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas such as floors and countertops.

Honed finishes are commonly used on natural stones such as marble, granite, limestone, and travertine. It is important to note that honed surfaces are more porous and absorbent than polished surfaces, so they require more frequent cleaning and sealing to maintain their appearance and protect them from staining.

What is a ‘polished’ finish?

A polished finish is a type of surface finish for natural stone that creates a smooth, shiny, and reflective surface. This finish is achieved by using a series of progressively finer abrasives to grind and buff the stone surface until it becomes smooth and reflective.

Polished natural stone surfaces are known for their high-gloss appearance and can enhance the natural colors and patterns of the stone. Polished finishes are commonly used on natural stones such as marble, granite, and quartz, and are often used for countertops, floors, and walls.

A polished finish can make a natural stone surface more durable and resistant to stains, scratches, and wear. It is important to note that polished surfaces are less porous than honed or textured surfaces, so they require less frequent cleaning and sealing to maintain their appearance and protect them from staining.

How does a marble polishing compound work?

A polishing compound is a type of abrasive paste or powder that is used to polish natural stone surfaces. During application, the particles in the compound begin removing thin layers of the stone surface through a process called abrasion. The abrasive particles in the compound vary in size and hardness, and are designed to work in conjunction with each other to remove scratches, blemishes, and other imperfections from the stone surface.

As the polishing compound is worked into the stone surface using a buffing pad or machine, the abrasive particles gradually become smaller and finer, creating a smooth and reflective surface. The binding agent in the compound also helps to fill in any small voids or pores in the stone surface, giving it a more uniform appearance.

Polishing compounds are available in a range of grits, from coarse to fine, depending on the level of surface imperfections and the desired level of shine. It is important to choose the right polishing compound for the specific type of natural stone being polished, as different types of stone have varying levels of hardness and sensitivity to abrasion.

What is ‘old-world’ marble polishing?

“Old-world polishing techniques” for marble refers to traditional methods of polishing marble that have been used for centuries. These techniques often involve the use of hand tools and natural materials to achieve a high-gloss finish on marble surfaces.

One of the key components of old-world polishing techniques is the use of polishing compounds made from natural materials such as powdered pumice, rottenstone, and marble dust. These compounds are mixed with water to create a paste that is applied to the marble surface and worked in using a hand-held polishing pad or machine. These traditional techniques require a high level of skill and experience to execute properly, and are often used by skilled craftsmen who specialize in the restoration and maintenance of historic and antique marble surfaces.

Old-world stone polishing is often considered to be better for the life of the stone compared to using chemicals and waxes. This is because old-world polishing relies on mechanical abrasion to smooth and polish the stone, rather than relying on chemical reactions or coatings. Chemicals and waxes create a barrier on the surface of the stone that can prevent it from breathing and can trap moisture, leading to potential damage over time. Additionally, some chemicals can react with the stone and cause discoloration or other damage.

Marble Doctor Services

How does the Marble Doctor’s restoration process work?

Marble foyer restoration typically involves a combination of cleaning, repair, and polishing to restore the natural beauty and luster of a marble floor or entryway. The exact process will depend on the condition of the marble and the specific restoration needs of the foyer.

Here are some general steps that might be involved in marble foyer restoration:

- Evaluation: The first step is to evaluate the condition of the marble to determine the extent of damage or wear. This may involve a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt or debris that may be hiding underlying damage.

- Repair: If the marble has any cracks, chips, or other damage, it will need to be repaired before it can be polished. This may involve filling in cracks with a color-matched resin or using other techniques to repair damaged areas.

- Cleaning: Once the marble is evaluated and any repairs are made, it will need to be thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining dirt, stains, or discoloration. This may involve using a combination of specialized cleaning solutions, poultices, and tools to gently remove dirt and stains without damaging the marble.

- Honing or Polishing: After cleaning, the marble may need to be honed or polished to restore its natural shine and luster. Honing involves using a series of abrasive pads to create a smooth, matte finish on the surface of the marble, while polishing involves using a series of progressively finer polishing compounds to create a high-gloss shine.

- Sealing: To protect the marble from future damage and staining, it may be necessary to apply a sealer to the surface. The specific type of sealer used will depend on the type of marble and the amount of traffic the foyer receives.

Overall, marble foyer restoration can be a complex and labor-intensive process that requires specialized skills and equipment. It is often best to consult with a professional marble restoration company to ensure that the job is done properly and the marble is restored to its original beauty.

Does the Marble Doctor provide natural stone honing services?

Yes, the Marble Doctor is a professional natural stone restoration company that provides honing services for a variety of natural stone surfaces, including marble, limestone, travertine, and more. Honing is a process that involves using abrasive pads to remove a thin layer of the stone surface, creating a smooth, matte finish that is ideal for floors, countertops, and other surfaces.

The Marble Doctor uses advanced honing equipment and techniques to restore natural stone surfaces to their original condition. Their honing process involves using a series of diamond abrasive pads with varying levels of grit to gradually remove scratches, etches, and other imperfections from the stone surface.

After the honing process is complete, the Marble Doctor can also provide polishing services to bring out the natural shine and luster of the stone. They can also provide sealing services to protect the stone from future damage and staining.

If you have natural stone surfaces that have become dull or damaged over time, the Marble Doctor can help restore them to their original beauty. We have years of experience in natural stone restoration and use only the highest quality equipment and materials to ensure that our work is of the highest quality.

Does the Marble Doctor provide natural stone polishing services?

Yes, the Marble Doctor provides natural stone polishing services for a variety of natural stone surfaces, including marble, terrazzo, travertine, and more. Polishing is a process that involves using specialized equipment and polishing compounds to create a smooth, shiny surface on natural stone.

The Marble Doctor uses advanced polishing equipment and old-world techniques to restore natural stone surfaces to their original condition. Their polishing process involves using a series of diamond abrasive pads with progressively finer grits to gradually refine the surface of the stone and then applies a polishing compound to create a high-gloss shine.

In addition to polishing, the Marble Doctor can also provide honing services to create a smooth, matte finish on natural stone surfaces. They can also provide sealing services to protect the stone from future damage and staining.

Does the Marble Doctor provide natural stone repair services?

Yes, the Marble Doctor provides natural stone repair services for a variety of natural stone surfaces, including marble, travertine, and more. Repairing natural stone involves fixing any cracks, chips, or other damage that may have occurred due to normal wear and tear or other causes.

The Marble Doctor uses advanced repair techniques and specialized materials to fix damaged natural stone surfaces. Depending on the type and severity of the damage, the repair may require the use of color-matched epoxies, resins, or other materials to fill in cracks and chips and restore the surface to its original condition.

In addition to repair, the Marble Doctor can also provide cleaning, honing, and polishing services to help restore the natural beauty of the stone. We can also provide sealing services to protect the stone from future damage and staining.

If you have natural stone surfaces that are damaged or in need of repair, the Marble Doctor can help. We have years of experience in natural stone restoration and use only the highest quality materials and techniques to ensure that our work is of the highest quality.

What is the Marble Doctor Maintenance Prescription Program?

The Marble Doctor Maintenance Prescription Program is a program designed to help homeowners and businesses keep their natural stone surfaces looking beautiful and well-maintained over time. The program is tailored to the specific needs of each customer and includes regular cleaning, polishing, and sealing services to help protect the natural stone from damage and keep it looking its best.

The program begins with an initial consultation and evaluation of the natural stone surfaces to be maintained. The Marble Doctor team will assess the condition of the stone and develop a customized maintenance plan based on the type of stone, level of use, and other factors.

Once the plan is developed, the Marble Doctor team will perform regular maintenance visits to clean, polish, and seal the stone as needed. The frequency of visits will depend on the specific needs of each customer and the level of use their natural stone surfaces receive.

The Marble Doctor team uses only the highest quality equipment and materials to ensure that our work is of the highest quality. We are committed to providing exceptional service and helping our customers keep their natural stone surfaces looking beautiful and well-maintained over time.

Overall, the Marble Doctor maintenance prescription program is an excellent way to ensure that your natural stone surfaces receive the care they need to stay in top condition and last for years to come.

Does the Marble Doctor offer a warranty?

Yes, the Marble Doctor offers a warranty for our natural stone services. We stand behind the quality of our work and are committed to providing customers with the highest level of service and satisfaction.

The specific details of the warranty may vary depending on the type of service and the customer’s needs, but typically the warranty covers the workmanship and materials used for a certain period of time. If any issues arise during the warranty period, the Marble Doctor will work to address them promptly and effectively.

In addition to our warranty, the Marble Doctor also offers a Maintenance Prescription Program that can help customers keep their natural stone surfaces looking their best over time. The program includes regular maintenance and cleaning services, as well as guidance on how to care for natural stone surfaces to prevent damage and extend their lifespan.

Overall, The Marble Doctor is committed to providing customers with high-quality natural stone services and ensuring their satisfaction with a warranty and ongoing support.

Marble Doctor Consultations

Does the Marble Doctor work at commercial and government locations?

Yes, the Marble Doctor provides natural stone services for both commercial and government properties. We have experience working with a wide range of properties, including hotels, restaurants, office buildings, retail spaces, embassies, monuments and federal buildings.

The Marble Doctor understands that commercial properties have unique needs when it comes to natural stone care, such as high traffic areas that require regular maintenance and cleaning. We have the expertise and equipment to provide services that are tailored to the specific needs of each commercial property.

Some of the commercial natural stone services that the Marble Doctor provides include:

- Restoration and repair of natural stone floors, walls, and countertops.

- Maintenance of natural stone surfaces to keep them looking their best over time.

- Deep cleaning of high traffic areas, such as lobbies and hallways.

- Consultation and evaluation services to help property managers understand the condition of their natural stone surfaces and develop a customized plan for maintenance and restoration.

The Marble Doctor takes great pride in providing exceptional natural stone services to both commercial and government customers. We are committed to using the highest quality equipment and materials to ensure that our work exceeds your expectations.

Does the Marble Doctor work at residences?

Yes, the Marble Doctor provides natural stone services for both residential and commercial properties. We have extensive experience working with homeowners to restore and maintain their natural stone surfaces, including floors, countertops, and walls.

Some of the residential natural stone services that The Marble Doctor provides include:

- Restoration of natural stone floors, countertops, and other surfaces. This may include cleaning, honing, polishing, and sealing to restore the natural beauty and shine of the stone.

- Repair of natural stone surfaces that have been damaged due to chips, cracks, or other types of wear and tear. The Marble Doctor uses advanced repair techniques and specialized materials to fix the damage and restore the surface to its original condition.

- Maintenance of natural stone surfaces to help prevent damage and keep them looking their best over time. This may include regular cleaning, polishing, and sealing services.

- Consultation and evaluation services to help homeowners understand the condition of their natural stone surfaces and develop a customized plan for restoration, repair, or maintenance.

Overall, the Marble Doctor provides a comprehensive range of natural stone services to help homeowners keep their natural stone surfaces looking beautiful and well-maintained over time.

Does the Marble Doctor work in religious buildings?

Yes, the Marble Doctor provides restoration services for all types of buildings, including churches and other religious facilities. We have experience in restoring marble, terrazzo, slate, and other natural stone surfaces in a variety of settings, including churches, historical buildings, and public monuments.

Our restoration services for places of faith may include cleaning, honing, polishing, repairing, and sealing marble floors, walls, altars, columns, and other architectural features. We use specialized techniques and products to restore the natural beauty of the stone while preserving its integrity and historical value.

What type of jobs does the Marble Doctor perform?

The Marble Doctor provides a wide range of natural stone services, including restoration, repair, and maintenance for various types of natural stone surfaces, such as marble, limestone, travertine, and others.

Some of the specific jobs that the Marble Doctor performs include:

- Restoration of natural stone floors, countertops, and other surfaces. This may include cleaning, honing, polishing, and sealing to restore the natural beauty and shine of the stone.

- Repair of natural stone surfaces that have been damaged due to chips, cracks, or other types of wear and tear. The Marble Doctor uses advanced repair techniques and specialized materials to fix the damage and restore the surface to its original condition.

- Maintenance of natural stone surfaces to help prevent damage and keep them looking their best over time. This may include regular cleaning, polishing, and sealing services.

- Consultation and evaluation services to help customers understand the condition of their natural stone surfaces and develop a customized plan for restoration, repair, or maintenance.

Overall, The Marble Doctor provides a comprehensive range of natural stone services to help customers keep their natural stone surfaces looking beautiful and well-maintained over time.

Does the Marble Doctor offer free consultations?

Yes, the Marble Doctor offers free consultations for almost every project, whether commercial or residential. Please reach out to us at 703-631-4625 or submit a contact request through our website.

In rare instances, the Marble Doctor may charge a small consultation fee if the nature of the project potentially lies outside the scope of our services. We will discuss this unique circumstance in advance to ensure alignment with each customer. If it is determined after the consultation that we can perform your desired project and you choose to use the Marble Doctor, we will consider the consultation fee a deposit and reduce your final invoice by that amount.