Polishing and Cleaning
In order to achieve a highly reflective surface, it is not recommended to treat the stone with a typical coating or product containing acrylic, wax, urethane, etc. The safest and most effective way to rejuvenate the sheen of your stone surface is precision honing and polishing. The typical coating solution is nothing more than a film of reflective polymer which isn't designed to withstand prolonged wear. These coatings deteriorate rapidly and often inflict chemical damage on the underlying stone.
Never use steel wool or other abrasive pads that will scratch the stone. Never use vinegar, acid, glass or furniture cleaner, as they can damage the surface. Instead, use dry mopping as often as possible. Keep mops, rags, and sponges handy.
Sealing
Have your stone surfaces sealed. You will save a lot of money. If you don't, they will deteriorate rapidly and unexpectedly begin to show their age. Having your stone constantly re-polishing is not only costly, but it also reduces the life span of the stone.
In the stone industry, sealers are called impregnators because they deeply penetrate the stone with silicones and resins that seep down from the surface through the pores to protect the interior from liquids and other contaminants.
Lippage
Lippage is what occurs when stone tiles don't meet flush with one another. This defect occurs as a result of uneven floor setting or sloppy installation. The industry standard allows for no more than 1mm difference in height between adjacent tiles. The problem can easily be solved by precision grinding and leveling.
Maintenance Tips For Natural Stone Surface
Daily or weekly damp cleaning with a neutral type detergent (do not apply acid or alkaline-based cleaner). In most cases apply 2-3 drops of hand dishwashing soap.
