Discovering Limestone: A Journey Through Time and Science. Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. It is a very versatile rock that has been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes, including construction, agriculture, and industry. But where did this rock come from, and how did humans first discover it?
The History
The story of limestone begins deep in the earth’s history, over hundreds of millions of years ago. Limestone is formed from the accumulation of shells, coral, and other organic material that has been compressed and cemented over time. This process takes place in shallow seas and oceans, where the calcium-rich sediment is deposited on the seafloor. Over time, the sediment becomes compacted and cemented together to form a rock.
The earliest known use of limestone dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who used it as a building material for their pyramids and temples. Limestone was also used by the Greeks and Romans, who carved it into sculptures and used it for building construction. In the Middle Ages, limestone was used to build Gothic cathedrals and castles, and it remains a popular building material today.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that scientists began to understand the true nature of limestone and how it was formed. Geologists such as William Smith and James Hutton were some of the first to study the rock and understand its origins. They discovered that limestone was formed from the accumulation of sediment over millions of years and that it could provide valuable insights into the earth’s history.
Today, limestone is still widely used for construction, agriculture, and industry. It is also an important resource for geologists, who continue to study the rock to gain a better understanding of the earth’s history. Limestone has also been used as a source of lime, which is used in a variety of products, including mortar, cement, and sugar refining.
Tumbled Limestone Floors
Conclusion
Limestone is a fascinating rock that has played a significant role in human history and continues to be an important resource today. From its humble origins as sediment in ancient oceans, to its use in building some of the world’s most iconic structures, limestone has proven to be a versatile and enduring rock that continues to capture the imagination of scientists and the public alike. To find out more about natural stone industry, visit Natural Stone Institute website. Check out our project gallery section for more info and pictures.
Does your home have granite or marble countertops in the kitchen or bathroom? If so, you may notice that over time, these surfaces tend to lose their former luster. That is because natural stone wears over time—whether chipping or scratching when abraded.
Countertop restoration and maintenance is especially important for kitchen surfaces since the porous nature of rock can allow for bacteria and other harmful contaminants as an avenue for harm. Fortunately, there are professionals who specialize in working with marble and granite countertops and resealing them for you if needed.
Why Hire Out for Countertop Restoration?
DIY solutions are often one of those things that seem like a promising idea at the time. Any professional would advise against it—especially in the kitchen where there are health considerations surrounding food and the well-being of your family. Choosing to restore your countertops is not a simple undertaking.These things can be complicated, and granite and marble materials are expensive. Buffing out deep scratches might not be as simple of a process as one might hope. Botching a DIY job on your stone countertops could end up costing you more if professionals need to be called in to restore or completely replace your countertop surfaces.
Finding a Good Granite or Marble Countertop Restoration Specialist
If you are looking for granite and marble countertop restoration, you will want to have some confidence in the professionals that you choose to work with. You will also want to make sure that the companies you are considering have a good history of providing quality services—both in caliber of work and customer service.
Looking for a Stone Repair Specialist in the Great DC Area?
If you are searching for natural stone countertop restoration services in the Greater DC area, the specialists at NOVA Stone Care have you covered. We specialize in natural stone, and our team of professionals are experts at what they do.
Interested in learning more? Visit our website to see who we are and check out our portfolio of work and list of services.
Natural Stone Damage: Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a common issue that can occur with natural stone surfaces, such as marble, granite, travertine and limestone. It. appears as a white, powdery substance on the surface of the stone and can be unsightly and difficult to remove. Efflorescence is caused by the presence of water-soluble salts in the stone, which are brought to the surface through the process of evaporation. The water evaporates, leaving behind the salt crystals, which form the white, powdery substance.
What you can do
There are several ways to prevent efflorescence from occurring in natural stone surfaces. One of the most effective ways is to have a company like NOVA Stone Care seal the stone for you, as this will prevent water from penetrating the surface and causing the salts to rise to the surface. Additionally, it is important to clean up any spills or stains as soon as they occur, as these can also contribute to the formation of efflorescence.
If efflorescence does occur, it is important to call a professional company like NOVA Stone Care. NOVA Stone Care professionals will remove it as soon as possible and prevent it from becoming ingrained in the stone. There are several ways to remove efflorescence, including using specialized efflorescence remover.
Efflorescence is a common issue that occurs with natural stone surfaces. However, we at NOVA Stone Care can prevent or remove it with proper care and maintenance that we offer. Our experts in natural floor restoration services have the knowledge, tools, and experience to properly care for your stone surfaces. Check out our blog section for more helpful tips. Natural Stone Damage: Efflorescence.
How Do Professionals Restore The Marble Table? Marble tables are a beautiful addition to any home and can bring a touch of elegance and luxury to any room. However, over time, these tables can become stained, scratched, and dulled from everyday use. In such cases, professional restoration services are necessary to restore their original shine and beauty.
Assessment
The first step in restoring a marble table is to assess its condition. This includes identifying the type of marble, the extent of damage, and the type of stains or scratches that need to be removed.
Cleaning marble table
The next step is to thoroughly clean the table, removing any dirt, dust, and grime that may have accumulated over time. A professional cleaner will use specialized cleaning agents to remove dirt, oils, and other impurities from the surface.
Repairing your marble table
If the marble table has any cracks, chips, or scratches, a stone technician will repair these damages using specialized techniques and materials.
Honing and polishing your marble table
The next step is to hone and polish marble table using specialized tools and polishing compounds. This process removes any dullness and restores the original shine of the marble.
Sealing your marble table
The final step is to seal the marble table, which protects it from future damage and staining. NOVA Stone Care professional will apply a specialized sealant that penetrates into the pores of the marble and provides long-lasting protection.
Conclusion
Restoring a marble table requires specialized knowledge and skills. When you hire a professional company like NOVA Stone Care, you can be sure that your marble table will be restored to its original beauty and shine. Looking for a marble table restoration services in Northern Virginia? NOVA Stone Care has you covered. If you want to know how do professionals restore the marble table? Visit the company website to learn more. Also, check out our blog section for more helpful articles and tips.
Stripping, cleaning, and sealing slate floors is a process that can breathe new life into an old or tired floor. The process involves removing any existing sealer or wax, cleaning the slate to remove dirt and grime, and then applying a new sealer to protect the slate and enhance its natural beauty.
Before starting the process, it’s important to assess the condition of the slate floor. If it is heavily worn or damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced before proceeding. If the floor is in good condition, then the stripping, cleaning, and sealing process can begin.
Stripping slate floors
To strip the floor, a chemical stripper is applied to the surface of the slate. The stripper is left on the floor for a specific period of time, usually around 20 minutes, before being scrubbed off with a stiff brush. This process removes any existing sealer or wax from the slate.
Cleaning slate floors
Next, the slate is cleaned to remove dirt and grime. A neutral pH cleaner is typically used for this step, as it is gentle on the slate but still effective at removing dirt and stains. The cleaner is applied to the floor and scrubbed in with a stiff brush before being rinsed off with water.
Sealing slate floors
After the slate is clean and dry, a new sealer is applied. This step is important as it helps to protect the slate from future stains and damage. The sealer is typically a water-based product that is easy to apply and dries quickly.
The stripped, cleaned, and sealed floor will have a brighter, more uniform color and a natural shine. The sealer also protects the slate from future stains and damage, making it easier to maintain and keep looking like new.
Overall, stripping, cleaning, and sealing slate floors is a great way to rejuvenate an old or tired floor. It not only improves the appearance of the floor but also extends its lifespan by protecting it from future damage. Our experts in natural floor polishing services have the knowledge, tools, and experience to properly care for your stone surfaces. Check out our blog section for more helpful tips.
Tumbled travertine is a popular natural stone that is often used for flooring, countertops, and other surfaces in homes and businesses. It is known for its unique, textured appearance and durability. However, it does require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Tumbled Travertine Deep cleaning
Deep cleaning tumbled travertine involves removing any dirt, grime, and stains that have accumulated on the surface. NOVA Stone Care specializes in this type of restoration. After we clean the surface thoroughly, we rinse it off with clean water and dry it completely to prevent water spots from forming. Refinishing tumbled travertine involves restoring the surface to its original shine and smoothness. This can be done by honing, polishing and sealing the stone.
Work in progress
Tumbled Travertine Honing, Polishing And Sealing
Honing is a process that removes small surface imperfections and light scratches. Polishing is the process of smoothing the surface with increasingly finer diamond abrasives until it reaches a desired finish. Sealing is the process of applying a protective barrier to the stone surface to protect it from stains and damage.
Before and after results
It’s important to note that tumbled travertine requires more maintenance than other types of natural stones because of its porous nature. Tumbled travertine deep cleaning and sealing should be a part of your regular maintenance plan. We at NOVA Stone Care offer full restoration and maintenance plans.
Before and after results
Conclusion
As a general rule, it’s best to hire a professional company like NOVA Stone Care to deep clean and refinish tumbled travertine to ensure the best results. Our experts in natural floor polishing services have the knowledge, tools, and experience to properly care for your stone surfaces. Check out our blog section for more helpful tips.
Deep cleaned and restored tumbled travertine flooring
Water or solvent based sealers or natural stone countertops. When it comes to sealing natural stone countertops, there are two main types of sealers to choose from. These are water-based and solvent-based. Both types of sealers have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It’s very important to understand the differences between them. This will help you to make an informed decision about which one is best for your specific needs.
Sealed and protected marble island
Water based sealer
Water-based sealers are made with a water-based emulsion of acrylic or polyurethane. They are easy to apply, dry quickly, and are generally safe for use around food. They also don’t emit strong odors, making them a good choice for indoor use. However, water-based sealers are not as durable as solvent-based sealers and may need to be reapplied more frequently.
Solvent based sealer
Solvent-based sealers, on the other hand, are made with a solvent or resin that is dissolved in a solvent such as xylene or mineral spirits. They are more durable and provide better protection against stains, but they can emit strong odors and should only be used in well-ventilated areas. They also take longer to dry, and should not be used around food.
When choosing a sealer for your natural stone countertops, consider the level of protection you need, the location of the countertops, and any specific needs you may have. If you’re looking for a sealer that is easy to apply and dries quickly, a water-based sealer may be the best option. If you need a sealer that provides better protection against stains, a solvent-based sealer may be a better choice.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between water-based and solvent-based sealers for natural stone countertops will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. If you are unsure which sealer to use and want to get the sealing done professionally, please contact NOVA Stone Care. NOVA Stone Care offers professional countertop sealing services. Our reputable and competent stone technicians will inspect your countertops free of charge and give you an estimate in a timely fashion. We pride ourselves in excellent customer service. Visit our website.
Marble vs granite – what is the difference? Customers always ask this question. Marble and granite are two popular, highly sought-after natural stones which have been around for the centuries. They both have their pros and cons in terms of appearance, durability and maintenance.
What is marble?
Marble is a natural stone formed beneath the earth. It is referred to as metamorphic rock which is a rock that has been physically and chemically transformed over time. Marble is formed when limestone in the earth’s crust faces high temperature and pressure. This causes the stone to undergo a metamorphosis stage when the limestone begins to recrystallize, changing the texture of the rock and causing the calcite crystals to grow and interlock.
Marble Island
Beloved by emperors and artisans alike, marble has been long considered the most elegant and luxurious stone. It is also highly versatile. People use it in flooring, ornamental furnishings, fireplaces and bathrooms. It adds drama and elegance to the interior and exterior of any building. Just like any other natural stone,marble comes in a variety of colors ranging from milky white to red and black which is the result of impurities in the stone’sstructure. Minerals present during recrystallization can sometimes tint the entire piece of marble in various colors. Since marble is made of calcite crystals which is a salt of calcium, marble is prone to staining especially from liquids which are acidic in nature. NOVA Stone Care does not usually recommend installing marble for exposed places like commercial kitchens.
Marble Countertops
What is Granite?
Granite is a granular igneous rock which means it was formed from a cooling magma. Many items that we encounter in our daily activities are made from granite, like pavers, floor tiles and cemetery monuments. Many famous places like Mount Rushmore, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Torres del Paine in Chile are granite hubs.
Granite Island
The composition of granite is made up of collectively interlocked quartz and feldspar minerals. It has been in use extensively since ancient times as construction, decorative and architectural stone.
Granite Countertop
Granite vs Marble
Hardness and longevity
Granite is considered more durable than marble. It is resistant to fire and heat, scratching, chipping and cracking. Granite has long been the premier choice of designers and builders for countertops due to both its beauty and durability. Compared to granite, marble is more susceptible to fading of color and becoming duller overtime. Weather and temperature differentials can cause it to break and erode. At NOVA Stone Care we can restore your marble surfaces to its previous smooth, elegant finish and vibrant color.
Appearance
The appearances of marble and granite differ from each other. Granite is typically speckled with many different minerals. Because there are so many different minerals in nature, there are thousands of colors of granite available. Marble, on the other hand, has a grayish or cream color with veins running through it. Although there are some darker slabs available as well. Regardless of the coloration, one of the most unique aspects of marble is that it’s translucent, meaning you can see past the outer surface.
Applications
The durable quality of granite makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces, bars, floors, while marble is more suitable for less trafficked areas like bathrooms, powder rooms, and hot tub surrounds.
Reactivity to Acidic substance
Both granite and marble are natural stones with a porous structure but the metamorphic attributes of marble makes it especially vulnerable to household acids like vinegar, mustard, ketchup and citrus vegetables and fruits. Acidic substances can cause etching when they come into contact with marble. On the other hand, granite is much more resilient towards stains. Usually, liquids that have been spilled on your countertop will evaporate within half an hour, so even if you have very porous granite, spilling something like water or oil isn’t going to permanently damage it as long as the surface is covered with a well maintained permanent sealer.
Maintenance
Since marble and granite are both porous natural stones, they need to be sealed to protects against staining and etching. Marble requires sealing much more frequently than granite. It is recommended that marble is sealed twice a year, depending on the color and quality of the marble. For granite, sealing once every two years is sufficient. The actual requirement for resealing depends on how heavily you use the surface. To preserve the quality of your stone surface, you need to be diligent about sealing it. NOVA Stone Care specialist can help with that. To find out more about natural stone industry, visit Natural Stone Institute website.
Conclusion
Marble vs granite – what is the difference? Marble and granite both look beautiful, are easy to clean, and stand the test of time but they also both have unique, distinguished characteristics. Marble’s smooth, cool surface, elegant veining, unique color palate and luxurious aesthetics makes it attractive to home owners and real estate agents. If you want the luxurious look that can be crafted to suit your needs and are not afraid to put some time and money in maintenance, go for marble. If you want a natural stone with more durability, scratch resistant properties and less wear and tear ability, then granite is the best option for you. When it comes to granite and marble maintenance and restoration no one pays more attention to detail than NOVA Stone Care specialists. Check out our project gallery section for more info and pictures. We breathe life into your stone.
One of the many services NOVA Stone Care provides is marble floor restoration – honing, polishing buffing and sealing. In this blog post we will dive into the details of this process.
Marble flooring has become a popular choice of flooring in many homes today. It adds style, elegance and beauty to the house. Marble is a natural stone, strong enough to withstand the harshest conditions but over time it can lose its shine.
High traffic and furniture contributes to the scratching and dulling of the marble surface. Cracks and scratches occur in marble regardless of what you do to minimize such mishaps. While marble is a durable stone, it requires a certain amount of care and maintenance. If you clean marble without proper cleaner and equipment you will destroy the finish. General cleaners eat through marble minerals resulting in faded shine. It will cost you money to reverse the damage by fixing it yourself. NOVA Stone Care specialists are pros at marble floor restoration. They can restore your dull, etched, scratched marble floors to its former luster and shine.
NOVA Stone Care specialists use the highest quality diamond floor pads to grind down the surface to expose the fresh layer of stone. At the end of this process, the marble floors achieve a mirror-like or matte finish. Here is the step by step process of honing, polishing, buffing and sealing marble floors used by NOVA Stone Care specialist.
Step -1 Honing
Marble honing is a method of cutting the stone and creating a more even surface. It brings smoothness to the marble floor by removing scratch or etch marks. For this step NOVA Stone Care specialists use the top of the line diamond floor polishing pads in lower grits like 100, 200 and 400. The lower grit diamond floor pads remove the visible scratches. Apart from scratches, honing will also remove certain stains. Once the rough spots are honed away, the marble will have a matte finish. The finish will be very scratch resistant at this point because it is not glossy. In some cases, honing is all that’s needed to get your stone looking spectacular again, especially if you are not looking for a glossy, mirror-like finish.
Step 2 – Polishing
If you want a glossy finish, there’s a step after honing that will create the glossy finish you’re looking for. Polishing brings the stone to a shiny finish. Polishing is done by diamond floor pads with grit 800 and grit 1500. NOVA Stone Care specialists gently polish the surface using a fine grit until it sparkles. For marble floors in a good condition a polishing can be enough to bring back the shine.
Step 3 – Buffing
In this step we polish with the finer grit 3000. At times, crystallize of marble is done for finishing. The crystallization process entails spraying a liquid onto the marble surface and buffing it using steel wool properly fitted under the single disc floor machine of standard weight. It creates a chemical reaction which has a long-term impact on stone durability. This method protects and adds shine to the surface. It creates a sparkly, mirror-like finish.
Step 4 – Sealing
To seal the polished marble floor with a proper penetrating sealant is a crucial step to prevent water absorption. If you don’t seal your marble floors, any bit of moisture leaking through could cause marble to lose its shiny, glossy look. This step is essential for either old marble floor restoration or new marble polishing. We at NOVA Stone Care apply top of the line marble sealer as a final step. We suggest waiting 24 hours for the sealer to cure before stepping on the floors. Check out our project gallery section for more info and pictures.
Honed vs polished marble – what are the pros and cons? Customers always ask this question.
If you are thinking of restoring your marble surface but can’t seem to make a choice between the honed and polished look. No worries. NOVA Stone Care professionals are ready to help. Our knowledgeable team performs in person consultations and offers FREE estimates around the DMV area. We’ve decided to list the pros and cons for both finishes so you can make an informed decision about what type of finish works best on your marble.
Honed Marble
Honed marble refers to the marble that has not been polished. It has a matte appearance and a velvety feel, rather than a distinctive shine of the polished marble.
Honed marble is more durable than polished marble. It is resistant to scratches and chips. When it gets scratched, scratches are less noticeable because light doesn’t reflect off the matte finish the same way it does off the shiny finish of polished marble.
Because honed marble is not polished, it’s more susceptible to stains compared to its shiny counterpart.
Honed marble is ideal for flooring. Due to the matte surface, it is less slippery than polished marble when wet.
Honed marble is easily maintained with regular and timely wipe downs with mild detergent and occasional resealing.
Because of its durability, honed marble is perfect for high traffic areas such as entryways, bathroom floors and stairs.
Polished Marble
Unlike honed marble, polished marble has a high-polish, glossy finish that is created through a special method of polishing with fine pads. Polished marble reflects light and creates rich saturation of colors.
Polished marble has a mirror-like shine which means that scratches are more visible compared to honed finish. On the other hand it is more durable to stains compared to the honed version because of its extra layer of polish.
Polished marble is smooth which increases the risk of slipping and falling especially when the surface is wet. Polished marble is not a great choice for floors or high foot traffic areas.
Like honed marble, polished marble is very easily maintained with timely wipe downs with mild detergent.
Polished marble is a classic choice for kitchen, bathroom countertops and accent fireplaces.
Honed VS Polished Marble? At NOVA Stone Care we recommend honed finish for high foot traffic areas and polished finish for countertops and accent pieces. Check out our project gallery section for more info and pictures. We breathe life into your stone.
