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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Tumble-Travertine-Deep-Cleaning-Restoration-Sealing

    Tumbled Travertine Deep Cleaning And Sealing

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Tumble-Travertine-Deep-Cleaning-Restoration-Sealing

    Tumbled travertine deep cleaning and sealing

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Tumble-Travertine-Deep-Cleaning-Restoration-Sealing

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Tumble-Travertine-Deep-Cleaning-Restoration-Sealing

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Tumble-Travertine-Deep-Cleaning-Restoration-Sealing

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Tumble-Travertine-Deep-Cleaning-Restoration-Sealing

    Deep cleaned and restored tumbled travertine flooring

     

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Marble-Island-Restoration-Etch-Removal

    Water or Solvent Based Sealers For Natural Stone Countertops

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Marble-Island-Restoration-Etch-Removal

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Marble-Vanity-Restoration-Etch-Removal-Polishing-Sealing

    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

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Manmade-VS-Natural-Stone

    Natural Stone VS Man-Made: What’s the Difference?

    Natural Stone vs Man-Made. What’s the Difference? Natural stone and man-made materials have different properties and uses. Natural stone is a product of nature, formed by the earth over millions of years. It is quarried from the ground, cut and polished to be used in construction and for decorative purposes.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Manmade-VS-Natural-Stone

    Granite

    Natural stones

    You can find natural stone in many forms. For example,  granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone are all natural stones. Each natural stone has unique characteristics such as color, pattern, and durability. For more info visit Natural Stone Institute website. 

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Manmade-VS-Natural-Stone

    Marble

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Manmade-VS-Natural-Stone

    Marble

    Man-made stones

    Man-made stones, on the other hand, are created in a factory using various types of raw materials. These materials are molded and shaped to resemble natural stone. They are commonly used in construction and decorative purposes as well, but they are less durable than natural stone. Examples of man-made materials include concrete, cultured marble, and engineered stone.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Manmade-VS-Natural-Stone

    Quartz

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Manmade-VS-Natural-Stone

    Quartz

    One of the main differences between natural stone and man-made materials is their durability. Natural stone is more durable and long-lasting than man-made stone, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor use. However, natural stone can be more expensive than man-made materials.

    Another difference is the appearance. Natural stone has a unique and natural beauty that can’t be replicated by man-made materials. Man-made materials can mimic the look of natural stone, but they lack the individuality and character of real natural stone. 

    Conclusion

    Natural stone and man-made materials have their own unique characteristics and uses. It depends on the specific project and the desired outcome. You should consider factors like durability, cost and appearance when deciding between natural stone and man-made materials. Both natural and man made stones would need maintenance over time. NOVA stones care specialists are pros at cleaning, buffing and polishing natural stone surfaces. Call NOVA Stone Care to get a free estimate for your natural stone restoration or maintenance. Check out our blog section for more helpful tips. We breathe life into your stone. 

     

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Before-After-Restoration

    Should I Replace or Refinish My Stone Flooring?

    “Should I replace or refinish my stone flooring?” is a common question we hear from our customers. When it comes to stone flooring, homeowners often have the choice to either replace or refinish their existing floors. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to do research on floor polishing services when considering which option is best for your specific situation. 

    Replacing your stone flooring is a good option if your floors are severely damaged or worn. Additionally, if your floors have been installed improperly or are showing signs of settling or shifting replacement may be necessary. It would ensure the stability and safety of your floors.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Before-After-Restoration

    Before and after results of marble floor restoration and etch removal

    On the other hand, refinishing your stone flooring is a good option if your floors are in good condition but simply need a facelift. Even if your floors are chipped, or have deep scratches, refinishing still may be the best choice. Refinishing involves honing, polishing and resealing the stone. This process can remove scratches and stains, and bring back the original shine and luster of the stone. This option is also a more cost-effective alternative to replacement, as it does not require the removal and disposal of existing flooring. 

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Tumble-Travertine-Deep-Cleaning-Restoration-Sealing

    Before and after results of tumbled travertine restoration

    When deciding whether to replace or refinish your stone flooring, it is important to consult with a professional stone restoration company like NOVA Stone Care. Our technicians will assess the condition of your floors free of charge. We’ll provide you with a recommendation based on our expertise and experience.

    Conclusion

    The decision to replace or refinish your stone flooring will depend on the condition of your floors, the type of stone, and your personal preferences. NOVA Stone Care experts can help you make the best decision for your specific situation. 

    Looking for a marble floor restoration services in Northern VirginiaNOVA Stone Care has you covered. Visit the company website to learn more. Also, check out our blog section for more helpful articles and tips.

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Fireplace-Hearth-Restoration

    Cleaning Your Natural Stone Fireplace

    Cleaning and maintaining your natural stone fireplace is not an easy task.  Natural stone, such as marble or granite, can add a beautiful and timeless touch to your home. However, it does require proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. 

    Black Marble Fireplace Hearth

    Cleaning a natural stone fireplace can be a bit tricky, as different types of stones have different cleaning needs. Marble, for example, is a porous stone that can easily stain, while granite is more durable and resistant to staining.

    Here are some tips for cleaning your natural stone fireplace:

    1. Start by removing any debris or ash from the fireplace. Use a brush or vacuum to clean out the firebox and the surrounding area.
    2. Use a mild detergent or Ph neutral cleaner to clean the stone surface. Be sure to choose a cleaner that is specifically designed for natural stone and avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners which can damage the stone. 
    3. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the cleaner and gently scrub the stone. Be sure to work in small sections and rinse the stone thoroughly with water after cleaning.
    4. Once the stone is clean and dry, you can apply a sealant to protect it from stains and damage. Be sure to choose a sealant that is appropriate for your specific type of stone.
    NOVA-Stone-Care-Fireplace-Hearth-Restoration

    Marble Fireplace Hearth

    It’s important to note that if you have a fireplace that is made of natural stone, it is easy to damage it while cleaning if you are not using proper cleaning products and  appropriate sealing technique. Cleaning and maintaining your natural stone fireplace is not an easy task. It is best to contact a professional stone cleaning company like NOVA Stone Care that has the proper equipment and knowledge to clean natural stone. NOVA Stone Care specialists know the best methods for cleaning your specific type of stone and can advise you on how to maintain it properly. Your nature stone fireplace will look beautiful for years to come if you trust NOVA Stone Care with its cleaning and maintenance.

    To see more projects completed by NOVA Stone Care check out our project gallery.

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    Marble vs Granite – What is the Difference?

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Granite-VS-Marble

    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. 

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Marble-Countertop-Polishing-Sealing-4

    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’s structure. 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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Marble-VS-Granite

    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.

     NOVA-Stone-Care-Granite-Countertop-Deep-Clean-Polish-Seal

    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.

     NOVA-Stone-Care-Granite-Countertop-Deep-Clean-Polish-Seal

    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. 

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Marble-Floor-Restoration-Honing-Polishing-Sealing

    Marble Floor Honing, Polishing And Sealing

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Marble-Floor-Restoration-Honing-Polishing-Sealing

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Marble-Floor-Restoration-Honing-Polishing-Sealing

    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.

    NOVA Stone Care

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Marble-Floor-Restoration-Honing-Polishing-Sealing

    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.

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Before-After-Restoration

    Chip Repair On Granite Countertops

    One of the many services NOVA Stone Care provides is chip repair on the granite countertops. In this blog post we will dive into the details of this process.

    Granite countertops are beautiful and pleasing to the eye until you drop a heavy object on your stone and break off the part of it. It is one thing to scratch or stain the granite countertop but how do you repair the damages when a chunk of the surface comes off? While it is tempting to fix the chips by yourself, it is worth the extra money to let the professional handle the damage. NOVA Stone Care specialists have vast experience in chip repair. Let’s walk you through the process.

    NOVA Stone Care Chip Repair On the Granite Countertop

    1. We Clean The Countertop

    NOVA Stone Care technicians tape up the work area to make sure that nothing else gets damaged. We clean the chip and the surrounding area with acetone. It helps us remove stubborn stains and ensures proper bonding.

    2. We Mark The Area

    NOVA Stone Care technicians use blue tape to mark off the area just around the chip. It prevents epoxy glue from getting on the non-chipped area.

    3. We Fill It Up Carefully

    NOVA Stone Care technicians carefully fill the chipped area with color matched epoxy. Depending on the depth of the chipped area, it might require several applications and tons of patience.

    4. We Are Patient

    NOVA Stone Care technicians wait until the filled area is completely dry. This is crucial, as the epoxy filled surface may be damaged if touched before it’s dry. Once the epoxy is completely dry, we remove the blue tape.

    NOVA Stone Care Chip Repair On the Granite Countertop

    5. We Scrape Off the Excess

    NOVA Stone Care technicians clean up the surface meticulously in order to make the repair even with the rest of the countertop. We use a razor blade and gently and carefully scrape away any excess epoxy from the area.

    NOVA Stone Care Chip Repair On the Granite Countertop

    6. We Buff, Polish and Seal

    As the final step, NOVA Stone Care technicians make sure the area around the repaired chip has the similar gloss as the rest of your granite countertop. We buff the area with sandpaper or steel wool. As the finishing touch, we use a granite polisher or sealer to add a gleam to the area. If you need help with chip repair on your granite countertops, contact us today. Also, check out our project gallery section for more info and pictures.

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Polished-Marble-Vanity

    Honed VS Polished Marble

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Honed-Marvle-Walls-Floor

    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. 

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Polished-Marble-Vanity

    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. 

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