How to Polish a Marble Floor to a Professional Standard
Polishing a marble floor can be a big task. Unlike many other floor polishing jobs, dealing with a marble floor means cleaning a genuinely delicate material. However, with the right knowledge and tools, it is possible to attain a professional finish. What do you need to do to polish a marble floor to a professional standard? Read on to find out.
Floor Preparation
All floor polishing requires some preparation work, and this is certainly the case with marble flooring. Remove furniture by lifting it, not scraping it, to avoid marking the marble. Next, get rid of dirt and debris using nothing more than a soft broom. Only after you have swept the floor should you mop it. Use a wet mop with no acidic or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage marble floors. Warm water with a little soap will be sufficient to complete your preparations.
Examine and Repair the Floor
Before you begin floor polishing, check the marble's surface for any cracks or chips. This sort of damage can usually be repaired using a marble repair kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely or call in an expert in marble repairs if you are unsure how to proceed. Either way, allow the repair to cure fully before you proceed with polishing.
Apply a Floor Polisher
Use a professional marble polishing powder or compound. Don't use a general stone polisher product because marble requires the right floor polishing materials. When choosing between powder or compound, consider the condition of the floor and the level of shine you would like to achieve. The product instructions will give you an indication of which one to select. Don't mix and match them, however. Stick to one. Generally speaking, the floor polishing method is the same for either powders or compounds. Apply them to the floor and then work the material into the marble with a soft microfibre cloth.
Polish the Floor
After the floor polishing material has been spread out evenly by hand, you can buff it using a pad attached to a floor polisher machine. Start the polishing process in one corner of the room and make steady progress working in small sections. This will help to ensure you achieve even application and level of polish. Try to move the buffing pad in the direction of the marble's grain. Avoid polishing in a circular pattern or the marble will end up looking inconsistent. Set your machine to a slower speed if you want a higher shine. After buffing, wipe the floor with a clean, damp cloth to remove excess powder. Then, dry it with a soft, waterless cloth.
Contact a local company to learn more about floor polishing.