Marble Finishing Techniques

Technique Types

• Marble has two finishing technique types: polished and honed. A polished marble finish will have a high glossy look, similar to a mirror-like quality. The shine will be highly reflective. A honed marble finish is more of a matte or flat look. It will not be very shiny. Honed marble is more of a soft look and has less maintenance requirements in order to maintain its appearance.

Polishing Technique

• Both polished and honed marble has to be cleaned of dirt, wax or sealers prior to the finish application process. Manufacturers and restorers of marble as well as homeowners should only add the shiny sheen finish chemical to the marble flooring product after removing all traces of dirt and other products, according to Marble Floor Polishing. Application of a polish product made specifically for marble or natural stone products is then squirted on the floor and rubbed into the marble with a hand or machine buffer. The greater the desired sheen and shine, the more the polish must be buffed -- and sometimes reapplied more than once. The polish is buffed until the floor is completely dry.

Honing Technique

• Marble floors that have an imperfect edge benefit from a honed finish instead of a polished one. Honed finishes downplay stone imperfections. Honed finishes also require less maintenance, help reduce scratches and do not have to be cleaned as often, according to Marble Floor Polishing. Honing of marble floors involves the use of abrasives or abrasive pads to remove dirt and damaged crystals. Honing marble also cuts down past damaged stone, to the smoother and lustrous stone crystals below. After honing of marble is complete, warm water and a damp mop can be used to remove shavings or particles remaining on the surface. Final wiping with a dry dust mop completes the process.

Cleaning

• Marble is a soft stone, which can be scratched or broken. It can also be adversely impacted with water rings and stains if glasses containing liquids are left sitting on top of it or any acidic liquid is spilled on it, such as tomato or orange juice. Harsh or acidic cleansers should not be used to clean marble finishes. Use warm water and a soft cloth instead.