Like many esthetics in your home, natural stone and marble care require upkeep. It is important to not let too much time pass between maintenance visits to prevent costly stone restoration. Here is a little information on common stones found on counters or floors:
Granite
Granite is an igneous rock made of quartz and feldspar. It is the most common stone builders use due to its durability and low maintenance for homeowners. The stone is porous and very dense which makes it possible to resist scratches but requires sealing every three to five years.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone alters by intense pressure and heat with the earth. The colors and veins in marble come from layers of different minerals and impurities that crystalize together, these minerals include calcite, pyrite, feldspar, iron, magnesium, and serpentine. Marble is very porous and high maintenance. It is prone to scratches and etch marks. Polishing and sealing are a must to maintain the shine. Occasionally, it requires honing to remove scratches and etch marks.
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock made of calcite with a variable amount of silica. In addition, it includes clay, silt, and sand. Like marble, it is very porous and because most of the naturally occurring colors are light, stains are easily seen. This stone requires more maintenance than most.
Travertine 
Travertine is a type of limestone. It is a soft stone more porous than marble or granite. This stone has bands of calcite, formed by evaporation of river and spring waters. It is prone to scratches and staining but also presents a unique problem of small holes or craters. They are created when acid reacts with calcium in the stone. These should be filled periodically to slow-down deterioration. If you want the fill to be less noticeable, attend to them before the holes become large. Polishing and sealing is required to maintain the appearance. Honing is also sometimes required to remove scratches and surface staining; it is known to absorb deep stains.
How experts perform Natural Stone and Marble Care
Although each stone is unique, they are all treated the same when it comes to restoration. Here is a little more about natural stone honing, polishing, and sealing:
Honing
If there are not any etch marks or a need for honing a trained technician would proceed using either a powder polish, paste polish, or crystallizer. If etching and scratches are present, the floor or counter will require honing to the depth of the damage and polishing to bring back its original luster. Some etch marks can require honing all the way down with a 50-grit diamond pad, although it is rare.
Polishing
Bringing back the shine can only be done using a buffer, diamond grit pads, and a polish or powder solution. Depending on the desired finish, your marble technician can start with a 200 grit and go up to 3500 grit. It really depends on the desired appearance. Finish choices are satin, semi-gloss, gloss, mirror, or even a honed finish.
Sealing
Sealing every three years or when the sealer breaks-down is the standard recommendation. Sealers work by penetrating through the natural pores of the stone to create a long-lasting breathable layer. A topical sealer prevents the stone from breathing and is a big mistake. Sealing protects the stone from wear and tear as well as staining and water absorption.
Helpful Tips for Natural Stone and Marble Care
- A simple test used to indicate the need for sealing is to place a small amount of water on the floor or counter. It should bead up and not be absorbed. If it does absorb quickly, or leaves a dark area indicating absorption, it is time to seal.
- Protect your stone by placing absorbent pads or mats where soap dispensers and cooking oils sit.
- Always clean your natural stone with a neutral PH. Never use acidic household cleaners as they etch the stone and result it expensive repairs. If you hire a maid, be sure to test their knowledge on natural stone and marble care. Most importantly review their products or provide your own.
- Be mindful of acidic fruits, always use a cutting board.
- Hiring a professional to inspect, clean, and seal can prevent costly repairs. Be sure to use someone certified in stone care, like Paneless Home Services (214) 662-2300.