Cleaning and Polishing Question

by Marisa
(Burr Ridge, IL)

Hello,

We have travertine stones in our kitchen and laundry room, which over the years has become very dull and stained.

We live in Illinois, and I was wondering if it is possible to do the honing and polishing by ourselves, or if we should hire someone to do it?

Your website was very helpful... and I realize we should have taken better/different care of the stone over the years!






Hello Marisa,

Honing and polishing marble, travertine or limestone can be done by you, the homeowner.

What you have to do is invest in a polishing machine (Makita about $200), some diamond polishing pads (50grit-3000grit, about $200 for some cheap ones), some polishing powder (about $25 for a small amount), and polishing pads (maybe $10).

If you can figure where to buy all these items, then you need to practice on honing and polishing, which I would suggest practicing on a spare tile in your garage, before taking you diamond grit pads to your countertop.

Now that your confidant you can hone and polish your countertops, you need to put plastic on all your cabinets, floor and appliances before you start.

Now start honing with your 50 or 100 grit, depending on how bad your travetine is. You may be able to start with 200 grit if it's not too bad.

This is a process that may take you 4 or 5 hours, depending on how your practice went.

I would suggest having a professional do the work, as it could be a little daunting not having a lot of practice.

Anybody can do honing and polishing, but there is an investment in equipment, products and practice, so keep that in mind.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Pedro