A shaping wheel is used to accomplish specified edge details. (Full Bullnose, Half Bullnose, Ogee, etc.) Undermount sinks are milled using stone routers which follow templates supplied by the sink manufacturer. Unique shapes and radii are acheieved by using specialized equipment in the shop.

The natural stone your have purchased for your home or office is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful services. Stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking beautiful. Here are some recommendations for routine care and cleaning.

Precautions for marble:

	Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface
	Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.

Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations

Click here to view an instructional video

Marble Floor Surfaces

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.

Clean stone surfaces with lukewarm water and dry with a cotton cloth. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone.

In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the marble surface.

Vanity tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations.

In food preparation areas, the stone may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. If there are questions, check with the sealer manufacturer.

In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

	Do dust mop floors frequently
	Do blot up spills immediately
	Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats
	Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces
	Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners
	Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers
	Don't mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas

Call your professional stone supplier, installer or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat.

The Marble Institute of America offers a brochure that includes information on treating spills and stains on natural stone surfaces. For a copy, please send $1.00(US) along with a self addressed, stamped business size envelope (41 cents) to the Marble Institute of America, 28901 Clemens Road, Suite 100, Cleveland, Ohio 44145 USA.