My new Crema Marfil tiles don’t match the old ones. Can I darken them?
Estimated Reading Time: 1 MinutesQ. I have honed Crema Marfil flooring. When a plumber relocated my sink, four tiles had to be replaced. The new tiles are much lighter than the existing tiles. Is there a way to darken the new Crema Marfil tiles so they don’t stand out as much? They are already installed, but I haven't sealed them yet.
A. I completely understand your frustration. Unfortunately, the most effective way to achieve a consistent look is not by altering the new tiles to appear aged, but by restoring the original creamy beige color to the older tiles. This can be accomplished through stone refinishing.
During the refinishing process, a stone restoration contractor hones the surface, removing a thin layer of stone to reveal fresh, pristine material underneath. Your entire floor, new and old tiles alike, can be given a uniform appearance. And here's the good news. You can choose whatever type of finish you want for your like-new flooring, whether satin-matte, semi-gloss, or a high polish.
It's perfectly reasonable to hope for a quick, inexpensive fix, but in our experience, attempting to artificially discolor or “age” new marble rarely yields satisfying results and often leads to more frustration. Trust this to a stone professional. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the Chief Technical Director at SurfaceCarePROS.com and Director at StoneForensics.com. He is also the author of Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. [Learn more about Fred.]