Natural Stone

Q. I spilled a little bit of floor wax on the stone that sits in front of my fireplace. Can you tell me how to get that stain off? It’s been on there for a couple of years, I’m afraid. Thank you. A. Removing floor wax from your stone... Read More

Q. I just received a new quartzite install, and there is a crack at the sink extending to the hole for the soap dispenser. The fabricator claims it does not affect the integrity of the stone, since apparently it's not a full-depth crack, and... Read More

Q. We recently placed travertine on our fireplace surround and applied a sealer. We are not happy with the color. It is dull. Can we use a color enhancer sealer and get results? How long do we need to wait? A. It’s understandably disappointing... Read More

Q. How do I get rid of candle wax (black) on a stone fireplace? A. Black candle wax can be frustrating to remove, especially on a porous surface like stone. There are usually two challenges to address: the wax itself, which can seep into the stone,... Read More

Q. I accidentally left a candle on my wood burner, lit a fire, and the wax melted. The candle was on a saucer, which collected most of the wax. When I moved the candle and placed it on the hearth, I spilt the wax. After it had cooled down I lifted... Read More

Q. My Pietra Cardosa countertops are darkening around the sink and other areas that are not covered for example around the toaster oven. I tried a paste that removes oil stains but it didn’t work. What do you suggest? A. There are several... Read More

Q. I have polished white marble that is too slippery for the floor. What is the best way to take away the polish? I have not laid the tile yet. We are planning to lay the floor ASAP. A. The route you choose to take to make this floor more slip... Read More

Q. We have a new home with black limestone in the master bathroom shower. I am looking to make a DIY cleaner for routine cleaning of the stone. Do you have a recipe or suggestion of products to use to make the cleaner? A. DIY cleaners can be risky... Read More

Q. Unfortunately, I had a decorative Halloween candle holder with the fake light in it turned on. Part of the black plastic from the candle holder melted from the heat of the fireplace and ran down the mantel. I cannot get the stain out of the cast... Read More

Q. My pickling vinegar bottle (7 percent acidic) leaked on my flagstone floor. I made a paste of baking soda and applied it after washing the floor with stone floor cleaner. I let the paste sit for the afternoon to no avail. I would appreciate any... Read More