Q. 25 years ago, our painter applied a sealant, possibly epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic, to a new flagstone interior entry. It‘s held up beautifully. We are about to install flagstone in a small breakfast room. We want to retain the color of... Read More

Q. Can an impregnator be used to waterproof stone? A. Not exactly. An impregnator will make the stone water resistant, but it will not make it waterproof. Impregnating sealers are designed to penetrate the surface and fill the microscopic pores... Read More

Q. Is it possible to remove a bleach stain from a green slate worktop? This is a Cumbrian slate from the north of England. A. Yes, it is possible to remove a discoloration on slate that was caused by bleach. To be clear, bleach doesn’t actually... Read More

Q. We had a beige sandstone countertop installed for an outdoor kitchen. It is sanded smooth and was sealed with three coats of sealer. I don’t know what kind—just said “sealer” on the can. Some was spilled on our manufactured patio... Read More

Q. My bathroom needs to be stripped and resealed. A contractor sealed brand new travertine with a water-based sealant, and it has turned the beautiful tile into a mess. I have 160 sq. ft. on the floor, 100 sq. ft. on shower walls, and 28 sq. ft. on... 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. I have a problem with a marble tabletop and need to get some advice on what may have caused it. The marble has lots of spots plus a few ring-shaped marks. The marks cannot be cleaned off. The table was delivered in pristine condition. Is it... Read More

Q. A little too late I've discovered that travertine was not the best choice for the master bathroom (walls and floor) of the house we are renovating for the purpose of selling. The semi polished stones looked lovely at the store but once... Read More

Q. Would rubbing alcohol take permanent marker off of marble? A. You can try using rubbing alcohol on marble to remove a permanent marker stain. NOTE: Follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions when using chemicals. Since it evaporates... Read More

Q. What should I use to get out polyurethane stain on my sandstone step? A. The methods for removing polyurethane from stone will vary, depending on what type of polyurethane caused the stain. Each type behaves differently once it hardens or seeps... Read More