Q. We have a new construction home with dense soapstone. Throughout the house, including the wood floors, tile floors, granite composite sink, and soapstone countertops, I am seeing marks that look like drips or drops. All of the spots are lighter in... Read More

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. We have a new Calcutta Matarazzo Dolomite kitchen honed bench top. Only in use since Xmas Day 2025. We are seeing shiny streaks across the surface. Do we need to request the stonemason to return and repolish the surface, or can you advise of... Read More

Q. I used vinegar to clean my mosaic shower tile, black and white pebbles of tumbled marble. I didn’t know I shouldn’t use vinegar. Now they are discolored. Do I just need to re-seal it? A. We understand your concern about the... Read More

Q. We are using travertine as the coping on our pool. I know it is a natural stone, but there are some dark spots on the light-colored travertine that really stand out. Is there a way through a chemical to lighten these spots or possibly sand? I don... 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. 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