I do a lot of Marble refinishing.... I use a crystal powder to creat the shine... does anyone know of any other chemicals I could use...something that gives the results without the work...

The powder that I buy cost 300 bucks a 10 lbs bucket

You can use acid and steel wool to crystalize the surface. 

I do stone work too and those powders are $$$$$$$$$$$!

Steamer.

Ted sells HG products from Germany for natural stone floors. You should check them out.

Recrystallization is still a controversial area for stone polishing.  Stick with the powders to give your customer the best results and protect the stone from possible stone failure.  Stone needs to be able to "breathe" and recrystallization provides a shine by forming a new compound which often prevents moisture from escaping from inderneath the tiles surface.  Plus, any moisture in the stone could cause a yellowing effect, especially in white thassos or carrera.  Polishing with powders allows the stone to shine naturally and looks "richer."  Of course, that is just my opinion.

You could also use diamond abrasives, but they are really tricky to control. 

Maybe someone here can help me while the Man is out of town. I have someone asking me, can you polish Marble floors with a buffing machine?

Also some cleaner used a product that took the shine off the Marble floor. How does he get it back? Should he strip it first and if he does and then adds a Marble polish will this bring back the Shine.

Any help would be appreciated!!!!

Dose anyone here clean Marble, I would like to tell this gentleman something tomorrow when he calls.

Thanks

The cleaner he used probably etched the marble and it needs to be honed and polished.  I doubt just a polish will bring it back.  Yes, you can do it with a buffing machine.  Hoggs Hair and Powder is the best option unless the etching is severe,  then he should use Diamond Abrasives to get rid of the areas that are dull. 

Treat marble like you would chalk.  If it eats the chalk, it will probably eat the marble.

I totally agree with T&S!

Thanks T&S I appreciated the answer. I personally think this guy is over his head but I guess you have to learn and start some were.

Adwa the HG products are crap...... the only thing That I found that works is the powder... it gives it that wet glass look....

I tried using a 175 rotary for marble, but it didn't work well. The weighted floor machines are the way to go.

Take care,

Lisa

Adwa all he has to do is get the powder and a heavy rotor machine... and a portable to suck up the paste crap... and a bucket and mop..

pretty easy

At this point we are 75% done.  I hope to have it up by the middle of Feb.  I am sure it won't be totally finished, but it will be a start. 

My primary method depends on the condition of the stone, grout and amount of daily traffic (Commercial Vs. Residential).  I grind if there is lippage, but usually Honing and powder polishing will handle the situation. 

I can tell you $300 for a 10 lb bucket is waaaaaay too much.  I pay $180 U.S. for 25lb's.  I think I could find it cheaper, but the person I buy it from has a tremendous amount of knowledge that he is willing to share with me whenever I need him.

do you do a lot of homes... marble isn't big in the homes up here...

you have to hit the bigger estates...

Hotels all have Marble...

I also can do strip and wax... I do a few day cares... but man the trouble..

I like just doing carpet

check out http://www.cleanerssolution.com - www.cleanerssolution.com   

It is my father and father in law's shop in Gaithersburg, MD.  They carry a product that I use for Marble cleaning and shining.  Works great!!!

It goes for only $20.00 dollars a quart.  Go to the search function on their site (upper right) and type in Marble.  It will come up as a Chemspec Marble Crystallizer.  Good Luck!!!