Finishing A Marble Floor

• 1). Vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove all traces of grit and dirt. Grit is the number one cause of wear on floors. Don't use a vacuum with a beater bar as the brushes can drag bits of dirt and rock across the floor surface leaving scratches.
  
  
• 2). Scrub the floor thoroughly with a mild detergent or PH-balanced neutral stone cleanser. Be particularly careful to remove all stains and dirt to prevent sealing the stains into the new finish.
  
  
• 3). Wear gloves and remove existing wax by wiping the floor with acetone. Wipe with distilled water and dry with a soft cloth. Problem spots can be lightly scrubbed with #0000 grade steel wool but be certain that every spec of metal is cleaned off the floor or it will rust on the marble leaving a permanent stain.
  
  
• 4). Dry the floor for 2-4 hours (depending on how porous the marble is).
  
  
• 5). Apply sealer based on factory recommendations. Many people use a spray bottle. Wipe off any residue and let the marble floor dry thoroughly.
  
  

Non-Essential Additional Steps (Choose Only One Of These):

• 1). Apply automotive rubbing compound to dull areas (follow product directions). Finish by applying a Carnauba based wax (Flitz) and buff using buffer. This produces a nice shine.
  
  
• 2). Choose a silicone based stone polish product such as "Italian Craftsman". (Silicone based polishes produce a glossy shine, but sometimes leave a greasy appearance).
  
  
• 3). Use a non-silicone based polish like Lithofin's "Stone Conditioner & Polish". Use a power buffer to bring up the shine.
  
  
• 4). Pamir produces a wax shine. This is a thick paste product. Using Pamir is more labor intensive (like waxing a car) but it can be used along marble edges and it will produce a nice shine