Marble floor restoration by Crystallization

The main component of marble is calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It is mainly this compound which makes the relatively soft marble, very resistant to external factors.

Crystallization is a series of activities involving the use of chemicals (crystallizers) which changes the structure of the surface layer of marble. During crystallization, the crystal structure of calcium carbonate opens and destroys, under the influence of acid in crystallizer. As a result of a chemical reaction that occurs between an acid and calcium carbonate, creating new chemical compounds.

These compounds – Calcium hexafluorosilicate Ca (SiF6) – characterized by high hardness, which significantly increase abrasion resistance of marble and scratches. The stone becomes harder, and its surface smooth.

In our market there are many different crystallizers. Practically every company producing chemicals for the preservation of the stone has it on offer. Crystallizers can be divided into two groups:

- Liquid crystallizers

- Powder crystallizers

To explain the process, I will describe it as an example of crystallization products made by Swiss company Taski: powder Taski Nobile and liquid Taski Carrara, which successfully applied for many years, achieving at the same excellent results.

Before crystallization, it should be performed the test, which will accurately determine the amount of time and needed to achieve the optimal result on the specific surface such as square foot. The stones of varying contents of calcium compounds react differently to the crystallizer.

We performed crystallization using a single disc machine with a turnover of ca 150/min and a weight in around 100> 120 lb. At the machine assumes a red nylon pad.

When performing crystallization of the powder once crystallized area should not exceed 40-50 sqft. We mix the powder with water and pour the resulting paste on the floor in a location that will crystallize. For spilled paste invaded machine with a nylon pad spreading it evenly over the crystallized surface, polishing it for a predetermined period of time. After the crystallization slime, created in the process, should be precisely vacuumed. The floor should be washed with clean water – the best twice. Leaving slime to dry can damage the surface of marble.

In applying liquid crystallizer, we use specially prepare the steel wool pads (preferably stainless steel). Very important is the selection of an appropriate thickness of wool that during the crystallization process it doesn’t scratch the marble surface. We apply crystallizer on the floor by spray and polish it until we get dry and shiny surface. The process should be repeated 3 to 5 times. Once we crystallize about 20 square feet the floor.

Proper performance of crystallization very effectively protects the floor from rapid destruction and improves its appearance and easy daily maintenance. Crystallization extended periods between an expensive and laborious grinding, often replacing them.