Why does white marble turn yellow?
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Causes and cures (and why we recommend white or very light marble never be used in a shower)
Sitting in my office one morning I received a call from a very upset homebuilder. He told me he was building a two million-dollar home and had installed nearly 3500 square feet of a white statuary marble tile. Over the weekend one of the water pipes broke in a bathroom and completely flooded the home.
They managed to vacuum all the water and started to assess the damages. Beside warped wood, soaked drywall and an irate homeowner, the marble tile seemed fine except for some minor water spotting. After several weeks the replacement of warped wood and drywall was completed, but he noticed the white marble had turned yellow in many areas. At first he thought it might be some type of residue so they tried cleaning the marble with some bleach and water but the yellowing was still there.
Meanwhile, the homeowner was getting more and more irate and was threatening a lawsuit. It was at this point that he called me.
The problem of yellowed white marble is not uncommon. All over the United States I have encountered marble that has turned yellow, and even brown. Although flooding is a common cause there are several other reasons this color change will occur.
Improper Maintenance
As marble wears, the highly polished surface begins to become scratched and worn. The wearing of this polish causes the surface to become rough and become a magnet for dirt. If improper cleaners are used, this dirt begins to accumulate in the pores of the stone can will turn yellow. It is surprising how often I have seen this condition on marble. Upon investigation in these cases I have often found dirty mops being used. Mops used to clean the restrooms and/or kitchens were also used to clean the marble floors. Floors are mopped with strong cleaners or wax cleaner combinations or with no cleaners at all.
Cure: If you suspect yellowing due to improper maintenance the marble tile will have to be cleaned with an alkaline marble cleaner. I would suggest a heavy duty stone cleaner. Be sure the stone cleaner you buy needs to be alkaline and not an acid since acid cleaners will dull the polish. Apply the cleaner to the marble and scrub with a soft brush. Be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure several times to remove all the imbedded dirt. If after cleaning the marble is dull I would suggest that you call us to professionally re-polish your floors then follow with an application of a good quality penetrating sealer (impregnator). If after several cleanings the yellowing is not removed then consider the next cause.
Wax Build-up or Coating
Many marble floors are coated with waxes, acrylics, urethane and other coatings. Most of these coatings are not specifically designed for use on marble floors. Some of these coatings are of poor quality and the coatings themselves will begin to yellow. It is not uncommon for coating to be applied in multiple coats. As the coating builds up it becomes soft and dirt is easily embedded in the soft layer. These coatings require frequent stripping which is often neglected.
Another possibility along these same lines is that process sometimes used for polishing marble floors is known as re-crystallazation. If this process is applied to a white marble floor that contains moisture it will turn the marble yellow.
Cure: To remove yellowing due to a wax or coating buildup the marble will need to stripped with a commercial wax stripper. I would strongly suggest having this done by a professional. These strippers often require the use of abrasive pads which can scratch and damage the marble surface. If you do try it yourself, before undertaking the entire project perform a small test to determine results.
If the marble tile has been recrystallized, it will be necessary to remove the recrystallized layer. This layer can often be removed by a professional polishing the tile with a powder marble polish containing oxalic acid. If this technique fails then the tile will have to be re-honed. It is strongly suggested that the polishing and honing procedure be performed by trained individuals. If these techniques fail to remove the yellowing then proceed to the next possible cause.
Iron Staining
Many white marble tiles contain naturally occurring deposits of iron. Iron is a mineral found in stone and can occur randomly throughout the stone. If iron is present in the marble tile, it will begin to oxidize when exposed to water or other oxidizers such as acids and household bleach.
It is for this reason that we recommend not using white marble in a shower.
White marble tiles can remain for years without yellowing then over time may slowly turn yellow, and in severe causes, may turn completely brown. This oxidation process is accelerated when the tile is saturated as in the flood in the above example. This process of oxidation is similar to the rusting of metal. If you expose a brand new nail to water and air it will turn brown and rust. The same process is occurring with the iron in the marble. If water and/ or air is eliminated the iron will not oxidize. This is the reason certain white marble suddenly turn yellow.
The process is difficult to reverse and replacement of the tile may be necessary. The following stain removal technique has proved successful in several cases. Before testing this procedure it is important to first determine if iron is the cause.
Testing for Iron:
- Before assuming the marble is yellowed due to iron, be sure to attempt cleaning and stripping as outlined in the first two possible causes above. If these procedures fail then testing for iron will be necessary.
- If a flood has occurred or excessive water was used first check the water for iron. If any amount of iron is detected then it is possible iron has entered the stone through the water supply. To eliminate the iron there are chelating chemicals that can be added to the water to prevent the iron from staining. This is very important if the tile is cleaned with this water.
- Even if the water contains no iron the tile can be checked for iron content. We can remove one tile and have it analyzed total iron. If there are spare tiles that have never been installed it would be a good idea to also have them tested for total iron. If iron is present naturally in this stone, it will probably be detected in the spare tiles. If the results return with iron present then the following procedure should be tested.
- We can check the tile for moisture using a moisture meter. If the tile contains water, it is very possible that iron is beginning to oxidize.
The Process for Removing Iron Staining:
- Prepare a solution of water and the following chemical: Sodium Hydro sulfite and Sodium Metabisulfite. These chemicals are available in a product called Iron-Out® you may have seen at your plumbing supply or home center.
- We will mix a solution in water and apply to the effected tile, and allow the solution to soak into tile and kept wet for several hours. It is important that the solution not be allowed to dry. After several hours pick up excess solution with a wet vacuum and rinse thoroughly with water and a chelating agent such as EDTA.
- Be prepared to expect that the marble may need to be repolished since these chemicals can etch marble.
If the above procedure fails we can then prepare a poultice with diatomaceous earth and the Iron Out™. The poultice mixture will be applied to a small area and covered with plastic wrap. After 24 hours remove the poultice paste and rinse the area with water and a chelating agent. If the stain is removed, the entire floor can be treated. If the stain still remains then replacement is the only solution.
Marble Age Crack Torrent
NOTE: There are also some new chemicals that are available which contain Ammonium Thioglycolate which look promising for removing iron oxidation.
The yellowing of white marble is a common problem. New installations should be sealed with a good quality penetrating sealer (impregnator) which will help prevent oxidation of the iron by eliminating moisture.
Let’s be honest here. Chances are you’re reading this because you love the look of marble but you’re absolutely terrified of damaging it. We totally get it, marble has acquired rap for being fragile and difficult to maintain. But don’t dismiss it too quickly! This beautiful stone can be best suited for some lifestyles.
Consider Your Lifestyle
When considering marble, like every other stone surface, we recommend you think about how you live your life. Do you always keep things neat and spotless? Would you say you’re a gourmet and prefer to spend more time in your kitchen than your family room?Do you have a home filled with children’s laughter (and the occasional kitchen disaster)? Do you thrive in chaos? Do you work a lot or have a busy life with little time in your kitchen?
These things matter when you’re thinking about which countertop will be best for your needs. That’s why our Stone Consultants will help you figure it out.We love all stone types equally! If you’re properly educated on how to be a responsible marble caretaker and combine that with the protective measures we take during fabrication,you will realize that marble is an enchanting surface worth a little more consideration.We hope you have your learning hats on, folks! Let’s dive in to Marble 101!
A Timeless Classic
Marble is a metamorphic rock, which basically means what it sounds like. It started out as one stone, and when put under certain environmental conditions changed into another.Without going deeper, marble is limestone that crystallized and was mined from the earth. Marble comes from all over the world, and several American quarries were used to construct the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.
When we think of marble, werecallmany words to describe it.Timeless.Luxury.Classic.There is a reason for that.The many varieties of marble provide us with subtle or dramatic veining, and a less “busy” background than some granite varieties out there. The reason engineered quartz companies try to replicate the beauty of marble is because most marble varieties work with neutral palettesand they age very well with kitchen trends as they emerge. Yet, try as they may, engineered quartz manufacturers haven’t fullycaptured the inner glow characteristic of real marble. Let’s continue detailing marble so you’re in the loop to make the best informed decision.
Slab Sizing
Marble slabs have a wide range between 100-138″ wide to 50-80″ tall. We utilize many stone suppliers to source your stone here in Indianapolis, and we will look for material in a pattern and size that will work best for your project.With any natural stone, there are natural characteristics such as fissures and pits that lend to your stone’s unique character; they cannot be removed or polished out. We will make sure you are able to view your material in person so you know exactly what will be installed in your space.
Pricing
Marble pricing in the Midwest is comparable to all price tiers of other natural stones. There are patterns that start around the same price granite will, and it will slowly climb up towardsa prestige level. Rest assured, there is a marble for every budget.When we estimate for any project, we consider the price of the material and all the optional fixtures and services your project needs for completion.
Durability
Here’s where things get scaryand then we bring you back down with some solutions. Can marble stain? Yes. Unsealed marble is a very thirsty stone. However, Peak Stone Company seals every marble with an impregnated 15-year sealer to slow the absorption of liquids and provide extra stain resistance. Our sealer comes with a 15-year performance warranty to help put your mind at ease.
Does this mean you can leave a spill sitting for an hour on aproperly sealed marble countertop? No.The sealer buys you enough time to clean up liquidswithout going into a panic because someone tipped a glass over.Make it a habit to always use a trivet or spoon rest while cooking to avoid issues. If you don’t get to a spill in enough time or missed a spot while cleaning, call us! We can talk you through a method using a stone poultice that will pull most marble stains right out.
The Cons of Marble
Can marble scratch? Yes, marble is softer than let’s say, a different type of stone like granite (that’s like comparing an apple to an eggplant, but here we are).Generally, it is about as hard as a copper penny.It is important to note that some varieties ofmarble like Fantasy Brown (this one is sometimes mislabeled as a soft quartzite) have better scratch resistance than a softer marble varietylike Carrara, because they have quartz naturally present in their layered composition.
Our Greenwood showroom desk is made from Fantasy Brown marble, and it has weathered many raw edge granite samples being slid and dragged across its surface daily with no noticeable scratches. Are we going to recommend you do the same to your new countertops? Absolutely not. We just know this is a tougher variety of marble that can better resist scratching in comparison to other patterns.Regardless, put your cutting board to good use!
Can marble etch? Most definitely. The calcite content of marble makes it react to most acids and bases. Your finish can be damaged if they’re allowed to sit on marble tops for too long.On a polished marble, etching can resemble a water mark on furniture. As time passes, the area that was damaged can darken as the calcite reacts to the acid. Please clean acidic or alkaline spills up as soon as possible to prevent damage to your stone’s finish. If you do experience etching firsthand, we can easily make a repair call to your house with an etch remover/polishing compound to see if it can be removed.
The Pros of Marble
We admit, the possibility of etching is alarming to most folks. However, there is one very cool way of getting around some of the etching issues, by going with a honed or suede/leather finish on your marble. The matte finish is sought after by a lot of homeowners, and it can help camouflage citrus or tomato-related mishaps (the most common culprits for etching in a kitchen).
Next, we want to highlight a place where marble is exceptional. It has great heat resistance, much better than that of engineered quartz. Marble is a popular choice with folks who love baking. We still recommend using hot pads or trivets with any stone just to be safe.
If this still doesn’t have you convinced that marble can withstand your daily life, we will acquire samples you can use to test substances in your home that your topswould come in regular contact with, so you can be sure of what you’re getting before you commit.
Cleaning Your Marble
A few drops of dish-washing liquid (without bleach) diluted in warm water and soft cloth is what we recommend for everyday cleaning. For tougher jobs, we recommend using a cleaner made specifically for natural stone. Disinfectant wipes are also acceptable to use on sealed stone if you have bacteria concerns, just make sure you read the label carefully to avoid any mishaps.
If you get hard water scaling around your faucet, callus and we’ll talk to our Project Managers on the best way to handle removing it. We are always happy to coach you through cleaning procedures.
Do not use solvents, 100% bleach, or ammonia on your top. It can have an impact on your sealer and the stone.
Please wipe away oven cleaners and rinse the area with water as soon as they encounter your top to prevent damage.
Other Marble 101 Guidelines
Marble countertops will age, mellow, and develop a lovely patina over time. Patination is something to consider when you are making your decision.
Never sit or stand on a countertop because it can cause a stress crack or fracture. Stay safe and use a step ladder.
If you chip your countertop, please save the chip if you can so it can be included in the repair. Marble chips can be easily repaired. While the material will be stable and look better cosmetically, after any repair is performed, that portion of stone will never be as it was when the material was first installed.
Marble Age Crack Game
Woohoo! You have completed Marble 101! Please know you are welcome to contact us before trying anything you’re unsure about with your stone top. Advice is always free, repairs come with charges!