A+ Touchstone Services

Admired for its elegance and timeless appeal, marble radiates a quiet luxury and sophistication, making it the most widely used natural stone.   However, marble is also a delicate stone and is susceptible to stains, etching, scratches and breakage.   It therefore requires meticulous care to ensure its longevity, especially when installed as countertops, sinks and flooring in kitchens and bathrooms.   A stained marble surface retracts the aesthetic appeal of this stunning stone. To understand why marble stains easily, we need to be aware of how this stone is produced.   Marble is a metamorphic rock, formed when limestone is subjugated to extreme temperature and pressure and is primarily composed of minerals such as calcite or dolomite.   It is this composition that makes marble extremely porous. In other words, it allows water and liquids such as oil, tea, coffee, wine, and coffee to seep into the stone’s surface, leading to discoloration.   Therefore, it...

The grace and beauty have been appreciated for ages.   Marble is resilient, but it is not unbreakable.   Marble ages, becoming dull and prone to stains, scratches, and even cracks and splits. The stone deteriorates due to improper maintenance and exposure to outside elements.   To preserve this amazing stone’s ageless beauty, its repair and restoration becomes relevant.   Ignoring minor damages like scratches or etching will lead to severe problems in the future.   These small flows have the potential to worsen and become large fissures or long-lasting stains if left unaddressed. Restoring marble will increase the lifespan of the stone by preserving if from further damage.   HOW MARBLE RESTORATION IS DONE The restoration of marble is an extensive and expensive procedure. The approach varies depending upon the kind of marble and the degree of damage. It necessitates a thorough understanding of the stone, which is best accomplished by a qualified te...

Natural stone has been in use in construction for centuries and has been admired for its beauty and durability.   However, several myths about natural stone persist, causing misunderstanding and confusion among builders, architects, and homeowners.    In this article, we dispel the myths surrounding the use of natural stones to help you appreciate the advantages of these wonderful and versatile material. Myth 1:   Natural Stone is Expensive   The most significant barrier to the use of natural stone is its high cost and the perception that natural stone is only for the wealthy.  This may have been true in the years gone by, but with improved mining processes and easy transportation, natural stone costs have considerably decreased. No doubt, certain varieties of marble, such as Statuario and Carrara  or even Van Gogh Granite, continue to attract a high price, but cheaper varieties of both marble and granite are available. Other natural stones, like sands...

Despite its well-known stain removal and disinfecting properties, many surfaces, including natural stone, typically avoid bleach due to its potential for damage and adverse effects.   Let’s discuss the effect of bleach on marble and other natural stones. CHEMICAL REACTION Natural stones are susceptible to substances with both low and high pH values. Bleach, which is composed of sodium hypochlorite, is a strong alkaline chemical with a particularly high pH level.   When natural stones are exposed to bleach, the chemical reaction removes the polish from the stone’s surface, leaving it rough.   The surface becomes dull and loses its gloss.   DISCOLOURATION AND ETCHING Bleach reacts with the minerals and compounds found in natural stone.   This reaction can cause the stone to change its colour, resulting in unsightly discolouration.   The degree of discolouration varies according to the type of stone and the length of time it has been exposed to bleach....

Maintaining marble floors can be challenging, particularly since it’s crucial to avoid using commercial cleaning products on them. Most store-bought cleaning products are high on acidic components that can destroy this stunning natural stone.  An alternate option is to clean marble with soap and water, however, opinions on the safety of soap differ.  While there is no definite solution, we would like to address your concerns and detail precautions for using soap to clean marble or other natural stone. The usefulness of using soap for cleaning marble is heavily dependent on the location and kind of surface. To avoid harming the marble surface, clean kitchen countertops, table tops and sinks with warm water and a light or pH-neutral soap.   While cleaning, dilute the soap with water to minimize its intensity and efficacy.   Always use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the stone surface, avoiding excessive scrubbing.   However, it is crucial to immediately rem...

Natural stone surfaces radiate timeless elegance, adding charm and character to every room.  From granite countertops to marble flooring, these stones are valued for their durability and aesthetic appeal.  Furthermore, natural stone flooring can be a considerable investment in a property’s infrastructure.   However, natural stone may wear and strain with time, resulting in chipping, cracking and discoloration.  In such cases, restoring or replacing damaged natural stone becomes critical to preserve its beauty and functionality. Replacing it incurs not only the expense of purchasing new material but also labour cost for demolition, removal and installation. Restoration, on the other han d, usually involves cleaning, polishing and repairing the existing stone, which can be substantially more cost effective. Restoring natural stone flooring rather than replacing it can be a prudent decision for a multitude of reasons, including economic considerations, environment...

A clean and well-maintained floor not only reflects hygiene and conscientiousness, but it also imparts a pleasant atmosphere to the surroundings. Our attitude toward a location, whether it is our house, business, restaurant, or hospital, is determined to some measure by its immaculate floor. In this category, marble is considered a high-end product and is undoubtedly one of the most popular floor materials.   Marble is an extremely porous natural stone.   This is why keeping a marble floor clean is a difficult task. As a professional firm dedicated in preserving and repairing marble for more than thirty years, we offer advice to exhibit the full potential of this exquisite stone. How often should marble floors be cleaned? In general, the frequency at which marble floors must be cleaned is dictated by how rapidly they accumulate dirt. The intent is not to allow dust to settle on the floor as it causes friction which results scratches. Even walking on a dust-covered marble...

Is your floor made of marble, granite or any other natural stone?   Is your floor damaged and looks dull?   Do you see the flooring in your home or office as an investment that needs care and protection?   If the response to each of the aforementioned questions is "yes," we have the ideal solution for you: a qualified restoration service for the natural stone that has been installed on your property.    A + Touchstone Services , a Mumbai-based company with a nationwide presence, provides a one-stop solution for all of your natural stone-related issues.   Restoration of natural stone is a specialist process that calls for a deep comprehension of the stone, and we have more than three decades of experience in this area.    Let us first define what a "natural stone" is before going into further detail about what we do.   What is Natural Stone? Natural stone refers to any type of stone that is found in the outermost layer of the eart...