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Etching carrera marble tiles

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

We purchased 2 inch hex Carrera floor tiles. Trial fitting them we realized we didn't like the high shine. This is a floor in a small powder room. Reading some old posts here about etching I tried some common 5% white vinegar. It did a nice job of taking the gloss off and leaving an even matte surface. Anyone know why this is a bad idea as opposed to sanding them with fine wet/dry sandpaper?Dont really want any future surprises. The tile store said not to seal the marble. Now that it's matte should I seal it or do some other surface treatment? Will sealing restore any shine? It's uninstalled so etching should be easy. Would sealing be better done before installation or do it after installing and seal the grout at the same time? Thanks

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Comments (2)

PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
6 years ago
"The tile store said not to seal the marble,"???? Whaaaaat? Hmmmm. Somethings henky.

Marble REALLY needs sealing. The sealing won't change the gloss level. The sealing prevents STAINS from things like urine, toothpaste, shampoo, hair dye, etc. It also allows the marble to keep an even colour distribution when wet. It doesn't stop etching (like water droplets hitting the surface)...it stops COLOUR transfer.

Many experts suggest sealing marble tiles BEFORE they are installed and then MULTIPLE TIMES afterwards (before you use the space). Which is why I think the advice above is a bit wonky.

I think you need to speak with a STONE expert...not 'tile' people. Tiles are porcelain/ceramic = basic approach to maintenance. Marble is stone = very SPECIFIC maintenance needs = needs a stone expert to let you know how to do this.

Maybe Joseph will pop by with some suggestions...he deals with with counter tops, etc, all the time.
mike72903 thanked Cancork Floor Inc.
mike72903
Original Author
6 years ago
I hear you. The marble will be sealed if I use it. Actually thinking, after what you said and what I've read elsewhere, selecting marble was a bad idea. Started out intending porcelain but couldn't find what we were looking for so opted for this as the house has other decorative Carrera marble elements.
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