U.S. General Services Administration
Technical Procedures Disclaimer
Prior to inclusion in GSA’s library of procedures, documents are reviewed by one or more qualified preservation specialists for general consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitating historic buildings as understood at the time the procedure is added to the library. All specifications require project-specific editing and professional judgement regarding the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers are to serve as a general guideline and do not constitute a federal endorsement or determination that a product or method is the best or most current alternative, remains available, or is compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards. The library of procedures is intended to serve as a resource, not a substitute, for specification development by a qualified preservation professional.
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We’ve reviewed these procedures for general consistency with federal standards for rehabilitating historic buildings and provide them only as a reference. Specifications should only be applied under the guidance of a qualified preservation professional who can assess the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers serve as general guidelines and do not constitute a federal endorsement nor a determination that a product or method is the best alternative or compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards.
THIS PROCEDURE APPLIES TO HIGHLY POLISHED STONE AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR USE ON HONED MARBLE SURFACES.
PART 1–GENERAL
1.01 SUMMARY
- This procedure includes guidance on re-polishing marble using polishing powder and water.
- Determine original finish of marble before proceeding with any re-polishing procedure.
- Re-polishing reflective surfaces may be necessary after treatment if the surface gloss has been altered. This is especially true if the surface has been etched.
- Perform as needed to re-polish specular stone surfaces, particularly following etching (See 04455-15-R “Removing Etch Marks in Marble”).
- For general information on the characteristics, uses and problems associated with marble, see 04455-01-S.
PART 2–PRODUCTS
2.01 MANUFACTURERS
A. Eastern Marble & Granite Supply Company
2.02 MATERIALS
- Mineral water
- Marble polishing powder: A finely ground buffing powder manufactured specifically for restorative type polishing of polished marble surfaces, such as “#52-B Polishing Powder” (Eastern Marble) or approved equal. Polishing agents may also be available at a hardware store or local stone dealer. Or a prepared commercial polishing liquid or cream such as “Italian Craftsman” (Eastern Marble), or an approved equal.
- Clean, lint-free cloths
2.03 EQUIPMENT
- Buffing pads for Polished Finish: Fiber brush pads manufactured specifically for restorative type polishing of polished marble surfaces
- Hand-held buffing machine
PART 3–EXECUTION
3.01 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION
NOTE: Do a test of the proposed polishing treatment in an appropriate, not highly visible area, to determine appropriate approach to re-polishing the marble.
- Wet the surface with mineral water.
- Sprinkle the marble polishing powder over the surface.
- Dampen cloths with mineral water (if they are to be used).
- Rub the powder onto the stone with the damp cloths or by using a hand-held buffing machine in long, even strokes; keeping clear of adjoining vertical surfaces.
NOTE: Apply polishing powder to marble surfaces to comply with manufacturer’s recommendations for hand application methods, unless otherwise indicated. Do not allow to remain on surface for periods longer than that indicated or recommended by manufacturer. - Buff until a uniform polish, consistent with the historic design intent, is achieved. For most historic floors, the original finish is a honed (non-reflective) finish. Walls and vertical surface were often given a soft satin polish. Highly polished surfaces became more popular after World War II.
- . Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
-OR- - For prepared liquid or cream polishing agents, follow the manufacturer’s recommended directions.