Polish & Hone
North Bay Restoration uses both chemical and diamond-grinding processes to revive the striking elegance of natural stone. Both techniques remove most scratches, hazing, water spots, etching, normal wear/tear; restoring its natural luster.
Occasionally natural stone will “bruise” when in contact with intense pressure. Bruising discolors the area around a deep pit or heavy scratch. Our techniques will greatly diminish the appearance of these blemishes, but some slight scratches, pits, stains, or bruises may remain. Still the results will be amazing - a huge improvement!
We’ve gotten numerous calls over the years from panicked homeowners stating their once-glittering, flawless stone counter top, floor, or vanity has been severely damaged due to the use of inappropriate cleaning products. Worse yet, these disasters are frequently caused by inexperienced cleaning personnel. While this type of damage is not considered an “easy fix,” North Bay Restoration provides diamond-grinding and honing services which restore the luminous natural glow of most marbles, travertines, limestones, granites, even terrazzo.
Professional polishing and honing apply primarily to natural stones. Polishing produces a glossy finish which reflects light and emphasizes the stone’s more distinct color characteristics. Honing produces a smooth, warm finish with relatively low sheen. Our unique abrasive polishing processes remove hazy, etched imperfections, as well as water deposits, minor scratches, and most stains.
Some slight dust may occur, but in most cases is not noticeable, as our equipment uses an internal vacuuming system, which catches dust before it becomes airborne.
“I highly recommend Tim Lee for stone restoration in Northern California…he is personable and has the experience and proper equipment to do his work meticulously.”
~ Chuck Davis
"Our floors look great; we get so many compliments, especially from people who know what they looked like before!"
~ Julee Wheeler
Limestone Tile Entryway Restoration
Before (left): This entryway was installed correctly, but since it wasn't sealed before grouting, the limestone had utterly grabbed & locked in grout contaminants. The tile contractor wasn't able to repair the damage to the limestone. NBR deeply cleaned the entire surface to remove grout haze, then mechanically diamond honed to remove as much etching, scratches, and stains as possible. Then, it was mechanically polished to homogenize the sheen, and premium, solvent-based, impregnator sealant was applied.
After (right): The floor has been fully restored. The homeowner said it looked as good as he initially anticipated.
Marble Slab Restoration
Before (left): This "Negro Marquina" marble slab, double-sink vanity is located a high-traffic, commercial, men's bathroom. Unfortunately, the surface was very poorly maintained by the evening janitorial crew. Needless to say, the vanity was heavily scratched and etched.
After (right): Once NBR thoroughly diamond ground, re-polished, & sealed the surface with a high-quality, solvent-based impregnator, a polymer wax was applied for additional protection. The cleaning staff & property owners were then properly instructed on continued care. NBR was asked to include this vanity along with other natural stone surfaces in a yearly maintenance program. Notice the beautiful sheen & reflection!
Agglomerate Tile Floor Restoration
Before (left): This "Man-made Agglomerate Resin" tile showed normal wear and tear. The homeowner desired a simple facelift.
After (right): NBR mechanically diamond polished, chemically deep cleaned, and sealed with topcoat urethane. Notice the detailed reflections!
Marble Countertop Restoration
Before (left): This countertop was severely etched due to insufficient sealant protection.
After (right): NBR mechanically diamond honed to remove deeply penetrated etch damage, repolished to homogenize sheen, sealed with premium, solvent-based impregnator, then educated homeowner on proper maintenance. An eyesore transformed into a showpiece!
