Tile Restoration, Cleaning, Polishing

Grinding
Grinding is the process by which the surface is sanded by the use of abrasives (diamond discs) to remove large stocks of the stone. This process is usually recommended when stone tiles contain lippage (uneven tiles). It is also recommended when deep stains and scratches occur or when one desires a completely floor.
Honing
Honing is the process of smoothing the stone with the use of abrasives (diamond discs). Honing is performed to remove scratches but will not remove lippage (uneven tiles). It can, however, round the edges of the stone, giving a smoother finish to the edge.
Polishing
The high shine observed on stone is the result of smoothing it with fine abrasives. Most craftsmen will use diamond abrasives to hone the stone, then switch to a powdered abrasive to achieve the final polish.
The abrasive powder is worked into the stone with a floor machine using water and cloth or polyester fiber pads. The powder is worked into a slurry until a polish is achieved. The craftsman removes the slurry with a wet-vac or mop and rinses the floor to remove excess powder. It is a relatively simple procedure, but requires a great deal of practice.
Crystallization
The term crystallization has entered the language of the marble polishing field to describe a process used polish and maintain a shine on marble surfaces. The crystallization process consists of spraying a fluid onto the marble floor and buffing it in with steel wool under a buffing machine. The steel wool generates heat through abrasion and the chemical reacts with the marble, producing a new compound on the surface of the stone. This procedure protects the surface of the stone, adds shine and may even harden the stone, increasing its wear.
It is extremely important that this process be carried out only by trained craftsmen who are thoroughly familiar with it.