FAQ

Often, installation contractors rarely have an education in sealing. They are in the business of cut it, put it in and move on to the next project. They don't put forth the effort into understanding what is involved with maintaining it.

Which is why we are often called with issues such as this because they either did not seal it, used the wrong products to seal it and possibly gave wrong advice to care for it.

One of the reasons installers don't actually seal is because the surface needs to cure at least 72 hours or longer before it can even take on a sealer. And if they did attempt at the time of installation, they didn't give the surface the proper curing time to be able to fully seal.

Cleaning and janitorial are not often trained in stain identification and how to deal with it properly. If your surface does not get clean with standard cleaning practices, it is time for restoration.

Any stone that appears darker in the shower is a tell-tell sign that there is a water entrapment issue under that area. 

There are some solutions we have for issues like these.

This can be for a couple of reasons. Either the proper prepping was not conducting prior to installing the new caulking, or there is a moisture issue behind the caulking.

Grout is an aesthetic filler. There are many products on the market to claim it is water proofed. But the only real way to water proof grout is through the color sealing process.

Grout falling out is commonly caused by the use of harsh cleaning agents which make the grout brittle and crack.

Another issue could be that the tile is slightly loose and the vibrations are causing the grout to pull out.

Or there is a moisture entrapment issue behind the surface and is compromising the grout.

This depends on what is causing the dirty look. What cleaning methods have you already tried?

More often than not, marble will look dirty when topicals are applies, when the wrong cleaning agents are used, and even sometimes installers use the wrong grout (sanded grout) which will constantly cause scratches.

 Each surface type will vary in density, material composition and porosity which will effect how often and what type of maintenance should be administered to your surface. Each of our technicians are trained experts in identifying your surfaces and will establish a recommended maintenance plan for your specific surface care needs. 

As a general DIY cleaning and maintenance, please feel free to take advantage of our free care guide. For your more vigorous maintenance needs, please check out our maintenance page for more details. 

 Depending on the type of material you have outdoors and the look you are wanting to achieve and maintain, sealing an outdoor surface will need to occur more often than an indoor installation due to the exposure to the outdoor elements. Having a natural looking stone may not require a sealer at all. However, if your surface is more prone to staining or efflorescence, you may need to have a quarterly service plan. If you want your outdoor surfaces to look new all the time, you will need to have a maintenance package for more visits.

Each surface type will vary in density, material composition and porosity which will affect how often and what type of maintenance should be administered to your surface. Each of our technicians are trained experts in identifying your surfaces and will establish a recommended maintenance plan for your specific surface care needs. 

Keeping your newly renewed grout clean and beautiful is as easy as following our care guide instruction. As a general DIY cleaning and maintenance, please feel free to take advantage of our free care guide. For your more vigorous maintenance needs, please check out our maintenance page for more details.

Etching is the most common natural stone problem, especially with limestone, travertine, marble, slate and other soft stones. Any acidic substance—tomatoes, wine, soda, vinegar—that touches your stone will most likely leave a white-ish, dull mark that resembles a water-glass ring on a table. If the etch is really bad, you can actually feel it with your fingers.

The Solution:  For light etching on your stone, you can remove the etching yourself with a mild etch remover paste. For more severe etching or etching on honed (non-reflective) surfaces, it is recommended that you call a stone restoration professional.

SCRATCHES
Scratches will occur in soft stones stone because - well it is a soft stone. Knives —anything sharp for that matter—and abrasive cleaners can easily scratch your precious stone surface. Sometimes scratches can create permanent lighter marks called stuns.

The Solution: For light scratches in darker limestone, blot mineral oil into the scratch. If your stone is lightly colored, honed or polished, use super fine sandpaper, working your way up to finer and finer grits until the scratch disappears. Deeper and larger scratches should be buffed out by a professional. 

Typically soap scum, efflorescence and hard water deposits are the culprit that create a buildup in shower services.

Have them contact us immediately and in most cases, we can get the surface fixed and help them prevent from making the same mistake again.

Unsightly swirl marks on your beautiful fine surface should not exist. Improper buffing and the use of products that are too harsh cause swirl marks. Swirl marks can only be removed by a trained professional though a proper honing or wet sanding process. With the use of honing compounds, proprietary tooling & techniques, Surface Buff can remove most swirl marks, leaving your surface showroom ready.  

Typically etch marks will suddenly appear and may seem to disappear when wet, but will become noticeable when the surface is dry.

Often this is created because of the natural minerals in the surface. We have also seen it where an installer used the wrong fasteners, and they have been in contact with moisture leading to rust which will be absorbed by many surface types.

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 Our time and expertise are very valuable. We DO charge a $100.00* nonrefundable trip fee for all on-site estimates and the fee is due at the time of scheduling your appointment. This is due to the cost of time and travel to get to and from your location and for the time and efforts made by our experts. Our estimates include an inspection, diagnosis and solution for the problem. If a restoration or repair solution cannot be offered, we will suggest replacement which is something we also can offer you or recommend another contractor who can offer the service you need if we are unable.

Here is how we work. For us to put an effective package together for your consideration, we will need to set up an on-site estimate for you. With the information we gather from the on-site inspection, we will design your job to meet your budget, we will do a firm price quotation for you, we will prepare the agreement to build your job as we have discussed and bring the whole package back to you for your consideration. If you approve our proposal, we will then get your signatures on the agreement, an initial down payment from you, and schedule your project.

We can attempt "ballpark" estimates. By sending us measurements, photos and your desired service on the surface we can provide a free online "ballpark" estimate. Keep in mind each project has its own unique variables and asking us to give you a price over the phone is like telling us your check engine light is on and you want to know what it will cost to get it to turn off. A diagnosis is required to determine what it will cost to resolve the issue. 

An expert consultation includes an inspection, report and sometimes aids in testimony as an expert witness in a pending civil litigation.

An estimate will provide a brief description of the issue and give you the cost of what it will take to correct the issue/s. An expert consultation often includes a more detailed inspection, photos and a detailed report that is often used in court, arbitration or negations for civil litigation.

Because our time and expertise is valuable. 

No. We charge $100 within 60 miles of 27511. Any further, we will discuss the trip costs.

 SURFACE BUFF only uses natural true and proven methods that are designed to reproduce as close to possible the original finish produced by the factory or better. We will not use products that will supposedly “permanently seal” your surface (that is impossible, and the products sold for this permanent sealing process is unhealthy for your surface). Keep in mind, if you have an organic surface, it needs to breath just as much as you breath. We also will not use dubious polishing methods such as “crystallizing” or “waxing”.

There is a lot of science and research behind proper surface care, and you want to keep your hard surfaces just as healthy as you want to keep your own body healthy. Less processed additives and more natural products are better for you and your surfaces. We take seriously our responsibility to make sure that your investment retains its natural beauty and value for a lifetime.

SURFACE BUFF seeks to provide our clients with a seamless approach to resolving whatever maintenance or restoration projects they may have. Dirt, grime, stains, etching, hard water stains, and sealant breakdown can all contribute to the degeneration of a surface. We can restore your surfaces to like new condition in most cases.

In today’s homes, owners, builders and designers are discovering countless creative applications for finishes. If your surface is properly maintained from the beginning, it will enhance the beauty and value of a home or business for many years to come.

One underlying principal drives all of our work…

Anything worth doing is worth doing right! We will never bid low and cut corners – the result would be poor workmanship and an unhappy client. We quote honestly, according to what will serve you best. The result is professional, highest-quality work and service, and a completely satisfied client. When we complete a job, the stone not only reflects on your image; it reflects our standards and work ethic. 

Our driven agenda is your satisfaction!

​We know stone & hard surface restoration and are the leading experts to care for all your fine surfaces. We only use natural true and proven methods that are designed to reproduce as close to possible the original finish produced by the factory or better. We will not use products that will supposedly “permanently seal” your surface (that is impossible, and the products sold for this permanent sealing process with our state-of-the-art stone sealers and is unhealthy for your surface). Keep in mind, if you have an organic surface, it needs to breath just as much as you breath. We also will not use dubious marble polishing methods such as “crystallizing”. We use the appropriate and correct method of mechanically polishing your surfaces naturally.

We are not the fastest, cheapest solution...We are the RIGHT solution!

"Education before any Sale!" - Maurizio Bertoli of MB Stone Restoration Maurizio Bertoli (aka MB) is the reason the founders of SURFACE BUFF came into this industry. His passion for quality, his amazing raw talent, his attention to detail, his ability to educate both contractors and consumers impacted so many and continues to do so after his premature passing, through those who had the great pleasure of studying and apprenticing under him. MB will be greatly missed, but his passion and mission will go on forever.

NOTE: In many cases, a sudden and accidental situation in a home or building that requires restoration may be covered by insurance. Don't allow the hype and lies that are made to make people afraid of filing a claim through their property insurance. It is not the same as car insurance. If you think you need to file an insurance claim, look into hiring a licensed and bonded Public Insurance Adjuster. If you need help finding one, give us a call and we can give you information. A Public Insurance Adjuster works for you, whereas the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. And you should never have to come up with any money of your own for a good Public Insurance Adjuster. A good quality Public Insurance Adjuster should work for you on a contingency agreement.

SURFACE BUFF is dedicated to help educate the consumer and to help get you the project you paid for...that you deserve.

Consumers are finding themselves more and more into a situation where they pay a lot of money and try to pick out the best contractor only to now have a mess on their hands. This is a frustrating experience and can really be exhausting. If you don't know where to go to get help, you may even feel helpless.

So how can we help you?

Legally - No, we are not lawyers. We cannot offer any legal advice, nor would you want it as we only specialize in surfaces, not law. The contents of this website are based on our professional opinion and experience and is not to be taken as legal advice of any type. You would want to find a lawyer who specializes in the case law that your issue calls for. However, depending on your situation, it wouldn't be a bad idea to check out your area's bar association to find a lawyer. Other avenues to file a complaint would be with your State's Attorney Office and sometimes a News on Your Side can help get your contractor on the ball.

Consultations - We offer consultations with a written report of our findings of the surface in question. Our fee is $150.00 per hour, plus travel costs if applicable. Estimates only provide options to correct an issue and how much it will approximately cost to complete such repairs. Our consultations will arm you with the industry regulations and explanations of how a surface should be or not be installed or maintained. We are not certified home inspectors, nor are we engineers. We are the masters in solid surfaces and have found the great need for the consumers to have our experts consult on a project gone wrong.

Expert witness testimony services - We have been retained by several law offices with regards to hard surfaces in both installation and maintenance areas. This service is available with our Consultation services listed above and is included in the Consultation hourly rate.

Designs / Pre-Purchase Consultations - Our designers help you custom design and select the ideal products for your project that will give you the aesthetics and longevity you desire and unlike other designers, we can tell you what to expect for maintenance and how to maintain each surface we design for you. So before you buy that beautiful black granite counter, it would be best to have our designers on your side you warn you of poorly doctored stone. Our design fee varies either by the hour or by the project (whichever may be less expensive for you.) But the time for an estimate to discuss it all and make an agreement is always free.

How to protect yourself before a situation turns bad

Based on the hundreds of calls we get from clients who are on the brink of screaming with frustration from the result of a bad contractor situation, we have put together a little guide with hopes that you may be able to help avoid common things many consumers tend to overlook.

Step 1) Search for a Qualified Contractor, not the cheapest.

(A Jack of all Trades is a Master of Nothing!)
Search around, ask around for who would be the best contractor for your project. Call your friends and family to see if they know any reputable contractors they have worked with before. The internet holds a mass of resources when trying to find a contractor. But how will you know which one is the right match for you?

The internet is flooded with contractors of all sorts. You want to select a contractor who specializes in your particular need. For instance, if you are going to build an addition to your home, a licensed General Contractor is a must, however, they don't specialize in much - hence the word General and these are typically people who are paid to manage projects that are $30,000 or higher. They typically use the cheapest subs to perform different tasks. You want to be able to either select the subs yourself or at least, meet these subs in person and qualify them yourself. This will help eliminate major issues that will arise if a paint guy ends up installing your new tiled floor who has maybe some experience, but really doesn't focus on tile floors day in and day out.

Search through industry specific memberships and associations to look for a quality contractor who may be listed in their members list. (Just because they are listed in one of these, does not necessarily mean that they are or are not of high quality. Most companies pay to be listed as members and there is no true value to the consumer if the contractor pays just to use their certified logo, but it is an avenue to know at least they go the extra step instead of just placing free ads on Social Media Websites.)

TIP - Look into the qualifications of the Associations or Memberships to see what it takes to be listed as a contractor. Many membership or certification companies only exist in order to get monthly dues from members. This is NOT important to consumers.

Keep a record of each contractor and how you found them specifically. (Example: Google Search took you to their web site, or to an ad in Oodle, etc.) Print out the ads or keep copies if at all possible. Remember, when calling into a location, you may or may not get a contractor directly. They may have receptionists answering their phones for them while they focus on business. It is best to write a list of questions and concerns about your project so that they may be addressed in person at the time of your estimate or consultation.

Step 2) Get an Estimate

(Any promises made verbally are as valuable as the paper they are written on)
Get an estimate in writing. Understand that in many cases, a contractor cannot account for what they cannot see, and an estimate is just that. An approximate cost to complete a project based on what they can see during the time of the initial estimate. However, if the contractor does this day in and day out, their estimate should not be very different from the total cost of the final project price, unless unknown damages are uncovered at the time of the project being worked on. 
Make sure you understand what types of payment are accepted at this time.
Make sure it is written when the contractor will expect deposits and if they are refundable at this time.
Take notes while the contractor is there to examine your project. Pay attention to how they are examining the area. Are they paying attention to details, or do they just seem more interested in making a sale?
Make sure to ask the contractor all the questions you may have at this time.

TIP: Have a list of questions written down prior to the contractor's arrival.

Suggested Questions to ask a potential contractor/sub-contractor

1. What is the daily main function of that person in the company? (Are they just a sales agent, a technician, a general contractor, a project manager, etc.)
2. Will that person be present during the entire project? If not, who will oversee the project? What are their qualifications?
3. Are background checks performed on all employees and subs?
4. How long has the contractor/sub-contractor done (ex.: stone, tile, painting, carpentry, electrical, etc.)?
5. Has the contractor/sub-contractor been formally trained in that industry? If so, where? Do they have any certificates of completion they can show you?
6. Is the contractor certified or a member of any professional organization in that industry? If so, ask to see a copy of that certification or are they listed in their members online? If so, contact that organization to see if there are any consumer complaints about them.
7. Which standards does the contractor base their workmanship by? (i.e., Stone and Tile Pros, MIA, ANSI, TCNA, AIA, IICRC, ASCE, The Guild of Master Craftsmen, ASPE, NECA, and other associations or just Basic Local Building Code, etc.) TIP: Make sure they list this in their Contract...better if it is on the Estimate and Contract.
8. Does the contractor have photos of previous work?
9. Does the contractor have references? (Please do not ask for residential reference addresses. As a contractor we do ask for permission from our client to use them as a reference. BUT we also favor their privacy and do not hand out personal home addresses of our clients, nor should any contractor.)
10. Does the contractor/sub-contractor do any commercial work, as well? (If the contractor does do commercial work, in some cases, you can personally go to that location and see their work. Keep in mind, these surfaces usually have much more use and abuse than a residential location and many commercial locations use the wrong cleaning products and instead of cleaning, they are stripping their surfaces daily.)
11. Ask for a list of what materials will be used. (There are quality products, and cheap products. There are products that are specific to one aspect of the project that many contractors do not pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions and may use the wrong product for the wrong surface type.) This will also help you look up the products, get manufacturer installation instructions to be sure it is done correctly as the project is being completed.
12. Does the contractor have MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheets) available for all products, materials and chemicals they will be using in your property? (The law requires them to carry these sheets at all times.) This will give you a breakdown of what all products, both materials and chemicals, are made of. (Ask to have a copy of all MSDS sheets for all materials and/or products they will have on your property.)
13. What safety program does the contractor/subcontractor have in case of an accident? (Contractors are all obligated as per OSHA to have a safety program and a safety manual on hand at each project site.)
14. Ask for samples or a sample to be done on your surface (If applicable)
15. Is the contractor, all employees and any sub-contractors fully insured? (You want to ensure that each contractor, employee and /or sub-contractor carries enough General Liability Insurance to replace your entire property and its contents in case something should happen. Even if it seems like a little project, something such as taking a cigarette break and accidentally not putting that cigarette out all the way can cause a big problem.)
    
16. Are all contractors, employees, sub-contractors covered by Workmen's Compensation? If the contractor is only themselves and has no employees, they should have what is called a "Ghost Policy". This protects the property owner in case the contractor, employee or sub-contractor is injured on that property. Regardless of who is careless or absentminded, if that contractor/employee/sub-contractor gets injured, and it is on your property, you may find yourself being held as the liable party and ending up having to fight a battle. It is best to make sure that each employee, contractor and sub-contractor that touches your property is covered one way or another with workmen's compensation. TIP: You can check you your State's Insurance Commissioner to be aware of the State's bar's minimum requirements are.
17. Ask for a Copy of Insurance (COI) with your name and address listed as the Certificate Holder. If a contractor or sub-contractor is hesitant to give this to you or gives any excuse why they may not have the ability to get this to you within 14 days (usually), you just should not take anybody's word because it could end up as your liability. TIP: Do not allow a project to start without this in hand!
18. Call the insurance company to confirm that the COI is current, accurate and is as it says it is.
19. Ask if electrical tooling will be required to complete your project. This is important because some equipment may need to be plugged into a converter to connect to two different circuits to avoid accidental power loss. TIP: Make sure if you have a computer on that you save all work while the project is being completed and you shut off your computer to avoid losing information or damaging your system.
20. Is there more than one option to complete this project?
21. Is the suggested project option a "band-aid" solution or is this going to resolve or perform the way it should?
22. What is the maintenance going to be for this project? (Include each surface, if applicable. i.e., a tile project will be different maintenance than a toilet and using the wrong products may not only damage a surface, may also void any warranties or guaranties.)
23. Is the contractor/sub-contractor qualified to suggest the proper maintenance products or can they give you a care guide or at the least, refer you to someone who can educate you on what products to use?
24. How long can the contractor expect this service to last? (There is no crystal ball solution to answer this question, but there should be a level of experience that the contractor should know a ballpark idea.)
25. Does the contractor and/or sub-contractor offer any Warranties or Guaranties? (The difference between a Warranty and a Guarantee is that a Warranty is either a "Name Apparel" - which will cover only items specifically listed and nothing else, or an "Exclusionary" - which covers everything except listed items. You get more coverage with an Exclusionary Warranty. For example, you buy a car. You are offered a Powertrain warranty or a Full Coverage Warranty. A name apparel warranty is like a Power-train Warranty and the Exclusionary Warranty is like that "bumper-to-bumper" Warranty. A Guarantee is a promise usually to state that they believe their product will perform the way the Manufacturer states it will perform. Find out if any of these include parts/materials and labor. It is important that you know exactly what the contractor/sub-contractor offers...and again, get it in writing!)

Step 3) Documents and Contracts

(Go ahead and imagine what items you will need to present a situation to a judge. Not that you will have to, but at least you will have everything ready...just in case.)
If you are a plaintiff...you will carry the burden of proof! Don't put yourself in a position where you end up saying you wish you had done such and such before this all happened.) Prior to any agreement, did you get the SDS aka MDSD sheets? See a safety manual? Get a copy of the insurance and workmen's compensation? Did you validate all the items to ensure everything is valid and accurate? If your contractor doesn't have a contract, make sure to get a good contract. You want this contract to include the contractor's responsibilities, the customer's (you) responsibilities, identify the project area, identify the project steps as best as possible, record who is responsible for supplying materials and tools, how much the project will cost and the payment terms, (make sure to have it clear that any changes or additions must be included on an addendum signed by both parties), and make sure they list their insurance coverage on the contract.

TIP: Have a lawyer look over all documents before signing and agreeing. Sometimes things aren't always what they seem to be, and a lawyer generally can catch something if it exists.

• Check for specific terms in the contract about arbitrations, settlements, etc. Make sure it is fair.
• Check for legal fees, collection fees, late fees, etc. in the contract. Make sure it is all fair.
• Documenting also includes photographing, recording or video. (Be sure you are aware of your local laws with regards to audio recording before recording to make sure you do not accidentally violate any laws.) Always check with a local lawyer before.
• Be sure to keep a decent quality camera. Take before, during the project and final photos of the project. (If you cannot be present during the project completion, have a reliable person there to complete this for you.) Surface Buff always takes before, during and after photos. We are always happy to share these with you at no additional cost.
• Keep everything in an organized file - including a folder in your computer for any emails.
• Get all Warranties and/or Guaranties in writing.
• Keep receipts for everything.
• Keep a journal with you to document daily activities, progress and conversations.
• If there are any changes to the project, or other issues are discovered during the project, make sure all parties agree to a solution, a price and make a written addendum to include all details and pricing that all parties sign. Remember, will these changes also be included in any Warranty or Guarantee?

If you have concerns about how a project or an employee, contractor or subcontractor is performing, write a letter to the person in charge of the project, detailing your concerns, keep a copy for yourself and make sure to keep a good document trail. If the other party responds verbally (hopefully quickly), write another letter or email thanking them for their response, reiterate the details of that conversation and ask them if you are understanding that conversation correctly.

Step 4) Inspect a finished project

• Do not make a final payment until you inspect the finished project. Write down any issues you feel you have found. It is critical that you do this within 24 hours of the completion of a project.
• Write down a list of possible issues.
• Take photos of possible issues.
• Write a letter or email to include these possible issues.
• If you do not find any issues, pay according to the terms of the agreement/contract. Contractors, employees and sub-contractors work hard and depend on getting paid on time.

Step 5) Maintenance

Proper maintenance is the key to keeping any surface, project, machine, etc. beautiful and lasting you longer. Be sure you know what products to use to maintain your project. How often? Who to call if you have any future questions or concerns about maintenance? Get a document (if it isn't already on the Warranty/Guarantee document) that will lead you to the path of a long lasting beautiful, finished project.

Step 6) Leave Feedback

In today's World, word of mouth is everything. Positive or Negative, Feedback is crucial and there are several places where and how you can leave Feedback. This will help other consumers in the future. By doing so, you can do your share to help increase the level of quality and expectations of contractor workmanship and materials just by leaving feedback in as many places you can find.

(TIP: Be careful with leaving negative feedback that you do not cause harm to any potential legal case you may have or that you might be held liable for any defamation. You may want to consult with your attorney about negative feedback text before submitting negative comments to public access.)

Sadly, there are a lot of details, steps and sometimes extra costs to ensure a contractor, materials used, and the overall project is going to be up to par. It is a lot less effort, time, energy and money to take care of all these details before a problem is created. Think about it. If you decide not to take all the precautions and a problem exists, not only will the project possibly need to be redone which will take more time and aggravation, but there could also be costs for taking it out, disposal fees and then the cost to buy more products and supplies and labor to put it in correctly. You could end up paying multiple times more than you did when you originally had the project first completed...or even more if legal action has to be taken.

Different projects may offer different solutions, or different aesthetic results, or even a different level of quality. We offer a wide variety of services and sometimes there are more options for your particular situation and we will like for you to be aware of all your options, not just hand you a one size fits all box.

A finish or a polish is a scratch pattern. The finer the scratches, the shinnier the surface becomes. To properly polish marble, a trained professional must mechanically polish the surface, know which tooling and compound to use, how to use them and how to identify where to start.

Granite repair is a very artistic and scientific project. Chemistry, geology and talent are required for granite repair. We use the best products on the market that will not yellow and discolor. 

We do offer emergency hours. There is an additional cost to after hour emergency services.

Our restoration processes employ the latest technologies and equipment to protect and preserve your stone surfaces. Once we have completed a restoration, our technicians will educate you with simple stone and tile care tips to keep your stone looking like it was just installed.
 

Even for high-traffic commercial properties, after we complete a stone restoration and implement our surface extended service agreement (SESA), we will guarantee you will never have to pay for a complete restoration again*.
 

Many owners have been told that waxing is the best way to care for hard surfaces. Wrong! Waxing causes yellowing and requires constant stripping and re-waxing, not to mention that it compromises the coefficient of friction and can become a slip hazard. It also traps in dirt and creates a maintenance nightmare. Our sealing and restoration methods do not involve wax. We care for your surfaces by providing long-term protection, so you’ll never have to pay for waxing, stripping, and re-waxing again. In the long run, our professional terrazzo polishing and sealing not only saves you money but also ensures your surface's enduring beauty and durability, giving you peace of mind.

Restoration is the art and science of restoring worn or damaged marble, granite, travertine, limestone, or other natural stone to a like-new condition. It requires proper training, specialized equipment and supplies, and an artisan's eye for detail. Rest assured, our process is designed to ensure the safety and integrity of your stone surfaces.

Our 5-Step System for Obtaining & Maintaining Beautiful Surfaces

Step #1 Consultation / Evaluation

First, we inspect your surface and perform several tests to determine its type. We will inspect the wear patterns and damage on the stone. After reviewing this data, we can restore a sample area for a nominal charge. This will allow us to diagnose the problem precisely and give you a snapshot of your surface. We can also determine if your stone should be sealed.

Step #2 Restoration
We will restore your stone surface to its original beauty using trained stone technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and materials. All work will be completed in a professional and timely manner.

Step #3 Impregnation/Protection
Many stones are susceptible to stains from spills of coffee, soft drinks, soiling from normal foot traffic, oils, etc. It can be protected against these stains by the use of an impregnator. An impregnator is an integral part of an ongoing, proactive stone care program. We use only the best, sometimes most expensive, impregnators available on the market. Impregnators facilitate an easier, cost-effective maintenance program for all-natural stones by offering long-term protection against stains and dirt penetration.

(It is crucial that after restoration is complete, you allow 72 hours of cure time before allowing any moisture to get on the restored surface. This allows the impregnator/sealer to lock itself into place and do its job properly.)
 

Step #4 Daily Maintenance Training
Most people use what they consider "safe" techniques and chemicals on their stone to care for it daily. What may be safe for tile or ceramic can damage natural stone. After we restore your stone surface to its original beauty, we will train you or your cleaning people on how to maintain a restored appearance routinely. We can even leave you with our recommended daily stone cleaner to use.

Step #5 Periodic Follow-Up Restoration
Even after restoring and impregnating the stone, its new, beautiful appearance is not permanent. Proper daily care will greatly extend the beautiful appearance, but ongoing foot traffic and other factors will always wear away at the bright, clean appearance. A periodic maintenance program will mean additional expense, but it will always ensure a beautiful floor and prevent the need for a complete restoration in the future. After restoration, we can design a periodic restoration schedule. The frequency will be determined by your specific stone's needs and the appearance level you want to maintain.

Grout renewal is the process of cleaning and repairing grout without the need of removing your existing grout or flooring system. We can make your grout look new again at a fraction of the cost and mess of replacement.

We clean and seal new and old grout to restore color and beauty. We use a penetrating sealer that protects the grout and allows for easy damp mop cleaning and elimination of the accumulation of microorganisms. The sealant is specially formulated to provide maximum stain protection especially in food preparation and serving areas. Surface Buff's Tile and Grout Renewal Services also repairs grout, matches grout colors and re-caulk as needed. 

4-Step Renewal Process
Surface Buff's Tile and Grout Renewal Services uses a 4-step process to revitalize your tile and grout surfaces. This process not only restores your surfaces and floors to their original beauty, but with its fungicides, bactericides and mildewcides our color sealant process provides sanitation for many years.

1. Tile and Grout Repair
We will replace chipped or cracked tiles and repair chipped or cracked grout, restoring your tile and grout to like-new.

2. Re-grouting
Tile re-grouting is one of our specialties. We will remove and replace old grout and caulk, clean tile and seal your grout and tile.

3. Grout Staining
We can help make your dull, dingy tile and grout appear brand new. We clean and restore it and can color seal your grout lines to any color you choose.

Grout Staining is the re-coloring of existing grout. Grout Staining offers many benefits including maximizing protection and beauty while minimizing maintenance. Additionally, grout staining gives home or business owners the option of changing the grout to either a lighter or darker color. If done right, grout staining can increase property values by giving a clean, updated look to the tile installation for many years to come.

Surface Buff's Tile and Grout Renewals Services cleans the tile and grout to expose its true beauty and minimize maintenance. Surface Buff's Tile and Grout Renewal Services also repairs grout, matches grout colors and caulks baseboards as needed.

4. Caulking
Caulking is one of the many services we offer. We will remove and replace old caulk or just add new caulk where needed in showers, tubs, around sinks or along baseboards and more.
We know what is safe for you and your floors. We are true specialists in all aspects of grout, tile and stone care. 

Man-made tiles are not east to repair. Unlike natural surfaces, these are not the same through and through and often the finish is baked on the surface. 

We can replace a broken tile (which can be difficult and dangerous to the surrounding tiles and finding a matching tile in the same dye lot can be very difficult.)

Many times we can inject an epoxy to help secure and stabilize loose and hallow tiles to help prevent further damage.

Absolutely. Click here and you can submit your photos. Call us at 919.341.2873 and we can give you a number for texting your project photos and details.

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Because we restore a large variety of different surface types, and there are so many variables to issues with different surface types, we use many different approaches to resolving the surface issues.

However, we use only proven 

If you have a spill, wipe it immediately with a clean rag (preferrably a micro fiber rag). Use some of the pH neutral cleaner to clean up any residue. And refer to our free careguide for other tips. If the spill has left am etch or a stain, give us a call, email or text and we can direct you to the next steps.

Most of what we do is a wet sanding process. However, on occasion, we have to dry grind which can create dust. We often mask and protect other surface areas and use vacuums with hepa filters to try to prevent airborne particles. But we cannot promise that all will be caught. We do clean up after ourselves and will not leave our mess for you to clean up.

We are experts. As experts, we are professionals and will conduct ourselves as such. We will also communicate with you what you should expect as an end result of your project, before. 

However, surprises to find there way in during the midst of a project. As an example, if we have to remove an old topical, there may be some hidden defects that may cost more or take longer time to correct. We will always make you aware as we see it.

You can either schedule with us online by clicking here, or you can give us a call and we can schedule you in.

Yes we do. We often have students from all over come and take a variety of classes from us. 

We also help train janitorial staff for many locations to help them stay OSHA and ADA compliant and keep their surfaces lasting longer.

The majority of products on the market today keep our business in business. Meaning, even those who claim they are safe, can cause issues to the surfaces and we have to come out and fix it. 

Education before any sale!

We recommend micro-fiber rags and mops. Click here to go to our recommended products AND click here for our free careguide.

This decision really depends on many pros and cons. What is wrong with the surface, what will it take to restore, what will it take to replace and what end result is desired, to name a few.

Our experts can absolutely help guide you through the pros and cons to help you reach your decision.

All of our terms and conditions can be found by clicking here.

 The frequency depends on the stone type and usage. Generally, we recommend sealing granite annually and marble every 6 months. For a professional assessment, Surface Buff offers free online consultations. 

 Use pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for natural stone. Avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon) and abrasive materials. Surface Buff recommends professional cleaning solutions that won't damage your stone's finish. 

  With proper maintenance, epoxy surfaces can last 10+ years. Surface Buff's custom epoxy work includes detailed care instructions and optional Extended Service Plans for long-term protection. 

  Yes, Surface Buff provides warranties on services and offers Extended Service Plans for Counter Tops. Contact us for specific warranty details. 

Sealers, a term often misunderstood.

There are different sealers for different things. Such as an enhancing sealer to help keep that wet darker look. Our the water-based sealer which will keep the original look of a surface and help buy time before the surface begins to absorb stains.

Sealing your surface can be a very important step in preserving your surface. But is not always necessary for every surface.

Do not fall for those "permanently seal your surfaces" gimmicks. When you have a natural surface, you want it to breathe. And especially if it is installed on an area that will have moisture, those areas really need to air out.

There are various types of sealers that do various types of sealing.

• Water-Based impregnation sealer: The most common form of sealer for most surfaces. The water based solution carries microbeads into the pores of the surface, the water-solution dries, leaving the microbeads in place so the surface can breathe, but blocking those open pores to buy you time to clean up spills so the surface doesn't absorb the stain as fast.
• Solvent-Based sealer:  Solvent-based acrylic sealers are a type of widely-used sealer on concrete driveways, paths and pool-surrounds to protect and increase the surface and color of the concrete. This type of sealer contains a higher level of VOCs than water-based acrylic sealers. It can act as a protective top coat for concrete. 
• Silicone-Based sealer: Silicon Sealer is a deep penetrating, sealer for concrete, masonry and terracotta. It is specially developed for porous building materials. Silicon Sealer is designed to impart water repellence to porous and absorbent materials, producing a beading effect within a few hours. 

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