Pictorial price guide of marbles how to#

This will need to be shaken regularly to maintain the mixture as an emulsion. General grime, nicotine build-up and fingerprints can usually be cleaned from unpainted marble using white spirit, or a mixture of deionised (purified) water with up to 2% non-ionic detergent added.įor stubborn areas, an equal mixture of water and white spirit with up to 2% non-ionic detergent added may be useful. out of reach of children and away from sources of ignition etc.). Label small quantities of solvent (use the bulk container as a guide) and store all solvents appropriately (e.g. To ensure safe handling of solvents, decant small quantities for use into glass or ceramic containers - this prevents contaminating your bulk supply. Gloves (plastic or Nitrile, not fabric) should be worn to protect the hands, work should be carried out in a very well ventilated area, and the minimum amount of solvent should be used. 2% non-ionic detergent - available from chemists.White spirit - good for removing waxes and oily dirt, available from DIY and hardware stores.Distilled water - available from DIY stores and chemists, used to clean and as a neutral rinse.It is very important to read the instructions and hazard labels before you use these. Liquid cleaning Solvents - take care!Īpart from distilled water, the solvents mentioned below are all listed on the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Register. Once you have ascertained that the object you want to clean is marble, there are two ways you can proceed: liquid cleaning or dry cleaning.

Pictorial price guide of marbles how to#

There is a list of other types of stone and artificial stone, and how to clean them, at the bottom of this article.

There are very many materials that can be confused with marble, so it is important to ensure what your piece is made of before attempting to clean it. Repeated exposure may erode the surface still further. Lemon juice, vinegar and wine can etch the surface and remove the polish. Marble can also be damaged if it is exposed to acids and strong alkalis. Veining, for example, gives a decorative effect but can also be a source of weakness in the stone. While marble is often perceived as hard wearing and durable, the same properties that make it attractive can also contribute to its vulnerability. This may be as simple as a bust on a socle (a separate base or plinth), as complex as a large sculpture where arms and legs have been jointed on a torso, or a result of past repairs that have been dowelled into place. Whilst smaller objects may be made in a single piece, it is not uncommon for statuary to be made in multiple pieces. When these factors are combined with poor handling or internal weakness, the marble is liable to break. Marble, like all stone, is both heavy and brittle. In the home, marble is used for used for fireplaces and flooring due to its strength and durability. In the decorative arts, marble is commonly associated with statuary, but is also found in a variety of objects from furniture and clocks to light fittings and lampshades. These variations are a result of mineral impurities in the original limestone. Marble can vary in colour from the whites and creams of classical sculpture to pinks, greens, greys, browns and yellows. This gives it a dense crystalline structure that makes a polished surface possible. It is formed from limestone that has gone through a process of recrystallisation through heat or pressure. If you find any, clean around them without touching them. Look for evidence of a coating and traces of original paint or gilding. Examine your piece in good light to establish if there are any potential problems.

If in doubt, do not clean because the materials discussed below are not necessarily appropriate for imitation marble. If you think your object has significant monetary value, consider having it valued, insured and professionally conserved.īefore you start make sure that you are actually working with marble, as there are many similar materials, e.g. It highlights common problems, tells you what to avoid and provides practical, step-by-step instructions on how to clean and preserve marble and similar materials.įirst decide if your marble has historical, aesthetic or sentimental value and whether you wish to pass it on to future generations. This article contains information and advice on how to look after domestic and indoor marble.