Professional marble polishing by GFS
Service II

Professional Marble Polishing | GFS Italy

Restore the mirror-like brilliance of marble, travertine and limestone with professional diamond polishing techniques.

Diamond Polishing

Marble polishing process in a luxury hotel

Restoring Natural Brilliance

Marble is one of the most prized flooring materials in luxury hospitality, yet it is also one of the most vulnerable to wear. Foot traffic, furniture movement, improper cleaning and acidic spills gradually dull the surface, creating a hazy, lifeless appearance that diminishes the elegance of the space. Professional marble polishing restores the deep, reflective shine that makes marble floors extraordinary.

Our polishing process follows a multi-step diamond abrasive sequence. We begin with an assessment of the marble type, current condition and desired finish level. For heavily worn floors, we start with coarse diamond pads (50–100 grit) to remove the damaged top layer and level any lippage between tiles. We then progress through medium grits (200, 400, 800) to refine the surface, and finish with ultra-fine pads (1500, 3000, up to 10,000 grit) to achieve the final polish.

After diamond polishing, we apply a crystallization treatment using oxalic acid-based compounds. This process creates a chemical reaction with the calcium carbonate in the marble, forming a hard, glossy calcium oxalate layer on the surface. The result is a deep, glass-like shine with improved hardness and resistance to wear. Gloss meter readings typically reach 80–95 GU (gloss units) after our treatment.

For travertine and limestone, which are softer and more porous than marble, we adjust our technique accordingly. We use gentler abrasive sequences, fill voids with colour-matched resin where needed, and apply appropriate sealers to protect against staining while maintaining the stone’s natural breathability.

We work on floors of all sizes, from intimate boutique hotel lobbies to grand ballrooms spanning thousands of square metres. Our equipment includes planetary grinding machines (counter-rotating heads for flat, even results), edge grinders for perimeter work, and hand tools for intricate areas around columns, stairs and decorative inlays.

Key Benefits

Mirror-Like Finish

Achieve gloss levels of 80–95 GU, restoring the deep reflective shine that defines luxury marble floors.

Lippage Correction

Diamond grinding levels uneven tile edges, creating a perfectly flat surface that eliminates trip hazards.

Surface Hardening

Crystallization creates a calcium oxalate layer that is harder than the original marble, extending floor life.

Colour Enhancement

Polishing deepens and enriches the natural colour and veining of the stone, revealing its full beauty.

Cost-Effective

Professional polishing costs a fraction of floor replacement and can be repeated multiple times over the stone’s lifetime.

Minimal Disruption

We work in sections, allowing partial use of the space during treatment. Overnight scheduling available.

Materials Treated

White Marbles

Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario, Thassos, Bianco Sivec and other white marble varieties.

Coloured Marbles

Botticino, Crema Marfil, Emperador, Nero Marquina, Verde Guatemala, Rosa Portogallo.

Travertine

Roman travertine, Navona, Silver, Noce and all travertine varieties, filled or unfilled.

Limestone

Jerusalem Stone, Jura Beige, Moleanos, Pietra di Vicenza and other limestone types.

Terrazzo

Venetian terrazzo, poured terrazzo and precast terrazzo tiles with marble or glass aggregate.

Agglomerate

Engineered marble and quartz agglomerate surfaces used in contemporary hospitality design.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should marble floors be polished?

In high-traffic hotel environments, we recommend a full diamond polishing every 3–5 years, with interim crystallization maintenance annually. For residential settings, the interval can extend to 5–10 years depending on usage and care.

Will polishing remove deep scratches and etching?

Yes. Diamond polishing removes the top layer of marble (typically 0.5–1mm), which eliminates surface scratches, acid etch marks and minor damage. Very deep gouges may require resin filling before polishing.

What is the difference between polishing and crystallization?

Polishing uses diamond abrasives to physically smooth the stone surface through mechanical action. Crystallization is a chemical process that creates a hard calcium oxalate layer on the marble surface, adding shine and protection. We typically use both techniques together for the best result.

Can you match different finish levels across the same floor?

Yes. We can achieve polished (high-gloss), honed (matte satin) or leather (textured) finishes, and we can blend transition areas to match existing finishes in adjacent spaces.

How much dust does the process generate?

Our machines are equipped with integrated water-feed and vacuum systems that capture virtually all dust and slurry at the source. The process is wet, which eliminates airborne dust. We contain the work area with protective sheeting to prevent any residual moisture from reaching adjacent spaces.

Restore Your Marble’s Brilliance

Send us photos of your marble floors and we will provide a detailed assessment with recommended treatment plan and pricing.

Request a Quote

+39 342 130 1260  ·  info@gieffesse.com

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