Dianne Drinkwater, Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Network RealtyPhone:
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
The word “sincere” comes from the Latin prefix sine meaning “without” and the cerae meaning “wax.” In ancient times, when marble had cracks or chips, nefarious craftsmen would fill the crack with wax to hide the damage, making the stonework “insincere.”
With the proliferation of marble countertops in the décor of the past several years, many homeowners do not realize that marble is prone to scratches and other damage. Since marble is rather expensive to replace, knowing how to cover or rid yourself of a minor scratch is imperative.
Cleaning marble
First, remove all dirt and grime from the surface. Use a gentle cleaner or soapy water, or a marble-specific cleaner and a soft cloth. Do not use harsh or caustic chemicals. Even so-called natural cleaners often contain acid products such as citric juices and can etch the surface. You’ll want to use a neutral pH product.
Preparing surfaces
Don rubber gloves and safety goggles. Using very fine steel wool, gently rub the scratched area to smooth out the edges of your scratch. Be very careful not to rub too deeply. Lightly etch the area around the damage. Then, clean the area again to remove any metal filings.
Apply marble polish to a soft cloth and carefully rub it into the scratch and over all the etched surface. Buff it gently onto the surface. An electric hand buffer works well for larger sections, but be sure to use a very soft attachment on the buffer.
Review the damaged surface to determine if the sheen matches the marble around it. If not, complete the polishing and buffing two to three more times until it reaches your preferred level.
Carefully wash the area with distilled water so as not to allow hard-water deposits to mar the stone further. Pat the area dry with a cotton or microfiber towel and let it dry completely.
Deeper scratches, chips, and other surface imperfections necessitate heavy-duty grinding, honing, and polishing equipment and specialized compounds. Sometimes, specific damage needs diamond grit polishing to replenish the factory finish to your countertop. Extremely worn or damaged marble countertops require the efforts of a professional stone restorer.
If you’re considering replacing your countertops and kitchen surfaces with marble, consult a professional marble cutter and installer to achieve exceptional results.
Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.
She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.
Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.
So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?
So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.
What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?
Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater