how to refinish a marble fireplace hearth?

Question

my dog pee'd on the marble fireplace hearth and the coating that is covering the marble is discolored now. What can be done to put the finish back?

Answer 1

my question is why is there a coating on marble? I always thought marble was supposed to fine natural, just how it was....doesn't need a coating? Hmmmm.........

Here's a link that had some info on care and cleaning of marble fireplaces:
http://www.thproperties.com/customer_service/maintenance/gas_fireplaces.html

Maybe it is faux marble? In that case you could have the coating stripped and apply a new one.

Answer 2

A marble fireplace can be an elegant addition to any home. When the marble becomes discolored, cracked or outdated, however, it can also detract from the rest of the room. There are several ways you can update or redo a marble fireplace, depending on how much money, time and effort you want to put into the project.


Tile Over Tile

If your marble fireplace is tile and the original tile is in good condition with no loose tiles or cracks, you can put new tile over the old. Install new marble or use another type of tile to completely change the look. Clean the marble of any soot and run a belt sander over it to roughen the surface, particularly if the original marble is polished. Apply a cement-based mortar to both the existing marble tiles and to the backs of the new tiles. Tap the new tiles into place, using a rubber mallet. Level the new tiles and allow the mortar to dry for 24 hours. If you are installing new marble, seal it well before you grout it.
Paint the Fireplace

Because the fireplace is a dry area not subjected to moisture or foot traffic, it is possible to paint over the existing marble -- whether it is tile or a slab. Clean the surface of the marble well. Use urethane-based primer and topcoat to seal the paint job. Paint the fireplace surround a single, flat color. Alternatively, use a faux-marbling technique by rolling on two colors. Allow the base coat to dry, then paint in veins to give the fireplace a new "marble" appearance.
Marble Slabs

Fireplace surrounds done in marble can utilize either marble tiles or marble slabs -- large pieces of marble cut to fit the firebox opening. One way to redo a marble fireplace is to replace the existing marble with new marble slabs. The slabs can be made out of any marble, which can be viewed and selected at a stone yard. The surround can be cut into one large slab that has no seams when installed. Alternatively, purchase slabs that are cut into three pieces that combine to form a top and two "legs." Three pieces are cheaper, but the finished product will have seams where the legs join the top.
New Tiles

If you have a marble surround that is cracked or loose, the best way to redo it is to remove the old marble and install new tiles of marble or another material. Break off a section of the old marble, using a hammer and chisel, then pry off the rest with a pry bar inserted beneath the edges of each tile. Depending on what the original tiles were installed on, you may be able to install the new ones immediately. Alternatively, you may need to hang new cement backerboard before installing the new tiles.

Answer 3

Just measure it --remove the Piece (get help) if its large or heavy& replace it with a piece cut to your size from Lowes or any fireplace store! I had my son( Installer) put in a new piece of carpet that looks like an old rag granny rug in front of it! Worked for me!!

Answer 4

Believe it or not, warm water and white vinegar would do a brilliant damp dusting job. Follow this with a hot soapy wash, dry thoroughly and polish with Mr Sheen or the like. 2 parts water, to 1 part vinegar. Use neat vinegar on tough stains. It must be WHITE vinegar though.

Answer 5

Maybe that coating is wax? Could be....

good luck