Case Study – Marble Staircase Restoration in Manchester Square London W1

Restoration of an Exterior Marble Staircase in Manchester Square, London – A Case Study

Manchester Square is a charming and historically rich enclave in the heart of London, nestled in the bustling district of Marylebone. Known for its elegant Georgian architecture, this square has been a quintessential part of London’s urban landscape since the 18th century. The square is most famous for the Hertford House, home to the Wallace Collection (We have restored a lot of the stone in Hertford House), a national museum displaying works of art collected in the 18th and 19th centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. The area around the square boasts a serene, almost timeless atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the commercial hustle and bustle that surrounds it

Over the past 30 years, our company has had the privilege of restoring and servicing hundreds of marble staircases in and around Manchester Square. These staircases adorn both the private residences and public buildings that define this storied area, each adding to the aesthetic and historical fabric of the neighbourhood. Our work, ranging from comprehensive restorations to regular maintenance, has helped preserve the beauty and integrity of these architectural elements, ensuring they remain a cherished part of London’s heritage. Through our efforts, we’ve become a trusted part of the community, dedicated to maintaining the elegance and safety of Manchester Square’s marble staircases for future generations to admire and use.

How we go about it:
Initial Inspection and Assessment

• Assessment of Damage: Carefully examine the staircase for any signs of wear, damage, or deterioration. This includes checking for loose pieces, cracks, chips, stains, and uneven surfaces.
• Measurement and Documentation: Take precise measurements and document the current state of the staircase through photos. This will help in planning the restoration process and tracking the progress.

Preparation and Cleaning

• Surface Cleaning: Remove dirt, debris, and any organic growth such as moss or algae using a soft brush and appropriate cleaning agents. Ensure the marble is free of contaminants before proceeding.
• Protection of Adjacent Areas: Use plastic sheeting or tarps to protect surrounding areas and features from damage during the restoration process.

Structural Repairs

• Repointing Mortar Joints: Remove old, crumbling mortar and replace it with a matching mortar that complements the marble. This will help stabilize the structure and prevent water ingress.
• Crack and Chip Repair: Use a marble filler or epoxy resin designed for exterior use to repair any cracks and chips in the marble. Ensure color matching to maintain aesthetic uniformity.

Surface Restoration

• Diamond Grinding: Use diamond grinding tools to remove a thin layer from the surface of the marble. This process helps to eliminate deep stains, scratches, and uneven areas, creating a flat, smooth surface.
• Honing: Follow up with honing the surface using finer grits of diamond abrasives. This step refines the texture of the marble and prepares it for the final polish.

Polishing

• Polishing to High Shine: Apply marble polish using a specialized marble polishing machine. This will enhance the shine and colour of the marble, restoring its original lustre.
• Detailing: Pay attention to the edges and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring they are polished uniformly with the rest of the staircase.

Finishing Touches

• Sealing: Apply a high-quality sealant suitable for outdoor marble. This will help protect the surface from weathering, stains, and water damage, prolonging the life of the restoration.
• Anti-Slip Finish: Apply an anti-slip treatment to the surface to enhance safety. This is crucial for exterior staircases to prevent slipping during wet or icy conditions.

Regular Maintenance

• Routine Cleaning: Regularly clean the marble staircase to prevent build-up of dirt and grime. Use gentle cleaning agents and avoid acidic cleaners that can etch the marble.
• Periodic Inspection: Conduct periodic inspections to catch and address any new damage early, preventing major repairs later.

1. Starting the Work: First Look and Taking Notes

Checking for Damage

We began fixing the marble staircase by looking it over carefully. Our team checked each step for any signs of damage like loose pieces, cracks, chips, stains, or uneven spots. This important first step helped us understand exactly what needed to be fixed to make the staircase safe and beautiful again.

Measuring and Recording

Next, we measured every part of the staircase—each step’s length, width, and height. These measurements were important because they helped us pick the right tools and materials for the job. We also took lots of photos from different angles. These photos helped us remember how the staircase looked at the start and showed how much better it looked after we finished our work.

By doing these things carefully at the beginning, we made sure that our plan for fixing the staircase was just right. This helped us do our job well, making the staircase both safe to use and nice to look at.

2. Preparation and Cleaning: Setting the Stage for Restoration

Surface Cleaning

The first step in our cleaning process involved thoroughly scrubbing the marble staircase to remove all the dirt, debris, and any natural growths like moss or algae. We used soft brushes to avoid scratching the marble and chose cleaning agents that were gentle yet effective. This ensured that the marble was completely clean and free from any substances that could interfere with the restoration. Making sure the marble was spotless was key to getting great results in the later stages of our work.

Protecting the Surrounding Area

Before starting the intensive cleaning and restoration, we made sure to protect the nearby areas. We laid down plastic sheeting and tarps around the staircase to shield the surrounding features and landscape from any splashes or spills of our cleaning solutions and the debris from the work. This precaution helped to prevent any accidental damage and kept the rest of the property clean and undisturbed throughout the process.

By carefully preparing and protecting the site, we set ourselves up for a smooth and successful restoration of the marble staircase, keeping both the staircase and its surroundings in excellent condition.

3. Structural Repairs: Enhancing Stability and Appearance

Repointing Mortar Joints

To ensure the long-term stability and appearance of the marble staircase, we first addressed the mortar joints between the steps. We carefully removed any old and crumbling mortar that could compromise the structure. We then replaced it with new, high-quality mortar that matched the existing colour and texture of the marble. This not only helped in stabilising the staircase but also prevented water from seeping into the structure, which is essential for avoiding further damage in the often damp London climate.

Crack and Chip Repair

Next, we tackled any visible cracks and chips on the marble surfaces. We used a specially formulated marble filler and epoxy resin, both designed for outdoor use, to make these repairs. Care was taken to perfectly match the colour of the existing marble, ensuring that the repairs were not only structurally sound but also aesthetically pleasing. This attention to detail helped maintain the overall uniformity and beauty of the staircase, making the repairs virtually undetectable.

These structural repairs were crucial in restoring the integrity and appearance of the marble staircase, preparing it well for the subsequent restoration steps. By meticulously addressing these issues, we ensured that the staircase was not only safe but also visually appealing.

4. Surface Restoration: Refining and Smoothing the Marble

Diamond Grinding

The restoration of the marble surface began with diamond grinding. Using advanced diamond grinding tools, we carefully removed a thin layer from the top of the marble. This step was crucial for getting rid of deep stains, scratches, and any uneven patches that had developed over time. The grinding ensured that the surface of the staircase was completely flat and smooth, setting the perfect foundation for the subsequent steps in the restoration process.

Honing

After the grinding, we moved on to honing the marble. This involved using finer grits of diamond abrasives, which smoothed out the surface even more and enhanced the texture of the marble. Honing was essential not just for achieving a high level of smoothness, but also for preparing the marble for the final polishing phase. This careful preparation allowed us to bring out the natural beauty of the marble, ensuring it would look its best once polished.

By methodically grinding and honing the marble, we revitalised the surface of the staircase, ensuring that it was not only visually appealing but also smooth and durable for everyday use.

5. Polishing: Achieving a Brilliant Finish

Polishing to High Shine

To restore the staircase to its original splendour, we employed a specialised marble polishing machine. This machine allowed us to evenly apply a high-quality marble polish over the entire surface, enhancing both the shine and the colour of the marble. The transformation was immediate, bringing back the lustrous finish that had faded over time. This polishing not only improved the staircase’s aesthetic but also protected the marble from future wear and tear.

Detailing

We took extra care with the detailing, focusing on the edges and hard-to-reach areas of the staircase. It was important to us that these spots received the same level of attention as the more accessible surfaces. We meticulously polished these areas to ensure uniformity across the entire staircase, so every step shone evenly and no detail was overlooked.

Anti-Slip Finish

In addition to polishing, we also applied a measured anti-slip finish to the staircase. This finish is crucial for ensuring safety, especially in an outdoor setting where weather conditions can make surfaces slippery. The anti-slip treatment does not compromise the marble’s appearance but enhances safety by providing a more secure footing.

Through careful polishing and detailed finishing, including the strategic application of an anti-slip coating, we ensured that the marble staircase was not only visually stunning but also practical and safe for everyday use. This comprehensive approach helped preserve the marble’s elegance while adapting it for the demands of its environment.

6. Finishing Touches: Protecting and Securing the Marble Staircase

Sealing

Once the polishing was complete, we applied a high-quality sealant designed specifically for outdoor marble. This sealant is vital for shielding the staircase from the unpredictable British weather, resisting stains, and preventing water damage. By creating a protective barrier, the sealant not only preserves the pristine appearance of the marble but also extends the lifespan of the restoration. This step ensures that the beauty of the staircase remains intact through seasons of rain, frost, and sun.

Anti-Slip Finish

To enhance the safety of the marble staircase, we also applied an anti-slip treatment. This finish is essential for outdoor staircases, particularly in a city like London, where rain and icy conditions can create hazardous surfaces. The anti-slip treatment provides a more secure foothold, significantly reducing the risk of slips and falls. Importantly, this safety feature is integrated in such a way that it does not detract from the visual appeal of the marble.

Through these finishing touches, we not only beautified the staircase but also took crucial steps to protect it from environmental elements and make it safer for everyday use. The combination of sealing and anti-slip treatments ensures that the staircase will remain a durable and safe feature of the property for years to come.

7. Continued Care and Maintenance

Regular Cleaning

Maintaining the restored marble staircase involves regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime that can wear down the sealant and anti-slip finish over time. We recommend using a mild detergent and soft brushes or cloths for cleaning. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage the marble surface or erode the protective coatings.

Periodic Re-sealing

To preserve the integrity of the marble, periodic re-sealing is advised. Depending on the level of exposure to weather and foot traffic, the staircase may require a new coat of sealant every few years. This will renew its resistance to weathering, stains, and water damage, and maintain the staircase’s aesthetic and functional qualities.

Inspection and Prompt Repairs

Regular inspections should be conducted to identify any potential issues early on, such as small cracks or chips that may appear. Addressing these promptly with minor repairs can prevent larger problems and costly restorations in the future. Keeping an eye on the effectiveness of the anti-slip treatment is also crucial, especially after severe weather conditions, to ensure ongoing safety.

By adhering to these care and maintenance guidelines, the restored marble staircase will continue to enhance the property’s beauty and functionality, providing a safe and striking entrance for many years. With diligent upkeep, the effects of the thorough restoration process will be long-lasting, making it a worthwhile investment in the property’s value and appeal.