This is a process which converts normal flooring tiles into a glossy marble-like finish.
It is a 4 step process where a vendor will remove part of the existing grout, fill it with marble gum floor grout glue, grind the tiles to the same level and apply a layering of wax before polish/buffing to create a glossy marble-like finish.
As the shine comes from the last step of polishing/buffering, it is required to polish again when the sheen wears off (typically around 4 years).
Marble gum process do not cover for the grouts at the skirting, typically vendors will reapply grouts (normal gout or epoxy) after the last step.
This below image gives a very good visualization of how Marble gum process can help enhance your flooring:
Convinced on wanting to do Marble Gum for your living room floor? Do hold a bit and understand a little more on the pros and cons of Marble Gum and how much it’ll cost:
The Good:
- Achieve glossy marble-like finish with unglazed homogeneous tiles
- Grout lines are less visible
The Bad:
- Need to repolish (around 4 years)
Cost:
- Living Room — SGD$800 ~ SGD$1300
Buying Considerations
There are a number of different vendors in the market today, and before selecting on one, do check on the following:
- Marble Gum glue — there are different marble gum grout glue available. While the original’s from Italy, there are now cheaper alternatives from China or India. End results might defer due to the use of substitute, hence if budget permits, do go for a vendor providing materials that are more reputable.
- Tile type — Marble gum is safest to be done on unglazed homogeneous tiles (full) and would yield the best result. If you have the luxury of replacing existing tiles, unglazed homogeneous tiles must be used. For glazed porcelain or ceramic tiles, grinding is NOT possible and only glue grouting & polishing can be done. This doesn’t provide the same smooth marble-like finish compared to unglazed homogeneous tiles.
- Skirting grout — Marble gum process do not cover for the grouts at the skirting and vendors will reapply the skirting’s grout after their last buffering step. Typically vendors will use either normal grout or an epoxy grout to do this. Always request the vendor do epoxy grouting, they’re more durable and easier to maintain (though cost might increase).
If you’ve read till this point, I hope you’re alot more informed than previously. And if you’d like to proceed Marble Gum, have a look at our curated list of vendors who can help you on this journey:
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