HI everyone,

I need some tips on how to restore an onyx table top and a laminated onyx illuminated side table. Thanks.

cortez1

If this is actually true Onyx its an aggett that's probably dyed.

Are you asking about the polishing the Onyx or the wood around it?

Working on an aggett

YouTube - Inlaying Black Onyx and M.O.P.

Some background on the stone colors

15 pcs Tumbled Dyed Brazilian Agate T10 Rocks Minerals - eBay (item 370185177517 end time May-08-09 01:39:04 PDT)

I have never polished it before but posting some info that should help in options there.

http://www.ecolab.com/Businesses/Pro...tProcGuide.pdf

Thanks for the quick response 21boat. What I really need I think, is a suggestion on what kind of job needs to be done to my table. The table was given to me by a relative and is kind of dull already. I want to rstore its lustre and put on some protection. Any advice is most appreciated, tnx. I also want to ask if it can be treated like marble in terms of the polishing and sealing protection technique and materials used in marble can be applicable to ONYX. This table came from Mexico, it's a center table, and their two other side tables (illuminated with light underneath ) that seems to be laminated with something that feels like plastic, and also the inside of the table is reinforced with fiberglass I think. Thanks everyone for future replys.

Regards,
Cortez

I'm not an expert on this but my logic is that it's a stone that's dyed. A good way to find out for sure is ask a jeweler how they polish the gem stones. They would have the perfect answer OS a company that polishes marble and granite. I can post some ideas and leads here but can't guarantee it's the best product to use.

Products For The Cleaning and Care of Granite Countertops, Marble, Onyx & All Natural Stone

Onyx Marble

A lot of bars are made from this material as mentioned in the sit above. Below are products that are used to clean and maintain the bar tops.

Bar Keepers Friend Product Line--Including Bar Keepers Friend Liquid: Cleaning Supplies,(www.barkeepersfriend.com)

The link provided by 21boat is for products by MB Stone. All the products are both good for and safe for use on stone. However, I will suggest you order them directly from MB Stone after calling them at 732.495.8888 and asking specifically which products would be best. The people at his site would be eductaed beyond belief to answer your questions. Restoring shine and luster is best performed by someone specifically trained in stone restoration. One method that you want to avoid at all costs is Acid Crystalization. Many a good stone floor have been destroyed by that short lasting, inexpensive process. Truly restoring the onyx will require grinding with various grits of diamond pads at the proper speed. Cheapo Ebay sets can be had for about $300 but without experience can destroy the tables. I'd even bet you could hire it out for that much money or less. Once the tables are redone, then you'd be in good shape with the proper MB products.

MBStone was a company started by geologist Maurizio Bertoli who was the one who trained Disney on stone care for their parks, trained those in charge of upkeep, maintenance, and restoration on the various monuments throughout DC and was one of the most respected stone experts in the world.

If the folks at MBstone can't suggest a trained restoration expert, then a site where he was very active was Marble Cleaning and Natural Stone Care Resources | Marblecleaning.org and at the message board there, someone could direct you to a properly trained and experienced restoration expert in your area. Some forum members there are on the board of directors for the Marble Institute of America.

Maurizio was tragically killed instantly last year when a tire fell off a tractor trailer on I-95 in Philadelphia and flew into his car, shearing the drivers side in half, from the hood to the back bumper. His wife, riding in the passenger seat next to him received only minor injuries.


Where so you live? I might be able to suggest someone or find out someone for you as well. Us tile guys all know people all around the country.

Thanks for the product info Bljack. Problem is, they don't sell outside US. I live in the Philippines, Southeast Asia. We have marble here in our country, it's called "Romblon Marble" basically white with greenish and sometimes yellowish formations. We also have the gray to black marble. I want to find out if the Onyx (from Mexico) I have can be treated the same way as our marble here. Like in terms of restoration, sealing and polishing procedures. Thank you both for your inputs.