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REPAIRING HAIRLINE CRACKS AND SMALL GOUGES IN MARBLE


PART 1---GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

    A.   This procedure includes guidance on filling narrow
         cracks, holes and gouges in interior marble.

    B.   See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be
         reviewed along with this procedure.  These guidelines
         cover the following sections:

         1.   Safety Precautions

         2.   Historic Structures Precautions

         3.   Submittals

         4.   Quality Assurance

         5.   Delivery, Storage and Handling

         6.   Project/Site Conditions

         7.   Sequencing and Scheduling

         8.   General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

         These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing
         this procedure and should be followed, when applicable,
         along with recommendations from the Regional Historic
         Preservation Officer (RHPO).


PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01 MANUFACTURERS

    A.   Akemi Plastics, Inc.
         www.akemina.com

    B.   Eastern Marble & Granite Supply Company
         www.easternmarble.com
         

2.02 MATERIALS

    A.   Polyester Filler: Knife Grade Polyester-Based Adhesive:
         "Akemi Marmorkitt 1000 Platinum" (Akemi Plastic, Inc.,), or "Italian Craftsman              Polyester Adhesive" (Eastern Marble & Granite Supply Company), or approved equal.  

         NOTE: Selected filler should NOT contain materials that
         may absorb into the marble and cause staining.  Test in
         an inconspicuous area.

    B.   Polishing Compound: An acid-free abrasive compound
         containing no caustic or harsh fillers or ingredients
         with natural resins added, manufactured specifically for
         polishing interior marble surfaces, such as R52B (Eastern
         Marble Supply Company), or approved equal.

    C.   Water: Clean and free of amounts of oils, acids,
         alkalies, salts, organic materials, or other substances
         that may be deleterious to mortar or any metal in the
         wall.

2.02 EQUIPMENT

    A.   Hacksaw Blade

    B.   Chisels

    C.   Hand-held Water Bottle

    D.   Caulking gun

    E.   Stiff bristle brushes (non-metallic)

    F.   Soft, nylon bristle brushes

    G.   Water feed grinder


PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

    A.   Using a chisel or hacksaw blade, carefully remove unsound
         marble material and old patching material from cracks and
         holes to expose sound marble material for contact with
         polyester resin patch.  

    B.   Brush, vacuum or flush cracks and holes to remove dirt
         and loose debris.

    C.   Allow to dry thoroughly.

    D.   Using a caulking gun or spatula, fill narrow cracks,
         holes, and gouges with polyester filler, colored to match
         adjacent marble and honed or polished to match marble
         finish.  Tape around the work area to prevent staining of the marble
         during filling operation.  Surfaces shall be true and
         level.  Remove tape residue with appropriate solvent to
         produce the specified finish.

    E.   Allow patching material to cure for period recommended by
         manufacturer.

    F.   Grind marble down until an even plane is achieved.
         Feather out to unaffected surface as required to avoid
         marble having dished appearance. Use right angle water
         feed grinder with successively finer diamond disks (#60
         to #3500) or silicon carbide grinding stones (36 to 400
         grit).

    G.   Polish to match existing sheet of marble. Use acid-free
         aluminum oxide polishing compound with felt pad.

         CAUTION:  USE NO POLISHING COMPOUNDS CONTAINING FLUORIC ACID
         AS IT WILL ETCH THE MARBLE SURFACE RESULTING IN A
         DIMINUTION OF GLOSS.

                        END OF SECTION