Marble Restoration Sydney: How To Repair Dull Spots & Marble Etching

Marble, as a natural stone, requires delicate care. It is easily prone to damage or imperfections such as dull spots and etches if it is not looked after properly.

However, if you do find that your marble has dull spots and etches, what should you do to restore marble back to its former glory? In this article, we’ll be talking all about this, from what causes marble etching, how to repair it, and how to prevent it in the future. 

What Causes Marble Etching?

There are a few reasons why marble etching may occur. Typically, it occurs when marble makes contact with acidic food and beverages such as coffee, soft drink, wine, and alcohol. It may also be caused when harsh products such as bleach, vinegar, ammonia, and other brand-name cleaners are used to clean the marble. 

Because marble contains calcium carbonate, it can dissolve in acid. Therefore, etching may be classified as a corrosive chemical reaction the tears away at the marble. It is similar to a burn that removes the topmost layer of the marble.

On polished surfaces, etches are very noticeable because it exposes dull, raw marble beneath. On other surfaces such as honed marble, etches also have the same effect but may not be as visible. This is because honed marble has a matte finish that is typically dull in the first place.

How To Repair Etched Marble

Repairing etched marble may be relatively simple, but this depends on the marble’s finish type and the severity of the etching. As such, we will discuss how to repair marble etching on different marble surfaces, along with what to do in cases of severe etch marks. 

1). Repairing Etch Marks On Polished Marble

If polished marble has etches, it is often possible to use marble polish or etch remover, which is designed specifically for marble repair. It will also help restore your marble’s shine and make it look good as new. 

Rubbing the marble with a soft cloth and a paste made of water and the marble polishing powder should do the trick. This might take a while, though, so you need to be patient. This is because you may need to make several applications until the shine is restored.

2). Repairing Etch Marks On Honed Marble

With honed marble, sprinkling a scrubbing cleanser with a few drops of water should help. Using a scouring pad, move the solution in a circular motion to hone the material. The surface should dry after a few minutes and the marble is restored. 

However, it is important to note that it is highly recommended to call in a professional to treat etch marks on honed marble. This is to prevent any unnecessary damage.

3). Repairing Severe Etch Marks

Severe etch marks are often rare but can occur if you leave an acidic substance to sit on the marble for a long period of time. If this is the case, it will eat away at the marble more aggressively. 

If you notice that the damaged area has a rough texture, then this may be classified as a severe etch mark. In cases such as this, it is critical to call a professional marble restoration service so that they can best repair the etch mark.

Preventing Marble Etching

Contrary to common assumption, applying marble sealing does not prevent etching from occurring. Sealers can prevent stains, but they cannot prevent physical damage such as etches to the stone. 

The only way to prevent marble etching is to avoid damaging substances and cleaners coming into contact with the stone. Harmful substances may include orange juice, lemonade, wine, vinegar, cleaning chemicals, and even cosmetic products. Make sure to steer clear of these products for your marble.

Summary

Marble etching is a chemical reaction between acids and marble. As marble is composed of calcium carbonate, it is prone to dissolving in acids, common examples being lemon juice, vinegar, and branded cleaning chemicals.

While there are steps you can take to repair the damage, it is always recommended to employ a professional restoration service to help fix the problem for you. However, prevention is better than cure, so it is important to prevent marble etching by simply keeping harmful substances away from the marble.

By getting professional help to restore your marble floors, you can save yourself the hassle and get the best results, every time.

That’s why you can rely on SLIQUE for all your marble needs. We are Sydney’s number one authority in all things marble.

For all your marble floor cleaning and polishing needs in Sydney, please call SLIQUE today on 02 9648 0395, or you can leave an inquiry.