Home Cleaning

Marble Etching Repair

Marble, whether it tops a small table or a huge counter, adds grandness and permanence in almost any space. Though hard as some other types of stone, the recrystallized limestone substance called marble is porous and prone to etching. Etching occurs when acidic liquid, such as broth or wine dressing, is allowed to take a seat on marble. The end result is a dull place that lacks the shine of finished marble. At times it leaves a stain, too. Fixing minor etch marks is a do-it-yourself project nearly anyone can undertake.

Stain Removal

Make a poultice from absorbent powder, such as talc, chalk or laundry whiting, and laundry bleach or everyday hydrogen peroxide. It must have the consistency of toothpaste or cake icing.

Spread bleach on the area, then apply the poultice so that it goes beyond the stain. The glue should be around 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.

Spread plastic wrap over the poultice, tamping out large air pockets. Use masking or painters tape to seal the borders so the mixture wo not disappear.

Let sit for 48 hours, then remove the plastic and tape cover. Scrape the poultice in the marble with wooden scraper.

Repeat, if necessary, until the stain fades to a satisfaction.

Buffing that the Etch

Dampen a clean, white cloth with water and dip it in the marble polishing powder.

Rub the powder to the etch mark in a circular movement. Use the palm of your hand and put a little muscle to it. Do this for five to ten minutes, replenishing the moisture and powder, as required.

Wipe the powder off the marble with a clean, damp cloth and allow it to dry. If the place is shiny, you’re done. Otherwise, repeat the operation until you get the results you want.

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