Marble is seen as a symbol of elegance and luxury, it can be used in everything from ancient buildings to modern kitchens. As a natural stone, each piece has its own character, however, marble needs proper understanding and care. Because it is a porous stone and sensitive to acids, and it can develop several common surface problems. And in this articles we will explain on how to identify these issues and how to fix them.
Etching: Damage from Acidic Substances
Etching is one of the most common issues with marble, it is not a stain, but an actual surface damage. It happens when an acidic substances touches the marble. The acid reacts with the stone and leaves a light mark that might be slightly rough. For small etches, you can try using a marble polishing powder. While for deeper etching, the surface may need to be professionally re-polished. And the best way to avoid etching is prevention, you can use coasters, clean spills right away, and use only pH-neutral stone cleaners.
Staining: Liquids That Sink Into the Stone
Because marble is absorbent, it can absorb liquids and develop stains if spills are not cleaned quickly. There are three common types of stains: the organic stains that leave brownish marks, the oil-based stains that leave dark patches, and water stains that can appear as rings when it is stays on the surface too long.
To remove this stain, mix baking soda and water into a paste, while for oil stains, an acetone solution works better.
Scratches and Chipping: Everyday Wear and Tear
Although marble is strong, it is softer than granite and it can be easily scratched by rough materials. Using harsh scrub pads can make the surface scratches that removes the shine. A small scratches can be polished out with a marble polish. And for deeper scratches , a professional can fill the damaged area with a color-matched epoxy and then polish it to blend in. This simple habits can prevent scratches.
Hazing and Loss of Shine: When the Surface Dulls
A marble can lose its glossy over the time, this might happen if it will not clean properly. Restoring the shine usually requires a professional, they’ll use fine diamond abrasive pads to remove the damaged and then polish it to bring back its shine. And for regular cleaning, you can use a damp mop with a neutral cleaner to help maintaining the polished surface.
At Xiamen Wanshi, we’re committed not only to offer beautiful marbles but also to ensure that they are carefully selected and well-finished.