Removing Etch Marks from Marble
I've had my new marble counter tops for about three weeks now. As expected, I've created a few etch marks on the counter tops - primarily in the prep area between the sink and range top as well as a few really good ones next to the sink edge.
Details:
-Calacatta Ruggine (very similar to Calacatta Gold)
-Brushed Surface (lightly polished with some texture)
-Sealed by Fabricators
-Etch marks created by lime juice and orange juice
I was under the impression that once an etch mark is made (and it happens instantly) there's nothing that can be done except get used to the new mark on the counter top. I'm ok with this in general and actually like the idea that my counter tops will develop a patina over time.
That being said, those first few etch marks stick out like a sore thumb and are a little rough to accept. I set out to see if I could remove them. The good news is that I found a process / product that I feel is very effective at removing these etch marks. Details are in the photo illustrations below.
Small Etch Mark Next to Sink:
Same Etch Mark After Cleaning (proving it's really an etch not dirt):
Etch Removal In Process:
Counter Top After Polishing (Took
Another Etch Mark:
After Polishing:
Here's a Shot of The Product I Used:
My question is, has anyone else used this stuff (or something similar)? Seems pretty easy and effective. Are there reasons that haven't occurred to me on why I shouldn't use this stuff? Is this common knowledge or an exciting development in the world of Marble counter top care here on Gardenweb?
Comments (15)
i_m_fletcher
13 years ago
live_wire_oak
13 years agoRelated Discussions
really helpful pix of marble etchings and stain
Comments (6)Agree with sayde. Marble works well in warm modern, rustic, industrial, old-world, pseudo-Victorian, or pseudo-Craftsman interiors. It does not work at all in a lot of the inspiration pics I've seen here, where it stands as the sleek and shiny centerpiece of a clean-lined, utterly impeccable space. Because it is not going to stay impeccable. If you want marble, you have to want the etches. Because you're going to get them. Maybe your lighting will somewhat obscure them, or maybe it will make them stand out like a pee stain on a wedding dress. You won't know until it happens, and you have to be comfortable either way....See MoreMarble polishes that claim to remove etching-Any work?
Comments (10)I was warned to not get marble--too porous, etches, etc. etc. But I love it, and get it I did. Beautiful cararra marble--I love it to death. But within weeks, I started to detect those dreaded milky etched spots here and there. I hated these marks so much. I tried alot of polishes, but all they did was make the counter smeary. I started to think - hey, this is stone! Stone that has been used throughout Europe for centuries and is still in existence indoors and outdoors, as columns, steps, fountains, etc. and taking alot of abuse in public places yet it endures! One day, I took out my can of Bar Keepers Friend. It's a kind of cleanser that works on alot of things. I made a thick paste over one of the spots and worked it in with my fingers in an area bigger than the spot. I am amazed at the results of this. I worked another area and found the spot diminished. After seeing the results, I started to do a large area that contained spots and I must say that the marble has a beautiful opaque look to it that I love. I decided to clean the entire countertop by sprinkling this cleaner on it with a damp paper towel. I am crazy about my marble countertops! I was not really 'in love' with the highly polished look of it when I got it new and wasn't worried about it being diminshed. It looks better now that it has this more opaque appearance. It's somehow more authentic looking and has this wonderful warm patina, after using this BKF stuff. I am now thinking that the marble polishes being sold are really nothing different than Bar Keeper's friend. My countertops are simply gorgeous and still glow, but if you want more shine, you can always use a product like Pledge....See Moremarble granite counter tops etching
Comments (5)Just a BIG word of warning here. Many of the chemicals mentioned are pretty toxic and dangerous to deal with. The methods discussed should only be utilized by a VERY DIY savvy homeowner who owns the proper personal protection to use such chemicals. MEK especially is pretty nasty and should be used only as a last resort by a pro. Many times the best option would be to relax, and enjoy the developing patina!...See MoreMarble floors etched/damaged by concrete cleaner
Comments (4)I am sorry to hear about your marble floor. Etching from chemicals can be remedied. You will need to find a professional stone restoration company. One process is called Recrtstaization. It is a chemical that is sprayed on the marble and buffed of with a floor buffer. this will not remove any scratches or imperfections in the marble surface. if you see a slight depression where the chemicals where used it will not remove it. But it will put back the finish on the marble but you might still see where the etching occurred. Another process is to have the floor ground down. this process is expensive and time consuming. with this process you will be able to remove tile lippage, scratches and bring the floor back up to its original shine. I hope this helps....See Morei_m_fletcher
13 years ago
rococogurl
13 years ago
cat_mom
13 years agoannryan_gmail_com
12 years agokmartin234
9 years agokariwb
9 years ago
PROJoseph Corlett, LLC
9 years agolascatx
9 years agothree3apples
9 years agokevdp4
9 years agothomaskohler
8 years agoHi, I have/had a highly polished white marble surface in our guest bathroom installed a few years ago. As it is very difficult to get any of the highly sophisticated products down here in Africa, I got some tips from the retired old "colonials" in the village: Wet 1200 grid sand paper and the elbow grease of "Patience" - the maid.... Afterwards just use good old wax floor polish to shine the whole thing up to a (less of a factory shine but more durable and easy to maintain) Lustre.
Melissa Franco
5 years agoI just ordered mb stone care m-11. has anyone had experience using this product? did it work for you? It won't come in until Wednesday to Saturday
and i just stained my marble vanity top with a face cleanser i left on overnight and left a ring mark.
mama goose_gw zn6OH