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Building a Home Design Dilemma Kitchens

Marble counter scratches?

5 years ago

We just had marble installed on our kitchen island and after one day there are a number of small scratches. I was expecting etching and (eventually) larger scratches, however I wasn’t expecting these small scratches all over. Is this typical? I didn’t have unrealistic expectations and they don’t bother me, I just want to make sure that our fabricator sealed them properly. I’m attaching a couple pics below. They are hard to see on a camera, but they are definitely there. Any input is much appreciated!!

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PRO

Beth H. :

5 years ago

normal. marble is very soft. if you look at it wrong it will scratch. I have marble floors in my bathroom and dropped a small jar of moisturizer. when it landed it took a nice chunk out of the marble. I have various scratches and marks and I don't even wear shoes on it.

just try to be careful with your knives and dishes. get some cutting boards and leave them out.

I'm assuming it was already sealed? remember, a sealer only buys you time to wipe up spills that might stain. doesn't make it stain-proof. and of course a sealer will not prevent etching.

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Comments (6)

Boxerpal
5 years ago
I think this may be normal for some marbles. I have Rio Venato and yes there are tiny scratches and etching. I think if you search for Karen MT she is a scientist and has provided information about different stones. She may be able to help you.

[countertop geology Marble[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/countertop-geology-part-5-marble-quartzite-and-other-favorites-dsvw-vd~2438427?n=165)
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Little Bird
5 years ago
I’m sure you’re not supposed to, but I used Mr Clean Magic Eraser on my marble where I had dropped a glass jar that scratched the surface. It did make the scratches less visible. I was careful to buff lightly and to rinse and wipe dry after using the magic eraser
kudzu9
5 years ago
Because of the softness of marble, this will continue to happen. In particular, any kind of grit trapped between the underside of, say, a cutting board and the marble will cause scratching if the object moves around. Like a new car, it's always painful to see the first scratches. Hopefully, in time, this will be less noticeable to you.
User
5 years ago
In about 100 years the patina will be pretty even.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
I have had a marble cutting board for 30 yrs and I do not find it soft at all these scratches are unusual IMO and could have occured by you or the the transport and install crew that will ned to be invetigated. We stay in a old hotel in Rome with marble floors and a complete marble bathroom and it was all installed many years ago no scratches I can see.

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