How to Repair Damaged Marble

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Liquid stone soap

  • Bowl

  • Soft, clean cloths

  • Soft, clean towels

  • Super fine grade steel wool pad

  • Stone polishing cream

  • Marble polishing powder

Varying mineral compositions provide marble’s exceptional colors and vein patterns.

Known for its sleek surface and lasting stability, marble remains a preferred natural stone material in households. Marble flooring, countertops, sinks and wall tiles add a touch of elegance to home décor. Although marble is undoubtedly durable, it isn't insusceptible to damage. Marble is soft enough to become scratched from abrasive objects, which dull and mar its natural sheen. Exposure to acidic liquids, such as vinegar or acid-based cleaners, causes marble to become etched. Promptly repair scratched and etched marble using certain techniques.

Advertisement

Removing Scratches

Step 1

Prepare a solution of 1 tsp. liquid stone soap and 1 qt. of warm water in a bowl. Thoroughly combine the soap and water.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Dampen a soft, clean cloth in the stone soap solution. Wipe the scratched marble with the dampened cloth to remove dust, oil and film.

Step 3

Moisten a second soft, clean cloth with plain warm water. Wipe the cloth over the affected marble to rinse away the stone soap solution and loosened crud.

Step 4

Dry the damp marble with a soft, clean towel.

Advertisement

Step 5

Buff the scratched marble in circular motions with a dry, super fine grade steel wool pad. Remove as much of the scratch as possible.

Step 6

Apply a quarter-size dollop of stone polishing cream to a third soft, clean cloth. Buff the affected marble with the cloth until the scratch is fully removed.

Advertisement

Removing Etch Marks

Step 1

Create a cleaning solution of 1 tsp. liquid stone soap and 1 qt. of warm water. Thoroughly combine the soap and water in a bowl.

Step 2

Dip a soft, clean cloth in the stone soap solution. Wipe the etched marble with the wet cloth to remove crud buildup.

Advertisement

Step 3

Saturate a second soft, clean cloth with plain warm water. Wipe cloth over the affected marble to rinse away the stone soap solution and loosened gunk. Don't dry the marble.

Step 4

Sprinkle a uniform layer of marble polishing powder onto the wet etch marks. Apply the powder as indicated by the manufacturer.

Advertisement

Step 5

Moisten a third soft, clean cloth with warm water. Rub the polishing powder into the etch marks using the moistened cloth. Buff the marble until the etch marks completely vanish.

Step 6

Dry the marble with a soft, clean towel.

Tip

Substitute a neutral-pH cleaner or liquid dishwashing detergent for the stone soap.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references