ETCHING

Etch marks on Natural Stone are caused by acids left on your stone. Marble and Limestone can etch but Granite is more acid resistant and will rarely etch.

Etching dulls the surface finish of your stone and can change the texture. Acidic products such as orange juice, tomato juice, cola products, and even some cleaning products can etch the finish of your stone.

Some materials will just etch your stone while other products or materials will stain and etch. If your stone is stained and etched, you will need to remove the stain first. See stain removalguidelines

Once the stain is removed, light etching can be removed with a little marble polishing powder. This is a professional grade product made for the homeowner.

Using a marble polishing powder isn't difficult. Basically, you wet the surface of your stone with water and apply your marble polishing powder. You can rub the powder into the stone with a damp cloth or use a buffing pad with a low speed power drill. Continue buffing until the etch mark disappears and your marble surface shines. Make sure to follow the directions for your specific brand of marble polishing powder.

If you are unable to remove an etch mark, you should contact your stone care professional. Deep etching will require resurfacing of your stone and a call to your stone care professional.

How To Avoid Etch Marks:

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a white powder that may appear on the surface of your stone. It is caused by water carrying mineral salts from below the surface of the stone, rising through the stone, and then evaporating. When the water evaporates, it leaves the powdery substance.

To remove efflorescence, do ONE of the following:

You may have to do this several times as the stone dries out. The stone will continue to efflorescence until it is completely dry. Don't use water to remove the powder. It will only disappear temporarily.

If the problem persists, contact your stone care professional