Category: Etches Removal

Marble Etchings and Dull Spots Removal

The undesired etching is the white/light dull spots you can find on marble surfaces, which are hard to get rid of and are very unpleasant. Such spots may be caused by acidic or alkaline liquids left on the surfaces. In other words, it’s chemical burns. Those spots can be in different shapes like in the shape of a spill, spray pattern (caused by spraying the wrong cleaner), drops, or glass rings. They can be deep or not soo deep.

It most commonly happens with marble, travertine, limestone, onyx, and other calcite-based stones. Sometimes hard water can leave salt spots in the form of white crystal powder, which may look like etching but it is not.

Etching may change the texture of the marble surface to a dull, non-uniform appearance. In some cases when marble contact with strong, like industrial acidic chemicals, the marble can be burned and melted to a rough surface and even destroyed into sand-like particles.

Some Causes of Etching on Marble

Acidic foods & drinks:
– lemons
– juice
– most fruits
– coffee
– caustic soda
– wine
– dressings
– ketchup
– vinegar
– many others.

Cleaning chemicals and cleaners:
– bleach
– ammonia
– glass cleaners like Windex or Fantastik
– Ajax/Comet
– sink/toilet cleaners
– porcelain/ceramic cleaners
– stainless steel cleaners
– some personal care products
– most general household cleaners.

Some liquids will only etch your marble while others will do both etch and stain. In such a case, if your marble has both etches and stains, for restoration you will need to perform two different procedures, known as refinishing and applying a poultice.

Marble Etchings Preventive Measures

Use pH-Neutral Cleaners:
– opt for cleaners specifically designed for marble or natural stone
– avoid all-purpose household cleaners that contain acidic or alkaline substances

Wipe Spills Immediately:
-promptly clean up any spills, especially those involving acidic substances like lemon juice, wine, or vinegar
– use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot (not wipe) the spill to prevent spreading

Use Coasters and Trivets:
– place coasters under glasses, especially those containing acidic beverages
– use trivets or mats under hot dishes and kitchen utensils to avoid direct contact with the marble surface

Avoid Placing Personal Care Products Directly on Marble:
– store items like perfume, aftershave, and other acidic or alkaline personal care products in cabinets or on trays

Educate Household Members and Cleaning Staff:
– ensure everyone understands the importance of using marble-safe products and practices
– provide clear instructions for cleaning and maintaining marble surfaces

Seal Your Marble:
– apply a quality marble sealer to create a protective barrier against spills and stains
– reapply the sealer periodically as per the manufacturer’s instructions

Regular Maintenance:
– wipe the dust from marble surfaces regularly with a soft cloth
– clean with a damp cloth and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner
– avoid abrasive scrubbers or pads that can scratch the marble.

Etchings on Granite

Granite is an igneous rock and not calcite-based stone and typically will not etch. If the etchings appeared on your granite, that means your granite more likely is “doctored”. “Doctoring” granite is a method of artificial dyeing granite by applying a compound to the surface and “baking” in an oven at high temperature to fuse the compound, for the only purpose of enriching the color and raising its price. The etches can happen on that coat and not on the granite itself. Unlike etches on marble, etches on doctored granite cannot be easily removed or polished.

Causes of Etchings on Doctored Granite

– acidic or alkaline substances react with the artificial coating
– improper cleaning products or methods damage the doctored surface.

Doctored Granite Etchings Preventive Measures

Verify Granite Authenticity:
– purchase granite from reputable suppliers who do not use doctoring methods
– ask for a certification of authenticity or documentation of the granite’s natural state

Use pH-Neutral Cleaners:
– just like with marble, use cleaners that are specifically designed for natural stone
– avoid acidic or alkaline cleaning products that can damage the doctored coating

Regular Sealing:
– apply a high-quality sealer designed for granite to protect the surface
– reapply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations

Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
– do not use bleach, ammonia, or any other harsh chemicals on doctored granite
– stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaners and soft cleaning cloths.

Immediate Spill Management:
– clean up spills immediately to prevent any potential reaction with the doctored coating
– use a blotting technique to clean spills rather than wiping to avoid spreading

Use Protective Measures:
– place coasters under glasses and cups to prevent rings
– use cutting boards and trivets to avoid direct contact with hot pots, pans, and knives.

Granite’s natural resistance to etching makes it a durable choice for surfaces, but doctored granite can be susceptible to damage. By understanding the nature of doctored granite and following preventive measures, you can maintain its appearance and ensure longevity. If etchings do occur on doctored granite, professional restoration might be necessary, as they cannot be easily removed or polished like those on marble.