How to fix scratched marble

How to fix scratched marble

Gary asked: I have a marble eye countertop that has some scratches and marks. I was wondering if there was a way to sand it or polish it out without damaging the marble. Thanks.

Even with regular cleaning and proper care, marble can become scratched and dulled over time. These surface scratches can be removed at home, usually without the services of a professional. Here are the recommended methods.

  • Fine sandpaper or Grade #000 steel wool or Gel Gloss
  • Soft cloths
  • Water
  • Marble Polish
  1. Use either fine sandpaper or steel wool to carefully sand or buff out the scratches. If using sandpaper make sure you select the correct grit or you may make more scratches than you remove.
  2. If Gel Gloss is used, follow the application instructions on the package.
  3. Rinse the area with water.
  4. Dry with a soft cloth.
  5. Apply a marble polish to restore shine and protect the new surfaces.
  • If the scratches are very small and only on the surface, they can sometimes be buffed out with a soft cloth and a good cleaning.
  • Deep scratches or major problem areas should be fixed by a professional. Ensure they are experienced with your particular type of marble.
  • Cultured marble is not the same as true marble and cannot be fixed with the procedures above.

How to fix scratched marble

Scratches in Marble Tile | How To Remove Scratches From Marble

QUESTION:

I have brown and black marble floor tile with streaks of gold, white and gray in it. I forget the name. I was told that marble should be sealed right after installation and I didn't.So, now I have scratches and dullness in my marble tile.Please tell me how to repair the marble scratches and get the dullness out.I've tried almost every cleaner.Marble is much softer than granite and will scratch from common usage. But it can be repaired with simple methods.Sealing does not prevent scratches or etching in marble (see below) and regular cleaners or polishes won't work despite what you may read. A specific marble scratch remover is required.The good news is that the dullness/etching and marble scratches can be fixed with DIY products for repolishing or refinishing marble.The exact repair method or marble scratch remover product needed depends on the type of finish on the marble: polished (shiny) or honed (matte).

On polished marble use this ETCH REMOVER / Marble polishing paste.

This paste is specially designed to restore the color and shine on mildly etched and/or scratched marble, travertine, limestone, and onyx.

On large areas the Marble Polishing Powder & Pad Kit is a better choice. A common home drill is all you need.

On honed marble use the Etch Remover Marble Polishing Pad - Drill Kit. This kit uses special marble polishing pads and water. No powder or paste.

That last kit can actually be used on polished marble as well.The pads are progressive so you move from one pad to the next depending on the type of finish you want (polished or honed).It comes in a "drill kit" or manual version.

Deep scratches in marble may require a marble repair professional

to aggressively grind down and refinish the surface.

Or a deep scratch may just have to be filled with a Pit & Chip Repair Gel when it's too deep to grind down the entire surface to remove the scratch.

First, use the above marble scratch remover products. These are way cheaper and you're likely to get great results unless it's severe damage with really deep scratches.

But I'm just letting you know that you may need a pro.

To avoid scratching marble you shouldn't use a vacuum cleaner on it, or slide furniture, or use knives directly on a marble countertop.


Place floor mats at entrances to remove dirt, grit, or small stones from shoe tread and sweep marble floors regularly.Basically, anything hard or sharp will scratch the marble.In your case, try to figure out how you got the scratches to prevent future occurrences.Okay... I'm going to clear up a couple of common misunderstandings and issues for you.

First, marble tile is not as porous as you might read on the internet. In fact, polished marble is NOT very absorbent and may not need a sealer.

The way you determine (the only accurate way) if and when a stone should be sealed is to test it. Very simple and will give you the correct answer every time.

Sealing does not prevent marble scratches or dullness. Applying a sealer decreases the rate of absorption making the stone harder to stain... that's it.

Experimenting with all sorts of cleaning products is no bueno. Most typical household cleaning products you buy at any store will damage your marble.

In fact, these products may be the reason your marble is dull. They are just too caustic.That's what they do... the wrong products ruin the shiny marble surface and make it dull. It's called "etching."

You should ONLY use products safe for cleaning marble & granite.

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How to fix scratched marble

How to fix scratched marble
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Scratchy, dull marble looks like it belongs in a demolition site. There is no sophistication to dull marble, as the surface looks unkempt and drab. Don’t fret, those scratches on your marble still have hopes of removal, with just a bit of time and effort on your part!

Marble is a beautiful natural stone that makes any home look classy and pristine. However, when marble is scratched or etched, it can have a dull appearance that is a poor use of your marble material. 

Learn how to properly get those scratches out using our definitive guide. We’ll present to you the steps in cleaning, buffing, polishing, and sealing your marble so these surfaces can last you and your family for generations to come.

What Causes Marble to Get Scratches?

Marble is a relatively soft material compared to other natural stones, making the material prone to scratches and etching. Etching is the term for the white, cloudy appearance on the surface after being exposed to acidic solutions and harsh chemicals. 

There are a multitude of reasons why marble can get scratches. Acidic cleaning solutions are the biggest culprits for etch marks, but deep scratches can come from dragging furniture around, accidents, and shoes like heels and cleats.​

How to fix scratched marble

Marble makes any room look classy.

How to Remove Scratches from Marble Surfaces

1. Clean the Scratch

The first step to get rid of the scratch from your marble is to grab a soft cloth, and mix a solution of mild dish soap and water. Using the cloth, apply the solution directly onto the scratch. Ensure that your cloth is only damp, not soaking wet. 

With some warm water on a different damp soft cloth, rinse the surface that was just cleaned. Dry the surface to prepare it for the next step: Buffing.

2. Buff Out the Marble Surface

There are buffing sets made to remove scratches from marble floors and surfaces, but you can do the DIY method using a soft, dry cloth. Rubbing in a gentle, circular motion with a bit of elbow grease, buff out the scratch until you can notice a shine come through your marble surface. This method is great for surface scratches, but won’t do a thing to deeper scratches.

For deeper scratches, you may need to use some fine grit sandpaper or steel wool to buff out the scratch, working in a firm and steady motion. Carefully sand the surface, wiping off any dust using a soft cloth as you go along. Keep sanding the scratch and its surrounding area until you’re satisfied with the results. You may need to re-apply some varnish or sealant afterwards. 

3. Removing Scratches from Marble Countertops

Your marble countertop may get etched more than scratches, as it can be exposed to acidic solutions in food and drinks that spill on the surface. To remove scratches and etches on marble countertops, clean the surface first, then use a marble polishing powder to buff and shine that scratch mark away for good!

4. Removing Scratches from Marble Tiles

Tile scratches are easier to fix, as you can easily have a section of your tiles refitted albeit at the cost of professional renovation fees. However, if your marble tiles have small, minor scratches, some buffing and polishing will do the trick just as easily. Minor scratches in tiles can easily be removed using buffing sets or some marble polishing powders.

5. Marble Polish Application

Polished marble brings back the shine from the scratched marble. Use a marble polish specifically formulated to fill and even out scratches and etching for best results. Marble polishes come in both liquid forms, and as a marble polishing powder that can be used in both the buffing and polishing process. 

When using marble polish, make sure to work in circular motions to avoid streaks on your finished surface. The polish should be able to buff out the scratches to a finer, smoother surface. 

For a definitive guide on how to polish marble flooring, check our comprehensive guide out!.

6. Sealing Your Marble

A protective layer of wax or synthetic sealant works well in protecting your marble. If you’ve polished your marble with powder or buffed it out with some sandpaper, your marble would have gotten its material exposed to the elements, and would degrade over time due to water damage, oil spills, and more. 

Apply a marble seal bought from your local hardware store. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer on the proper application, and allow the sealant to cure before using the marble area. We recommend having the entire marbled area sealed, and not just the scratched surface, for an even application. 

How to fix scratched marble

Marble is high maintenance, but will last you decades when cared for properly.

How to Prevent Scratches From Marble Surfaces

Preventing scratches from marble material like floors, tiles, and countertops, is easier said than done. Because marble is made from natural minerals that build up over time, many of our common household solutions that are safe for ceramics, plastic, and acrylic may damage marble materials. 

The best way to prevent scratches from marble is to keep the material clean. Use a damp cloth and a bit of warm water to wipe away spills immediately before they damage the marble material. Alternatively, you can apply a few drops of mild dish soap to a damp cloth to clean away any oily or greasy spills before they stain on your marble materials. 

Avoid dragging furniture, bags, and shoes around the house if you have a marbled floor or tiles, as these may cause deep scratches to appear on your marble. Seal scratched marble immediately to avoid getting water and oil damage.

Above all, a good, professional cleaning service will get those marble floors cleaned in a jiffy - with no scratches or etching! Here at Luce Maintenance Group, our experienced cleaners are equipped with the tools and knowledge to bring back the shine onto any marbled surface. 

Contact us through our website today, and let’s discuss how we can get you top-notch marble cleaning services at your most convenient time.