Marble is everywhere!
Marble dull spots, marble etched marks, marble scratches are some of the things that you need to know. Today you can find this beautiful material in kitchen benchtops, bathroom vanity, wall and floor and coffee table. However marble is easily prone to acidic etching from soft drinks, wines, fruit juice beverages. This is due to the fact that natural stones contain calcium carbonate hence vulnerable to acidic attacks. Therefore extra care should be taken with wine glasses on bench tops. Also using toiletry products containing acidic compound.
What is marble etched spots?
Once acidic liquids come in contact with calcium carbonate in the stone, the liquids literally dissolve the surface polish hence creating dull spots, and these dull areas are typically called an etch. The more acidic the liquid, the faster and deeper the etching occurs, and in the case of bathroom wall and floors around the showers drains and vanity, these dull spots, etched lines and discoloration are caused by regular runoff of diluted toiletry products.
Could urine affect the marble surfaces?
In surrounding areas near the toilet bowl and urinals, deep etching is usually caused by urine residues, and toilet cleansers that contain phosphoric acid. An etch sometime always is confused of being a stain, just like a scratch on stone surfaces. The acidic etching from urine changed the surface structure of the stone, and the effect appears to be light, dull and discoloration.
Could I DIY removing marble etched spots?
I often get clients asked me if they could actually re-polish an etched mark? If the surface etch is minimal and not very deep, using polishing cream or powder and a bit of elbow grease will usually polish up the surface to a satisfactory level. However, if the etched mark is much deeper, the etching shadow still be apparent underneath the polish even though the surface has been polished up. Therefore, sanding and resurfacing the stone is necessary, this usually done by using various grits of diamond discs and powders.
Time to call a professional polisher !
Due to different type of stone surfaces behave differently to the polishing process, this type of work is usually done by a professional polisher. The main aim is to achieve uniformity, shine, colour and clarity. In regard to scratches on countertops, vanities and floors, the above process applies and required hand and floor polishing machines.
Is there any sealer will stop the etching effects?
Surface coating such as polyurethane, epoxy and acrylics can form a plastic layer to stop the etching, however these surface coating do not have a good adhesion on the stone surface, and we often seen delamination occurs within weeks, therefore the only sealer to use is a good quality penetrating sealer.
Penetrating sealers only provide stain repellent, not protection against etching !
It is interesting to note that penetrating Sealers cannot stop etching, the product does not form a physical barrier between the acidic liquid and the stone. Why do we still need seal the stone if the penetrating sealer will not stop etching? Applying penetrating sealers will reduce the stones porosity thus providing stain resistance, and provide ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Could marble scratches be fixed ?
Although marble is easily scratch, and daily usage can accumulate scratches over a period of time, thereby reducing its attractive appearance. However these marble scratches can be fixed by various stages of marble polishing, if you do have marble scratches that need a professional polisher to rejuvenate the surface. Why not contact us on 0425 266 839 for an onsite quotation? and we will make your marble surfaces looking like new again. We also use and recommend Aquamix sealers for a job well done!
