What Causes Marble Etching

This mark is not a stain but rather an actual change in the stone s composition as the surface is eaten away by the acid.

What causes marble etching.

What specifically causes etching on marble countertops. And often people hold false assumptions and have incorrect ideas about how to polish marble or how marble polishing is actually performed to create a shiny surface finish. The marble cleaner s 7 facts about etching on marble. The longer the exposure the deeper the etch can become.

Typical household cleaners can cause etch marks. A stain on the other hand occurs when a liquid penetrates the marble and causes discolouration within the stone. Lastly paint stains are another hazard that marble surfaces face. Once clean and free of any extra polishing powder dry the surface completely.

Acidic substances are one of marble s worst enemies. What would cause water glass ring etching on marble surfaces that i ve seen a lot of even from soft water. Marble consists of calcium carbonate which interacts with the acid and leaves a dull mark on the surface of the smooth stone. Then wipe and clean the surface with a clean towel.

First you d have to diagnose by testing that the glass ring etch mark is indeed from water. Can etching be prevented. The good news is that there are many ways to reduce the likelihood of your. A ring mark left by a water glass does not mean that water caused the etching.

Thanks countertop specialty comment. When acid touches your marble surface and reacts with the calcium carbonate a tiny bit of the surface is eaten away and dull spots known as etches are created. After the marble etch mark has been removed spray a marble cleaner over the surface. Many household cleaners contain acids to increase there cleaning power.

Acidic spills orange juice lemon juice grapefruit juice wine vinegar margarita mix certain cosmetics tile cleaners bathroom cleaners tub toilet cleaners etc are the single largest cause of etching. Marble etching is very common and the marble cleaner s facts helps prevent and remove these annoying spots. Etch marks are the result of the top layer of the marble wearing away due to the stain. As a result the exposed area is lighter and duller than it previously was.

Then wipe and clean the surface with a clean towel. Think of it as burning the top layer of the marble. When my husband and i were researching our kitchen renovation a couple years ago marble countertops were the clear frontrunner but we were nervous about the inevitable etching. These acids will etch the marble without fail.

So we paid visits to every marble topped bar and marble furnished ice cream parlor we could find cocking our heads to the side peering down long polished surfaces to examine the damage left by countless drippy. Since etching can remove the polish or sealant from marble the stone can become more vulnerable to scratching as well.