Stain or Etch? A 2-minute stone diagnostic

Almost every mark on marble is a stain or an etch. They look alike, but the fixes are different. Here's how to tell them apart, and how to avoid causing them.

The water test

Place a few drops of water on the mark and wait 30 seconds.

If the mark turns darker under the water → it's probably a stain (something soaked into the stone). A poultice can often draw it back out.

If a dull mark fades or vanishes while wet, then comes back as the stone dries → it's an etch (acid has eaten into the polish). No cleaner will fix it. Small, light etches on polished marble come out with a refinishing kit. Large or deep etching needs professional honing and polishing.

Stain

Colour change, smooth surface

Oil, wine, coffee, rust, ink, and other spills
Darker or lighter than the stone around it
Surface still feels smooth and looks shiny
Fix: the right poultice draws it out

Etch

Dull spot, loss of shine

Citrus, vinegar, wine, cleaners, cosmetics
Looks like a cloudy ring or water mark
Light etches feel smooth but look dull; deep etches can feel rough
Fix: a refinishing kit for small, light etches on polished marble; professional honing for large or deep ones

The daily care checklist

Blot spills straight away (wiping spreads them)
Use coasters under glasses, bottles, and toiletries
Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild dish soap
Use cutting boards and trivets in the kitchen
Reseal stone that absorbs liquid as often as we recommend

Don't

No vinegar, lemon, or citrus cleaners on marble
No harsh chemicals, bathroom sprays, or all-purpose sprays on marble
No scouring pads or powders
No lemons, wine, or toiletries left sitting on the stone
No household products to polish out an etch (use a marble refinishing kit, or call us)

Stone problem guides