Marble, granite & terrazzo restoration across Ontario since 1972
Call (905) 270-2959Marble, granite & terrazzo restoration across Ontario since 1972
Call (905) 270-2959A finish problem, not a stain
Dull rings and cloudy patches left by wine, citrus, cleaners, and cosmetics. They have to be polished out.
No obligation · We reply within one business day
What is happening
Etching happens when acid eats into the polished surface of marble and other calcium-based stone. It leaves a dull, hazy, or lighter mark that cleaning won't remove. It is the most common reason homeowners think their marble is "stained" when it isn't.
What to look for
Dull, cloudy spots on an otherwise glossy surface
Rings from glasses, bottles, or vases
Lighter patches in the shape of a spill
Light etches feel smooth but look dull; deep etches can feel rough
Etch or stain?
Lighter, dull, or hazy. A light etch still feels smooth; a deep one can feel rough. Honing and polishing fix it. A poultice won't.
Darker, with a smooth surface, because the colour has soaked in. A poultice and deep cleaning fix it.
Not sure which you have? Send photos for a free quote or read our stain or etch guide.
Common causes
Before you DIY
The service
Remove dull acid marks and water rings.
Surfaces
When to call a pro
If any of these sound familiar, send photos and a short description. That is usually enough for us to size up the job before a site visit.
Etching across a whole island or vanity top
A polishing powder left a cloudy or uneven patch
Honed stone that needs an even finish, not glossy spots
Commercial lobbies or washrooms with repeated acid spills
Daily habits and the right products matter as much as the repair, especially on marble, limestone, and travertine.
Browse stone care productsWipe acidic spills right away. Etching can start in seconds.
Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner
Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards
Keep toiletries off vanity stone
Consider a protective film on kitchen marble
Related problems
Oil, wine, rust, and other stains soaked into stone. We identify the stain first so the treatment doesn't do more damage.
Honing and polishing that bring back the shine on dull floors, counters, showers, and lobbies.
Fine lines and scuffs from grit, knives, and dragged furniture, smoothed out and polished to match the rest of the stone.
Chipped edges, broken corners, and hairline cracks filled with colour-matched epoxy, levelled, and polished to blend in.
FAQ
Free quote
Send photos of the damage. We'll confirm the stone, explain the fix, and quote the work before we start.
No obligation · We reply within one business day
