The word “sincere” comes from the Latin prefix sine meaning “without” and the cerae meaning “wax.” In ancient times, when marble had cracks or chips, nefarious craftsmen would fill the crack with wax to hide the damage, making the stonework “insincere.”
With the proliferation of marble countertops in the décor of the past several years, many homeowners do not realize that marble is prone to scratches and other damage. Since marble is rather expensive to replace, knowing how to cover or rid yourself of a minor scratch is imperative.
Cleaning marble
First, remove all dirt and grime from the surface. Use a gentle cleaner or soapy water, or a marble-specific cleaner and a soft cloth. Do not use harsh or caustic chemicals. Even so-called natural cleaners often contain acid products such as citric juices and can etch the surface. You’ll want to use a neutral pH product.
Preparing surfaces
Don rubber gloves and safety goggles. Using very fine steel wool, gently rub the scratched area to smooth out the edges of your scratch. Be very careful not to rub too deeply. Lightly etch the area around the damage. Then, clean the area again to remove any metal filings.
Apply marble polish to a soft cloth and carefully rub it into the scratch and over all the etched surface. Buff it gently onto the surface. An electric hand buffer works well for larger sections, but be sure to use a very soft attachment on the buffer.
Review the damaged surface to determine if the sheen matches the marble around it. If not, complete the polishing and buffing two to three more times until it reaches your preferred level.
Carefully wash the area with distilled water so as not to allow hard-water deposits to mar the stone further. Pat the area dry with a cotton or microfiber towel and let it dry completely.
Deeper scratches, chips, and other surface imperfections necessitate heavy-duty grinding, honing, and polishing equipment and specialized compounds. Sometimes, specific damage needs diamond grit polishing to replenish the factory finish to your countertop. Extremely worn or damaged marble countertops require the efforts of a professional stone restorer.
If you’re considering replacing your countertops and kitchen surfaces with marble, consult a professional marble cutter and installer to achieve exceptional results.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
