A question our clients frequently ask is, “How can I remove water rings on my polished marble?” This article explains what “water rings” are, and what you can do about them.

Cause of Water Rings

Polished marble ideally has a glossy, glass-like, reflective finish. “Water rings,” although seemingly insignificant, can really diminish the appearance of polished marble when the lighting is just right. Blemishes on polished marble or other natural stone that are commonly mistaken and referred to as water rings are generally etch marks. Etching is chemical surface damage caused by acidic or high alkaline substances.

Removing Water Rings

If the etching is mild, that is, if you can run your finger across the surface of the stone and the finish still feels smooth, then you should be able to use a high-quality marble polishing compound to remove the etch.

Professional Services May Be Necessary

If the etching is severe, that is, if you run your finger across the surface of the stone and the finish feels rough, then the etch should be removed by a professional stone restoration contractor. Attempting to remove a severe etch on your own could result in further damage to the surface of the stone.

How to Prevent Water Rings

What can you do to prevent etch damage? Use drink coasters. Clean up spills immediately. On marble kitchen countertops, don’t store wine bottles, vinegar bottles, or similar items directly on the stone, and on marble vanity tops, don’t store cosmetic products directly on the stone. Instead, use trays to store items on your tops.

Contrary to what you may have heard, marble sealers cannot prevent etch damage. Sealers penetrate the surface of the stone to inhibit liquids from being absorbed into the stone. Acidic and high alkaline substances don’t need to be absorbed into the stone to cause damage, they merely have to come into contact with the stone. There are, however, some new solutions on the market to prevent etching on countertops and vanity tops.

Feel free to contact us for specific etch removal product recommendations, to learn more about etch prevention solutions, or to schedule professional etch removal services.

This is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Surface Care PRO Partners.