Marble is a recrystallized limestone that forms when the limestone is softened from heat and pressure within the earth's crust and recrystallizes into marble where mineral changes occur. Marble consists mainly of calcium and dolomite, comes in many colors and is usually heavily veined.

Marble is often used for bathroom vanities, flooring, tub and fireplace surrounds, and end and coffee table tops. It can be polished, honed, or tumbled.

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Taking care of your marble

It is very important to begin taking care of your marble from the beginning with proper stone care products. Restoration is often required on neglected or improperly treated marble.

The best way to maintain the appearance of any marble surface is to wash it frequently and to immediately rinse off any spilled materials. Marble should be cleaned periodically with a nonfat, mild detergent and lukewarm water, rinsed generously with clean water and wiped with clean cloths to make certain no residue remains. Abrasive cleaners should not be used on polished marble as scratches and dull areas result.

Some marble surfaces, such as fireplace mantels, can be protected from dirt and soil marks by applying white or non-yellowing wax or sealer. There is a variety of materials available.

Wax is not normally used on marble boors or food preparation surfaces, as it may make floors slippery and possibly cause food contamination. Sealers may be used for floors, but may cause a slight darkening of white marble. When in doubt, make a trial application in an inconspicuous area.

All solutions are given starting with the most gentle method first. All the chemicals mentioned can be purchased from Benson Stone Company or most hardware stores. Hydrogen peroxide 35% can be purchased at beauty salon supply houses. Always wear rubber gloves when handling chemicals.

Problem

Solution

Problem

                              Solution

Iron stain (rust)

• Make a poultice of a commercial liquid rust remover mixed with whiting to form a thick paste.

• Apply a thick layer of this mixture over the stained area.

• Place a piece of plastic kitchen wrap over the mixture and secure in place.

• Leave the application in place overnight.

• Remove the poultice mixture and rub the marble surface with a dry cloth.

Organic stains (paper, tea, coffee, fruit, cosmetics, tobacco, etc.)

• Mix a poultice consisting of whiting and 20% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleach) to form a thick paste.
• Apply a 1/2" thick layer of this mixture over the stain.
• To keep the poultice from drying too rapidly, cover the poultice with a piece of plastic kitchen wrap, held in place with masking tape.
• Leave this in place overnight ！ for very stubborn stains, as much as 48 hours may be required.
• If after the first application the stain is still noticeable, repeat the application, or add a few drops of household ammonia to the poultice mixture just before covering it with the plastic wrap.
• After the stain disappears, remove the application, rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

Ink

• Bleach or hydrogen peroxide 35% for light-colored marble only
• Lacquer thinner or acetone for dark marble
• Methyl chloride

Soot and smoke

• Scrub the surface with a nonfat detergent and a stiff fiber brush, then rinse with clean water.
• If this still leaves noticeable dirt and stains, continue with the following steps.
• Cover the whole surface with a poultice consisting of baking soda or some alkaline cleaner mixed with a liquid laundry bleach to form a thick paste.
• Spread on the stained surface to a thickness of about 1/2".
• Cover with damp cloths to keep the poultice damp.
• Leave in place overnight.
• Remove by wetting and/or scraping with a wooden spatula, plywood or stiff cardboard.

Oil-based stains

(grease, cooking oil, tar, food stains, etc.)

• The first step is to always locate and remove the source of the stain.
• Wash the surface with ammonia, then rinse with plenty of clean, lukewarm water. If this lightens the stain, repeat until the stain is completely gone.
  If the stain still appears, continue with the following steps:
• Treat the stain with a poultice mix with acetone and whiting to form a thick paste.
• Apply a 1/2" thick layer of this mixture over the stained area.
• To keep the acetone from evaporating and the poultice from drying too rapidly, cover the poultice with a piece of plastic kitchen wrap, held in place with masking tape.
• Leave the application in place overnight (for stubborn stains, leave on longer ！ as much as 48 hours may be required).
• Remove the poultice and rub the marble with a dry cloth. If some stain remains, repeat the application.

Etch marks
polishing procedure

1. Use a special polishing powder, tin oxide (available from many stone dealers).
2. Wet the marble surface well.
3. Sprinkle the polishing powder over the surface, then rub firmly and vigorously with a cloth pad.
4. A considerable amount of hard rubbing may be required; therefore, a buffing pad of the type used with an electric drill may be employed.
5. Buffing should be continued until the etch marks disappear and the surface shines as it originally did. Rinse with clean water and buff dry.

Note: If a large area requires repolishing, it should not be attempted by hand. Consult Benson Stone Company.