How to polish a marble? Restore shine to a dull marble surface

Marble is a beautiful and elegant material that adds an air of sophistication to any décor. Its timeless appeal makes it a favourite for many homeowners looking to add character to their homes. Marble is also durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. However, over time, the marble's natural shine can become dull or scratched due to regular use. The good news is that you can clean and polish marble surfaces to restore their original shine.

Marble is a timeless material, but there are also drawbacks that come with it. Marble is a porous limestone, which means it can easily become stained if not given proper attention. It can also be scratched if cleaned incorrectly or not sealed properly. Additionally, marble can be etched by acids or abrasive cleaners, so it’s important to take caution when cleaning your marble surfaces.

Polishing marble can help clean a dull marble surface. Whether you're looking to clean your kitchen countertop or polish a floor, learning how to polish marble properly is essential for keeping it in good condition.

Difference between natural and cultured marble

Before beginning to polish a dull marble, make your research to find out what type of marble you have and how to treat it in a proper way. Different types of marble require different cleaning methods to treat effectively. Knowing the exact type of your marble will help determine which cleaners, polishes, and techniques should be used to clean and restore its shine. It is important to distinguish between natural marble and cultured or engineered marble.

To determine if your marble surface is natural or engineered, you will need to inspect the surface and look for the featured signs.

What is honed marble?

Honed marble is a type of finish or texture applied to marble surfaces. Honing is a process that makes the surface smoother and more polished than other types of finishes, giving it an elegant velvety look. Unlike polished marble, honed marble does not have a glossy finish but instead has a less shiny, soft feel. Honed marble is also more porous than polished marble, so it requires regular maintenance to prevent staining. To keep your honed marble looking its best, you should seal it regularly and clean it with mild cleaners designed specifically for marble surfaces.

What to use to polish marble

You'll need some specialized materials to clean and polish the marble. These include 

• clean microfiber cloth, 
• mild dish soap, 
• poultice or stain removal,
• marble polishing compound,
• marble sealant or wax,
• polishing machine. 

Self-made products

If we talk about polishing marble by hand you need to make a polish compound by yourself. You may try with a paste of baking soda mixed with water as a polish. And if you have any stains on your marble surfaces you may additionally need to make poultices from ammonia and hydrogen peroxide to remove stains. 

Commercial supplies

There are also several different types of commercial cleaning and polish agents available for marble. These include specialized cleaners and polishes, waxes, sealants, sprays, and wipes. Each one is designed to clean and protect the surface in its own way. Before you begin polishing your marble, take the time to research and determine which cleaner or polish is best for the job. For instance, there are different compounds for polishing marble floors or marble counters polishing. If you are unsure, consult a marble polishing professional who specializes in stone restoration or at least a marble tiling installer. They can help you choose the right product for your specific needs. 

If you notice scratches on marble there is a good reason to turn to a professional stone polishing contractor. They have the right equipment to remove the top layer of marble to make it even. 

Steps on polishing marble

Polishing marble surfaces is a relatively simple process that can help restore the shine and lustre of your dull marble. But like in any task, there are some pitfalls to keep in mind. To get started, follow these steps on how to clean and polish marble:

1. Start by removing all dirt, dust, and debris from the marble surface using a soap detergent, clean cloth and water. 
2. Remove stains. If you deal with any stains or etched marble use the poultice to get rid of them. Otherwise, a mix of one spoon of ammonia, half a glass of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to treat the surface. Apply the mix to the stains and leave it overnight. Wipe the area with a clean rug. If the stains are still there repeat the process. If your marble is still stained or damaged, contact a marble polishing company to sand the top layer. Do not do it yourself if you do not have the skills!
3. Polish the marble surface. Apply polishing compound or backing soda with water paste and allow the product to sit on the surface for a few minutes. Then buff it with a microfiber cloth in circular motions. You better test it first on a poorly visible plot of the surface. You should not polish all of the marble at once. It is advised to apply the compound on small areas and treat them one by one. It will take less time if you use a low-speed polisher compared to buffing with a hand. Clean up any residue with a soft cloth to dry.
4. Apply sealant or wax. If you want extra protection for your marble surface, you may apply a sealant or wax. Make sure to clean the surface before applying any sealants. To seal the marble, start applying wax evenly over the marble surface using a clean cloth or applicator pad in small circular motions until all of the areas is covered. Allow the sealer to sit on the surface for about 10 minutes, then wipe again. 

Finally, always make sure to read any instructions on the label before using a product on your marble surfaces. This will help ensure that you are using the right polishes, cleaners and sealants.

Sealing different marble surfaces

The type of marble you have will determine the kind of sealant or wax you should use. Different surfaces like countertops and floors require different sealants for optimum protection. there are two types of sealers needed for polishing different surfaces. A high-penetrating sealer prevents staining and clogged pores, while an acrylic-based  topical sealer provides a glossy finish and resists abrasion.

To polish and seal marble backsplashes and countertops as well as marble tables and windowsills use impregnator sealers since they penetrate deep into the marble and protect it from dirt and oils. Allow it to soak in for about 15 minutes before wiping off any excess product and allowing it to dry. For additional protection, you may apply a two-part sealer, typically composed of an impregnator sealer and a topical sealer.

The marble floor and fireplace get dirty in a different way than the countertop. Therefore, they require more protection from wear and scratching than from stains.To wax marble floors you should use an acrylic topical sealer to protect them from scratches and wear and tear.

You don't need to seal marble tiles when polishing marble shower walls unless you are using products that stain. Personal care products won't stain marble if they do not allow to sit. Although shaving foam can cause etching, it is impossible to stop it with a sealant.

Cultured marble is stronger than most natural ones and does not require any sealant. Some cultured marbles won't even take it.