Stone care & repair
Etch marks: how to fix them on every surface
Etching is chemical damage: an acid such as lemon juice, wine or vinegar dissolves the surface of calcium-based stone, leaving a dull, pale mark. It is not a stain and no cleaner removes it. Marble, travertine, limestone, onyx, dolomite and cement-based surfaces etch most readily, but harder surfaces are not immune: resin, sealers, glazes and hidden calcite can still dull and mark.
Before you try anything: always speak to a professional before cleaning, treating or applying any product to your stone. Every slab is different, and the wrong product can cause permanent damage. Contact us or a qualified stone restorer first.
Choose your surface
Every surface compared
| Surface | What is different on this surface | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marble | Marble etching is the single most common stone problem in Sydney kitchens and bathrooms: lemon wedges, wine glasses, vinegar sprays and bathroom cleaners all leave dull marks. | Moderate (light etches) to professional | Read fix |
| Travertine | Honed travertine hides light etches better than polished marble, but etched areas around coffee cups and fruit bowls still look patchy in low, raking light. | Moderate (light etches) to professional | Read fix |
| Limestone | Limestone etches faster than most marble, and because it is honed, the marks show as uneven, slightly smoother or lighter patches. | Moderate (light etches) to professional | Read fix |
| Onyx | Etches on polished onyx are obvious, especially when backlit. Onyx is soft enough that DIY polishing can easily leave waves or hazy patches. | Professional | Read fix |
| Dolomite | Because dolomite etches slowly, owners often do not notice until a haze has built up around the sink. Stopping the daily acidic spray is the first step. | Moderate (light etches) to professional | Read fix |
| Granite | If lemon juice leaves a dull mark on your granite, the stone may contain calcite, or the factory resin treatment on the surface may be what reacted. | Easy to diagnose | Read fix |
| Quartzite | A dull mark on "quartzite" after lemon or vinegar is the classic sign that the stone is actually dolomite or marble. Super White is the best-known example. | Easy to diagnose | Read fix |
| Quartz | Quartz benchtops do not etch from acid, but strong alkaline chemicals such as oven cleaner and some degreasers can leave dull, cloudy patches in the resin. | Easy to diagnose | Read fix |
| Porcelain | Porcelain cannot etch. Dull or cloudy patches are almost always cleaner residue or hard-water film that has built up over time. | Easy to diagnose | Read fix |
| Terrazzo | In cement terrazzo, acid etches the binder and any marble chips, so one spill can dull a whole patch. Epoxy terrazzo resists acid much better. | Moderate (light etches) to professional | Read fix |
| Concrete | On sealed concrete, acid may etch the sealer first. If the concrete underneath is untouched, refinishing the coating is enough. | Moderate (light etches) to professional | Read fix |
| Soapstone | Soapstone is chemically inert, so a mark after a spill is not etching; it is usually a darker patch where the stone has absorbed moisture or oil. | Easy to diagnose | Read fix |
Rules that apply to every surface
- Act fast. The sooner you blot or wipe, the less there is to fix.
- Test first. Try any method on a hidden spot and check once it is dry.
- No acids on calcite. Vinegar, lemon and most descalers etch marble, travertine, limestone and onyx.
- Protect after repair. A clear film stops the same mark happening again.
Frequently asked questions
Porous and acid-sensitive stones such as marble, travertine, limestone, onyx need the most care. Non-porous surfaces like porcelain and quartz are usually the easiest.
Always. Try any chemical or poultice on a hidden spot, such as inside a sink cut-out or under an overhang, and check the finish once dry.
A clear protection film over the surface keeps spills and acids off the stone. Stone Film Sydney installs it across Sydney with a 10-year warranty.
Stop fixing. Start protecting.
Clear anti-etch, anti-stain film for every stone in Sydney. Free, no-obligation quote, on site or over the phone.