Stone care & repair
Scratches: how to fix them on every surface
Whether a scratch can be fixed depends on how hard the surface is and whether its colour runs all the way through. Soapstone scratches sand out at home; marble scratches polish out professionally; scratches through the printed glaze on porcelain are permanent. And many "scratches" are really metal marks that clean off.
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 | On polished marble, most scratches come from dragging ceramic plates, appliances and grit. On honed marble the same scratches are far less visible. | Moderate to professional | Read fix |
| Travertine | Scratches on travertine tables often show most in the fills, which are softer than the stone. | Moderate to professional | Read fix |
| Limestone | Limestone scuffs easily around the edges of islands where bags, keys and chairs rub against it. | Moderate to professional | Read fix |
| Onyx | Onyx scratches from glassware alone, so backlit bars accumulate fine scratches quickly. A specialist polish removes them. | Professional | Read fix |
| Dolomite | Dolomite resists scratches better than marble, so visible scratches usually come from something harder than daily use, such as grit or ceramic bases dragged across it. | Moderate to professional | Read fix |
| Granite | Most "scratches" on granite are metal left behind by pots and utensils. Try a non-scratch cream cleaner before assuming the stone is damaged. | Easy to check; professional to repair | Read fix |
| Quartzite | Quartzite is harder than glass, so a real scratch in true quartzite is rare. If yours scratches easily, it may be dolomite. | Easy to check; professional to repair | Read fix |
| Quartz | On matte and dark quartz, fine grey lines are usually metal marks from cookware sitting on the surface, and clean off. | Easy to check; limited repair | Read fix |
| Porcelain | Grey lines on porcelain are usually metal marks, not scratches, and come off with a non-scratch cream cleaner. True scratches through a printed glaze are permanent. | Easy to check; limited repair | Read fix |
| Terrazzo | In terrazzo, scratches show more in the softer binder than in the stone chips. | Moderate to professional | Read fix |
| Concrete | Scratches on concrete benchtops are usually in the sealer or wax, and refinishing the coating removes them. | Moderate to professional | Read fix |
| Soapstone | Soapstone is the one stone where fixing scratches is genuinely a DIY job. Most light scratches disappear with a rub of mineral oil; deeper ones sand out. | Easy (DIY) | 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.