Dull & Scratched Outdoor Marble Table

by Marmie
(Colorado)

QUESTION:

I just bought a marble topped coffee table at a garage sale. I have no idea how old it is, The marble slab just sits on top of cast iron legs that have a sheet of wood screwed on to them. The marble is totally dull and lifeless. It was outside, but on a covered patio. I will be putting on my patio, but it is not covered.

So - 1) how do I smooth out the scratches and bring at least some sheen back to this table top?

2) Do I need to protect it from the weather - ie. the modern problem of acid-rain? I do plan on putting it in the shed over the winter so snow/ice does not harm it.

ANSWER:

Chances are that the marble was never polished and shiny to begin with. Or it was polished, but exposure to weather has worn away the polished surface over time.

If it was never polished to begin with, there's nothing you can do to make the marble polished and shiny unless you hire a marble maintenance professional to re-finish the surface.

Why? Well, the shiny polish on any stone is the result of intense friction with special abrasives on big machines. It can be polished by hand, but that is a job for a pro.

If the polished layer has just been worn down, you may be able to revive it using SCP- Marble Polishing Paste.

However, since you plan to leave the marble table outdoors, I'd suggest leaving the current dull/honed surface. If you have it polished or are able to bring back the polish, you'll be fighting the elements (like acid rain) to keep it shiny unless you cover it.

Honed marble is a classic look and will require less maintenance to keep it looking good.

For light scratches, use 400 grit metal grade sandpaper and/or 0000 grade steel wool on a honed surface that you intend to keep honed.

If you are going to try to restore the polish, the the marble paste noted above will remove scratches also.

Good Luck,
Ryan

P.S. Get all the facts, answers, explanations and simple solutions with step-by-step instructions for any issue, problem or question with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals.

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