Marble Vanity Top Water Spots
by Catherine
(Lincroft , NJ)
QUESTION:
I have a marble vanity top in my guest bath and marble on my bedroom furniture. My guest bath seems to get the most use. I have a lot water spots that I can't seem to get clean. Also, my bedroom has some spots that do not come off either. Do you have any suggestions?
ANSWER:
Hi Catherine! You may have two questions depending on the type of "spots" on the marble in you bedroom. But let me come back to that.
"Water spots" on marble vanity tops or countertops are common; however, they are not truly a "stain."
If we are talking about the same thing, the spots you see may look lighter, clear or the same color as your marble. And on lighter marble colors, you may only notice the spots from certain viewing angles or depending on the light hitting the surface.
Most often the spots are in the shape of a glass or bottle ring that was placed on the top.
Marble is composed of calcite and reacts chemically with acidic substances like wine, coffee, juice, soda, alcohol and cleaning products that come in contact with your marble vanity top.
The reaction etches or corrodes the surface ruining the polish causing the surface to appear lighter or dull.
You will notice this most on polished marble. Marble vanity tops and counter tops that are honed or have a matte surface still react and will etch, but you may not see the result --dull spot-- as well because the surface is already dull.... not polished.
The solution(s)....
Option 1: Well, most likely a marble polish will restore the shine and "remove" these water spots. You can try this yourself using SCP: Marble Polishing Paste which is made specifically for this purpose.
If this doesn't work, then you have severe etch marks and must resort to the following two options, which are much more expensive.
Option 2: Again, this is not a stain. Your marble vanity top has, in effect, been de-polished. Polishing is accomplished by friction. Polishing is what makes the marble shiny, so in order to restore the shine and "remove" the spots you'll need to hire a professional to re-polish your marble.
Of course, this will not prevent the same problem from occuring again and sealing does not address this problem.
Option 3: Remove the polish with an acid wash (requires a professional). This will result in a "honed" finish that is not shiny. "Water spots" aren't as noticeable on a honed surface.
In my house, we always use coasters on our marble counter tops to avoid this problem.
You would still need to use a marble sealer (impregnator) to protect against true stains: substances that are absorbed into and discolor the stone.
If you have a spot that is a different color or darker than your marble vanity top then you have a "stain" which requires a completely different approach. If this is the case.... please submit another question and I'll address it specifically.
Let me know what you choose to do and how it turns out.
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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