Old Marble Countertop Dull and Yellow
by Chelle
QUESTION:I have marble countertops in my bathrooms that are almost 25 years old. They are dull and turning yellow. Is there any way to clean them and restore them to their natural color and shine?ANSWER:Yes, even old, dull and yellow marble countertops can be cleaned and restored.That's the great thing about natural stone... it can almost always be re-finished to like-new condition. However, as a point of clarification the marble countertops may have never been "shiny". There are many types of surface finishes and textures that can be created on a marble ccuntertop. A shiny "polished" finish is just one type and it is very common (especially on older tops) to have a "honed" finish, which is smooth, but not shiny. I mention this so you have accurate expectations. The "dullness" may not be any type of problem or damage. Whoever installed it may have wanted a more dull or matte finish. So, after complete marble cleaning you may find a honed finish, which many people mistake as dull, damaged or needing a polish. You can have your marble countertop re-finished to a polished or honed or any other type of finish possible though. The yellowing is most likely due to a wax that was applied at some time. Waxing marble used to be very common, but it just creates more maintenance and eventually turns yellow if not properly maintained. Waxing is not recommended any more. Much better methods and products exist now. So, first you'll want to strip off whatever is on the surface. We recommmend using the De-Greaser / Wax Remover / Stripper. After stripping the surface coating you may find stains or etch marks (dull spots). You can learn all about marble cleaning for these issues (and a lot more) in one of the Removing Stains, Removing Etch Marks, Cleaning Marble Secrets e-books. In fact, given the possible extent of this marble cleaning / restoration project the Cleaning Marble Secrets ebook will provide the most complete and comprehensive instructions and resources. And if after cleaning marble completely you find the surface is honed or too dull for your liking, then you can have it professionally re-finished to a "polished" finish. 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. |
