Outdoor Marble Table Dulled By Weather

by Jean
(Switzerland)

QUESTION:

I have a marble bistro table that has been sitting outside on a sunny balcony for several years. It has only ever been cleaned with water and a soft cloth. It has no obvious stains but the color has faded and the surface is dull and rough. The original color was dark greenish gray, but now it is light gray.

Can you give advice on how to get it looking like it used to and to care for it better in the future, preferably with natural or homemade materials. Thanks.

ANSWER:

Jean, most likely rain, wind and dust has simply worn away the polish on the surface exposing the rough interior of the stone.

Marble and all natural stone is polished by friction and abrasion with machines or hand tools kind of like sanding wood smooth... although it requires much more skill and knowledge than sanding wood. So, a very thin layer on the surface is smooth and shiny. If that surface is worn away, then you see the rock in its natural state which is less vibrant in color.

Polishing brings out the color and better defines the details of pattern in the marble. You'll have to have it professionally re-polished to get it to look like it did when you bought it.

Or... just leave it the way it is. I'm sure it is still beautiful with plenty of character... just different now.

Once restored the only sure way to keep the polish from wearing away again is to cover it when not in use. Alternatively and/or additionally you should wax it periodically with a high quality Carnuba wax or marble wax.

FYI... you should not wax white marble because it will yellow with time. But since yours is dark marble it will be fine and help protect the surface from weather wear and etching from acidic foods and drink.

And of course, clean with water only or a specially formulated cleaner for marble and natural stone. (see products page)

Another option is to apply a color enhancer/sealer, if you like the look of the table when it is wet. An enhancer (again see products page) will give it that wet look and some protection from staining, which it will be much more susceptible to in its current state. Polished marble is also less porous and absorbent.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Ryan