At Fuller Stone Care we are used to people using the terms “etches” and “stains” interchangeably but they are actually entirely different issues. This is important to note because the best way to clean or restore marble or granite will vary based on which of these issues you are dealing with. At Fuller Stone Care we are going to cover what etching is, what stains are, what hard water is, and how you can tell the difference. If you are in need of cleaning or repairs, contact us at 855-205-0972 right away.
The Definition of Etching
Etching actually refers to acid dissolving into the stone surface when they come into contact. This may look like a white area or dull spot with tiny pits in the surface. You may notice that the light does not hit it in quite the same way as it used to. You may notice that the stone is discolored. The good news is that this is not an issue that granite will be affected by, but it can happen with marble.
Generally the way it happens is this: A person has a cup or glass with some type of acidic fruit or drink. A tiny bit of it falls onto the marble and you end up with ring marks, spot, and other damage. Unfortunately, even sealing cannot prevent this, though marble sealing does ensure that the stain stays on the top of the surface. At Fuller Stone Care we can professionally polish the surface to restore the original surface.
The Definition of Hardwater
Hardwater actually looks similar to etching because it is white, but it actually just sits on the top of the stone. In fact, hardwater can have the same effect on any surface that is calcium rich and on which water evaporates. The most common places to have this problem are around faucets and sinks. If you have noticed a crusty white material, this likely hardwater.
The good news here is that the calcium can be dissolved with an acidic cleaner – but of course that cleaner will harm the marble. There are other solutions, such as gently shaving away the top layer. Just remember that if you do not also fix the leak or cause of the damage, the hardwater stains will reappear over and over again.
The Definition of Stains
You likely know what stains are but you may not realize that they are 100% preventable on both marble and granite. It’s true, both stones – and all stones – are porous regardless of how hard they are. However, sealing your marble or granite will fix this problem right away. If we see stains, we can get rid of them – but we also know that the area with the stain was not sealed recently.
This is why it is so important to keep up to date on your sealing schedule. For estimates or to find out how to best take care of your marble or granite, contact Fuller Stone Care at 855-205-0972 right away.