Professional removal of scratch marks and etch damage from marble, limestone, travertine, and all natural stone surfaces throughout North Idaho.
Two of the most common complaints we hear from North Idaho homeowners: dull, rough marks on marble countertops that no cleaner will remove, and scratches on stone floors or surfaces that have accumulated over years of use. Both conditions are correctable — and neither requires replacement.
Etching is physical damage caused when acids come into contact with calcium-based stone — marble, limestone, travertine, and dolomite. The acid dissolves a microscopic layer of the surface, leaving a dull, rough mark that is lighter than the surrounding stone. It is not a stain. No cleaning product removes it. Only professional honing does.
Scratching is surface abrasion — fine particles of grit, sand, or debris dragged across the stone surface over time. On polished stone, scratches catch light and appear as a network of fine lines that dull the overall finish. Like etching, scratching is corrected through honing — removing the damaged surface layer with diamond abrasives and rebuilding the finish.
We assess the severity of both conditions during our free in-home evaluation, determine the correct abrasive sequence, and restore the surface to a finish that is consistent with the surrounding stone. In most cases the result is indistinguishable from the original.
Dull, rough marks lighter than the surrounding stone. Often circular or splash-shaped — reflecting where a liquid contacted the surface. Common around sinks, on kitchen countertops, and in bathroom vanities. Does not wipe off. Gets worse with acidic cleaners.
Fine lines or a network of hairline marks across the surface that catch light and dull the overall finish. Most visible on polished stone in raking light. Common on floors, countertops, and any surface that sees regular contact with grit or abrasive materials.
Any acid contacting calcium-based stone — lemon juice, vinegar, wine, coffee, tomato sauce, citrus beverages, and most bathroom and kitchen cleaners. Etching happens on contact. Sealed marble etches the same as unsealed marble — sealing does not prevent etching.
Fine grit, sand, and debris tracked across stone floors. Dragging objects across countertops. Abrasive cleaning pads. Over time, even normal use accumulates micro-scratches that collectively dull a polished surface significantly.
Neither scratching nor etching is a surface contaminant — they are physical changes to the stone surface itself. No cleaning product removes them because there is nothing to clean off. The surface has been altered and requires mechanical correction through honing.
Etching affects only calcium-based stones — marble, limestone, travertine, dolomite, and onyx. Scratching affects all polished stone. Granite and quartzite do not etch but can scratch. If you are unsure which stone you have, we identify it during our free assessment.
Tell us what you need restored — we respond within a few hours. No pressure, no obligation.