How to Polish Marble Stone

Polish a marble surface to keep it attractive.

Marble was reserved for sculpture and architecture in ancient times; now it can be found in high-end floor tiles, kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. Although it appears to be a hard stone, marble is porous and soft. These characteristics make it easy to stain. Regular cleaning and polishing will keep a marble stone surface at its best.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloth
• Chamois cloth
• Dishwashing soap
• Water
• Commercial polish
• Putty powder
• Buffer or electric polisher
• Baking soda
• Crushed chalk

Instructions

1. Clean the marble surface before polishing it. Wash the stone surface with lukewarm water and a clean cloth; then wipe it dry with a chamois cloth. Twice a year, wash the surface with a mixture of liquid dishwashing soap and warm water; rinse and dry it off with a chamois cloth. Chamois cloth also polishes the surface.

2. Use a commercial polish on the marble surface. These are available from home and garden stores or from marble stone retailers. Follow the manufacturer's directions.

3. Polish the surface with putty powder. Rub the putty powder onto the stone with a damp cloth. Then use a buffer or an electric polisher to polish the marble. Rinse the surface and wipe it dry with a soft cloth.

4. Apply baking soda and crushed chalk. Mix 3 tbsp. of baking soda with 1 qt. of water. Rub the mixture onto the marble surface and let it dry. Dip a moist cloth in crushed chalk and rub the stone surface. Rinse the marble and dry it with a soft cloth.

References

• "The Sourcebook of Decorative Stone: An Illustrated Identification Guide"; Monica T. Price; 2007