How to Repair Marble Floor Etching

You can repair a marble floor if you have accidentally etched the surface. Many assume it's difficult to do but is actually simple. A marble floor is very expensive and you want to not only protect your investment but also preserve the beauty of your home. Marble is softer than granite and concrete which means etching it is easier. When you repair a marble floor you have to take great care I doing so because of its soft properties as you could easily damage it more. It is important to not panic when you find that the marble floor is etched as they are fairly superficial. The article that follows will show you how to repair a marble floor that is etched.

What You'll Need

• 120-grit sandpaper
• Radial sander
• Tack cloth
• Liquid wax
• Polyurethane sealer
• Two-part clear epoxy
• Plastic spoon
• Putty knife
• Bucket
• Water
• Rag

Step 1 – Surface Preparation

In order to remove etching from a marble floor you have to first prepare the area. This is especially important if you are not going to be working in a localized area of the marble floor. Soak a rag in ordinary water and squeeze out the excess then wipe the floor down. Doing this not only cleans the surface of the marble floor but also highlight etches.

Step 2 – Remove the Finish

A marble floor is sealed with polyurethane, which protects the surface from damage while maintaining a brilliant surface. Etches in the marble floor are often on the surface of the finish and not directly on the marble. It is important to remove the finish slowly because you may repair the marble floor inadvertently in this Step. Attach a piece of 120-grit sandpaper to the radial sander and use medium pressure as you gently sand away the finish. Continually run your hands over the area to check to see etches are still there. The finish will be removed from the marble floor when it appears dull and somewhat milky white. Use the tack cloth to wipe down the marble floor to remove the dust. This will help you tell that etches are gone or if they remain and the finish is gone.

Step 3 – Remove Etches

Removing etches in marble is fairly simple because it is a softer material than granite or concrete. Use a fresh piece of 120-grit sandpaper attached to the radial sander. Instead of using medium pressure you will want to press firmly directly on the etch. Never stop moving the sander because if you leave it in one place the sander will further damage the marble floor. Use a tack cloth to remove the particles of dust and wipe it down with a damp rag. This will show you if you need to sand the floor more or if you can finish the repair.

Step 4 – Finishing

You can complete the repair of a marble floor by applying a thin layer of wax and buffing it until it shines. You will then paint on at least two layers of polyurethane. Wait for it to dry prior to using the marble floor.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com