How to Fix Holes and Cracks in Marble

Marble is meant to last more than a lifetime. That durability makes it a popular choice for countertops and floors, two surfaces that take on constant daily abuse. It's inevitable that with regular use, some accidents will occur. While marble is tough, it can be damaged, leaving holes and cracks in an otherwise beautiful surface. These imperfections can be disguised, however, by patching with a polyester resin.

Clean rags
Paintbrush
Rubbing alcohol or acetone
Polyester resin
Marble dust (in the same color as the marble being repaired)
Putty knife
Electric grinder
Fine-grit emery pad for grinder
Fine-grit wet-dry sandpaper
Marble polishing compound
Felt pad for grinder

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any dirt or debris from the crack or hole by brushing it away with a stiff paintbrush. If only a soft paintbrush is available, cut the bristles so they are only about 2 inches long.
- 2
  Clean the area around the hole or crack with rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove any remaining dirt or grease.
- 3
  Mix the polyester resin according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 4
  Add marble dust to the resin, following the manufacturer's directions for adding powdered pigment to the resin. If no such directions are available, add the dust in small amounts, mixing between each addition, until the resin is the same color as the marble surrounding the hole or crack.
- 5
  Spread the resin into the hole or crack using a small putty knife. Make sure the resin is slightly higher than the surface of the surrounding marble. If it is lower, a small dip will still appear on the surface of the marble. If it is even, it may sink slightly, leaving a small dip.
- 6
  Wait at least 24 hours for the resin to cure completely.
- 7
  Grind the resin patch using an electric grinder with a fine-grit emery pad until it is smooth and even with the surrounding surface. Grind little by little, taking care not to grind too much or damage the surrounding marble.
- 8
  Sand the patch and surrounding marble with a fine-grit wet-dry sandpaper.
- 9
  Wipe away any debris with a damp rag.
- 10
  Mix marble polishing compound according to the manufacturer's directions
- 11
  Moisten a felt grinder pad with the polishing compound.
- 12
  Polish the patch and surrounding area, using the grinder and moistened felt pad until the sheen matches the surrounding marble.

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