What Kind of Drill Accessory Do I Need to Polish Scratches Out of Marble?

Scratching vs. Etching

• Marble is strong and durable, but cannot hold up to the high acidity found in alcohol, citrus fruits and some cleaning products, including homemade cleaners. As the acid sets into the stone, it leaves behind discolorations that may resemble scratches, especially if you rubbed the wrong type of cleaner on the marble. Depending on the type of acid, the etching may look like a large stain on the marble’s surface.

Buffing Pads

• For etch marks and discoloration, use buffing pad attachments with your electric drill. Cover the area with a thin layer of marble polishing powder. Slide the buffing attachment onto the drill and sprinkle water over the powder. Press the buffing pad against the powder and turn the drill on. As the buffing attachment works the powder across the surface, it removes the etching and leaves behind the natural shine.

Sanding Drum Kit

• A sanding drum kit effectively removes scratches from marble floors, countertops, tiles and other surfaces, when attached to your electric drill. When working on the marks, use the coarsest grit sandpaper drum in the kit. Sprinkle a small amount of water over the scratches, as the water provides the friction needed for the project. Gently press down on the drill, which adds the pressure that buffs out the scratches. Work your way down to the finest grit drum in your kit. Each time you use a different sandpaper drum, add a little more water to the marble. A soft cloth rubbed across the marble removes any dust or debris and buffs a natural polish onto the stone. A power sander is a suitable replacement for the sanding drum kit.

Warning

• An electric drill will not work on all scratches, especially scratches below the surface of the marble. When you attempt to buff out deep gouges, you risk creating dips and bumps, which leave behind an uneven surface. For larger or deeper scratches, consult a marble repairman. The repairman can effectively buff and polish the marble and leave behind a flat surface without damaging the marble.