Scratched Marble Fireplaces

Polishing the Surface

• Polishing the surface of the marble removes the scratches, but, according to Natural Stone Interiors, a professional should do the job. A removal expert uses a grinder with diamond pads and gently rubs the pad against the scratches. A buffer pad or felt pad rubbed on the scratched area buffs out the marks, but leaves a dull finish. The professional may then use a chemical polish that gives the fireplace a natural shine.

Warning

• Polishing the marble fireplace yourself is risky because you may damage the surface. When you rub the surface with a diamond pad or sandpaper, you risk making the scratch worse or even leaving behind new and deeper scratches. Even when you use chemical products, you risk losing the natural shine and appearance of the marble. If you leave the product on longer than intended, the chemicals can eat through the surface of the marble, leaving behind a dull patch surrounding by the natural shine of the marble.

Fixing Dark Marble Scratches

• For scratches on dark marble, purchase a paint marker that exactly matches the color of the marble. Scratches on dark marble catch the light in the room and are highly visible against the dark background. Uncap the marker and rub it across the scratch marks. Fill in every scratch mark that you see. Pour a small amount of denatured alcohol on a soft cloth and wipe the cloth over the fireplace. The alcohol pulls off any excess paint left behind. Depending on the color of the marble, you can also use a permanent marker.

Use Stone Enhancer

• Try rubbing a teaspoon of water on the scratches or rubbing your wet hand over the marks. If the marks disappear, then a stone enhancer may solve the scratch problems. Pour the natural stone enhancer on a soft cloth and rub it into the surface of the marble, using a circular motion. Wipe the stone with a second cloth, removing any excess product. The enhancer fills in the light scratches and makes the marble shiny.