Getting Marks Out of Marble

Making a Poultice

• 1

  Use kaolin, talc or white molding plaster as your primary ingredient. If the marble stain is iron-based, or a rust stain, use diatomaceous earth as your primary poultice material. You'll need enough poultice material to cover the stain to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.

• 2

  Add enough nail polish remover (acetone) to the poultice material to form a thick paste. Use this poultice for an organic stain. Organic stains include those from tea, coffee, food and tobacco.

• 3

  Form a thick paste with a powdered poultice material, such as talc, and mineral spirits. Use this poultice for an oil-based marble stain.

• 4

  Mix a powdered poultice material with hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste. Use this type of poultice for a biological stain, such as one caused by fungi, mildew or algae.

• 5

  Mix diatomaceous earth with a commercial rust remover for an iron-based stain.

Applying a Poultice

• 6

  Dampen the stained marble with distilled water. Marble is porous, so wetting the area before you start helps make the poultice more effective in lifting the stain.

• 7

  Spread the poultice on the stain and about 1 inch beyond the stain into the surrounding marble.

• 8

  Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the entire area and tape it down. Allow it to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours.

• 9

  Remove the plastic wrap and the poultice and rinse the marble with distilled water. Buff it with a soft cloth. If the stain still lingers, apply the poultice again. Deep-set stains may require several applications before they completely vanish.