Marble care guide · Updated October 2026
Marble Etching vs Staining: How to Tell
How to tell a marble etch mark from a stain, what causes each, and how each is repaired. Includes red wine marks.
The 5-second test
| Etch | Stain | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Lighter, dull, cloudy | Darker or coloured |
| Feel | Slightly rough | Smooth, same as around it |
| Cause | Acid (juice, vinegar, cleaners) | Liquid soaked in (oil, coffee, rust) |
| Fix | Hone and polish | Poultice, then polish |
When it is both
Red wine, coloured juices and some sauces etch and stain at the same time. Remove the stain first, then repair the etch, or the colour can be sealed under the new polish.
What you can do now
- Blot spills, do not wipe them around.
- Rinse with plain water and dry.
- Do not try vinegar or bathroom cleaner.
- Take a daylight photo and send it to us for advice.
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