If there are any dirt or crumbs on the surface of the marble, you’ll grind it in when you sand it, and you’ll end up scratching the marble even worse. Even though you’ll wet the marble before you sand it, drying it first will ensure there’s no soap or dirt residue left behind to scratch the marble.
The water will make the marble look darker, but it shouldn’t leave permanent marks unless you leave pools of water standing for a few hours. If you do opt to dry-sand the marble, wear protective eye wear and a dust mask with a respirator so you don’t breathe in particles of stone dust. [3] X Research source
It’s possible to do this job by hand if the scratch is very small and you don’t want to use a power tool. Just sand lightly in a circular motion, using 1000-grit sandpaper. If you don’t have a power sander, purchase a pad that fits into the hole on your drill, then attach the sandpaper to the pad. Deeper scratches might require starting with a coarser-grit sandpaper and working up to 1000-grit. However, if that’s the case, it’s usually a good idea to get a professional opinion, rather than risking damage to your marble surface.
If you press down too hard on the sander, you could scratch or gouge the marble. Sand until the scratch has been smoothed out.
If the marble dries out, you could scratch the marble as you’re sanding, due to the paste made from the marble dust.
Once the scratch is gone, you can buff the area to restore its shine.
Marble polishing powder is usually made from tin oxide, and it’s also used to polish glass and jewelry. In addition, it doesn’t dissolve in water, so you’ll get a smooth, even finish. Marble polishing powder is available at a hardware store or a store that sells supplies for working with stone. Be sure to check the label to ensure it’s the right kind to use with your particular type of marble. If you’re not sure what that is, consult a marble expert.
If you like, you can buff the countertop by hand, but it will be much easier if you use an orbital sander or drill. If you don’t have a buffing pad, use a damp, soft cloth, like a microfiber cloth.
The polishing powder should be kept slightly damp, but it doesn’t have to be soaking wet. If it seems like it’s getting too dry, give it a light spritz with your spray bottle.
You may not be able to see the residue left behind, but you may be able to feel it if you run your hand across the marble. If the surface feels gritty after you wipe it down, rinse the area with a little water and wipe it again with a new cloth.
If you have marble countertops in your kitchen, always use a sturdy cutting board when you’re chopping food.
Always wipe up any spill on your marble immediately, whether it’s acidic or not. Even water can cause discoloration on your marble if it pools in one place for too long. If the stain sets in, you may be tempted to scrub the marble, which can lead to scratches.
Try a solution of diluted vinegar (a 1:5 ratio of vinegar to water) for an easy household marble cleaner. [15] X Expert Source Fabricio FerrazHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 16 August 2019. Dish detergent is a good option for cleaning marble.
Do not scrub the paste away, or you could scratch the marble.
