Etching

Modern Stone Care fixes etching on marble, travertine, and limestone in Houston.

If you see white rings, dull splash spots, or hazy marks that will not wipe away, that is etching. We remove the damage and restore a smooth, even finish.

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What Is Etching

Etching is chemical damage. When acids touch calcium-based stone, a tiny layer dissolves and turns dull. Common sources include:

Juice, wine, coffee, soda, vinegar
Bathroom cleaners and bleach
Toothpaste, cosmetics, and hair products
Hard water with acid cleaners in showers

Etch marks look lighter than the stone and feel smooth or soft under your fingers.

Etch vs Stain

Etch: lighter, dull spot that changed the surface
Fix: Honing to remove the damaged layer, then Polishing and Sealing
Stain: darker shadow that soaked into pores
Fix: deep Stone Cleaning, stain treatment, then sealing

We test a small area so you can see the difference.

What We Do?

Inspect the stone and confirm it is an etch, not residue or stain
Hone to remove the etched layer and even the finish
Polish to your target sheen from honed to high gloss
Seal to help resist oils and dyes and make cleaning easier
Leave simple care tips to prevent future etching

Want pricing and a clear plan? Visit Contact / Get Quote.

When Etching Repair Is The Right Choice

Choose professional repair when you see:

White cup rings on vanities and kitchen islands

Dull splash zones near sinks or cooktops

Cloudy patches on bathroom floors or showers

Etched steps or entry tiles from cleaners

If the area is only dirty or sticky, start with Stone Cleaning. If you can feel scratches, pair etch removal with Honing.

Our Step-By-Step Etch Repair

Inspect & Test

We check stone type, finish, and damage. Small tests set the right plan.

Protect & Prep

Mask cabinets and walls, set containments, and prep the work zone.

Clean & Restore

pH-neutral cleaning, honing to remove damage, and polishing for the target sheen.

Seal & Cure

Apply the right sealer for the stone and use.

Walkthrough & Care Plan

Final check with you and a care sheet for daily cleaning.

Areas we serve

We serve Greater Houston and nearby communities. See the full list on our Areas Served page.

areas served

FAQs

Will sealing stop etching?

No. Sealing helps with stains. Etching is chemical damage that needs Honing and sometimes Polishing.

Can you fix deep or old etches?

Yes in most cases. Very deep damage may need more honing. We will test and show you the result.

Is polished stone more likely to etch?

Polished marble shows etches more clearly, but any calcium-based stone can etch. A honed finish hides light wear better.

How fast do etches happen?

Right away. Lemon juice or cleaner can dull the spot in seconds. Blot and rinse quickly to limit damage.

Can I fix small rings myself?

DIY kits can help tiny spots, but results vary. We can restore the whole area and blend the finish so it matches.

Houston’s Top Local Floor Cleaning and Restoration Contractors

We have achieved the honor of being the highest-rated Houston floor cleaning company, with a remarkable five-star reviews.

Review by Bruce G.

Modern Stone Care did a first rate professional job on cleaning and sealing the travertine tile on our rear patio and front entranceway. See photos. They were on time and were a pleasure to work with. They explained the process as the work was done. All of our furniture was moved out of the way and when the work was done placed back.

Review by Stevem B.

Modern Stone Care did a great job on restoring 29 year old travertine kitchen floor tile. They also showed us how to keep care of the floor tile. Price was very fair. Not supposed to use Pine Sol, as not good for floor stone (I have been using Pine Sol for last two years).. MSC polished the stone and restored its sheen. Great job!

Review by Kevin S.

We had Modern Stone Care refinish our countertops. They let us see a matte finish before doing all of the countertops and after we saw it we really liked it. It only took them a couple of hours. They did a great job and I would definitely use them again

Review by Scott B.

What an amazing job modern stone care did on my marble floors, oh my goodness! I’ve never had my marble floors cleaned until today, now I regret not doing it sooner. I highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to see a significant improvement and their stone floors. Really nice folks who come to the house and they leave the house very clean and neat.

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