Water rings, acid etching, oil and food stains lifted from marble, granite and other stone with poultices and careful polishing.
Etching and staining are different problems that look alike. An etch is a chemical burn. Acid dissolves a thin layer of marble or limestone and leaves a dull spot that is not dirt at all. A stain is something that has soaked into the stone: oil, wine, coffee, rust or ink. Cleaning removes neither, and treating an etch like a stain, or the other way around, wastes time and can make things worse.
We diagnose the problem and choose the right fix. Stains are drawn out with poultices that sit on the stone, pull the stain into an absorbent material and come away with it. Etches are removed by honing and polishing the affected area until it blends with its surroundings. Often both are present, and we handle each in turn. We test first, work carefully and seal the stone afterward. You also get plain guidance on how to avoid repeats, including which common household products to keep away from stone.
We tell etches from stains, because each calls for a different solution.
Absorbent poultices draw oil, food and rust stains out from below the surface.
Etched areas are honed and polished until they blend into the surrounding finish.
You learn which everyday products harm stone and how to protect it.
Drag the handle to compare.
BeforeAfterDull spots gone.
Poultices work.
Etch or stain.
No halo.
Protection added.
Avoid repeats.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Grout and tile guideMarble and Natural StoneMarble, travertine, granite, limestone and slate are beautiful and sensitive. Here is how to care for each.Learn more 
Home situationKitchens and BacksplashesCooking oil, spills and constant wiping take a toll on kitchen grout. Here is how to keep floors…Learn more 
Home situationHard Water HomesMinerals in water leave chalky film, spots and scale on tile and glass. Here is how to remove…Learn more Check the signs you see in your grout and caulk and get a likely cause with the next step.
You tell us about your tile and what bothers you, stained grout, a moldy shower or a dull floor, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We look closely at tile, grout and caulk, tap-test floors, probe suspicious spots, test cleaners in a hidden area and take photos of anything of note.
We explain your options for cleaning, recoloring, sealing or regrouting, bring grout color samples and give you a written scope with clear timing and pricing.
We protect floors, cabinets and fixtures, set up dust control and remove old grout or caulk where the plan calls for it.
We deep clean, repair, regrout, recolor or seal with the right products for each surface and clean the tile as we work.
We clean up, walk the room with you and leave simple care and cure instructions and a reminder for your next check.
An etch is dull and feels slightly rough, and shows up when light hits it. A stain changes color and may darken when wet.
Rarely, but it can damage marble and limestone. Granite is far more acid resistant.
Usually a day or two, since it must dry to pull the stain.
Until it meets acid again. Wiping spills quickly and using coasters helps.
Many can, with repeated poultices. Some deep stains may fade but not disappear.
Marble Honing and PolishingEtched, scratched and dull marble ground smooth and brought back to a soft honed or deep polished finish.Explore 
Granite Polishing and SealingDull granite counters and floors cleaned, polished and sealed so the stone shines and resists stains.Explore 
Tile Stain and Rust RemovalRust, hard water, coffee, wine, oil and mystery stains identified and treated with the right poultice or cleaner…Explore 
Natural Stone CleaningDeep, pH-safe cleaning for marble, granite, travertine, limestone and slate that restores color without harming the surface.Explore Tell us about the project and we will call you back to talk it through.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
