Marble does not lose its shine because it is dirty. It loses it because the surface has been micro-scratched by grit and etched by anything acidic — wine, citrus, cleaning products sold as bathroom sprays.
Because the shine comes from the stone's own surface rather than a coating, the fix is to remove the damaged layer and re-refine the stone underneath.
The short version
- Etching is chemical damage, scratching is physical — both are removed by abrasion
- Diamond heads progress from coarse to very fine
- Sheen level is chosen: honed matte, satin, or high polish
- Powder polishing can refine a sound floor without full grinding
- Sealing after polishing protects against staining, not etching
Assessing the damage
A test patch tells us how deep the damage goes. Light etch marks refine out with fine diamonds or a polishing powder. Deep scratches, lippage between tiles or worn thresholds need the coarse cut first.
The honing sequence
Coarse diamond heads remove the damaged surface. Each subsequent, finer head removes the scratch pattern left by the one before it. Skipping a grade in that sequence leaves a hazy floor, which is the usual sign of a rushed job.
Choosing the finish
High polish suits hallways, bathrooms and formal spaces. Honed matte hides wear better and gives more grip, which is often the right call for kitchens and commercial areas. We will show you both on a test area before committing the whole floor.
Aftercare that keeps it
pH-neutral cleaner only. Acidic products will etch a polished floor within seconds of contact, and that is a mechanical repair rather than a wipe-off.