QUESTION

We had a crema marfil vanity top installed in our master bath in january (about 2 mo ago). It sees light/gentle use and is kept dry. I have not used any cleaners on it. Now I am noticing black smudges developing on both the counter top and even the back splashes. They are almost akin to fingerprints, but are erratically placed and increasing. Help! What is going on??

ANSWER

ANSWER -  Marble is made of a calcium carbonate material which tends to be more susceptible to staining.

It is possible that the smudges are etched spots meaning that they were subjected to some material that was acidic, since marble is acid sensitive.   These spots can be repolished to remove the etched spots.  There are some consumer kits for polishing, but it would be better to have it professionally polished by an experience store restoration company.

It is possible that the smudges are a coating applied at the stone processing plant.  These coatings are sealers and they are to enhance the color of the stone.  Some of them are sensitive to solvents of various types such as fingernail polish and etc.   Unless you know the exact product that was used to seal the stone, it may be difficult to touch it up.   Again it would be better to have it professionally remediated by an experience store restoration company.