Short answer: they are different problems, and one spill can cause both. A stain involves a substance that discolors the stone, while an etch is caused by acid left on the surface. If you are unsure which you have, record what you observe and ask a stone-care provider to assess the marks before choosing between cleaning and surface treatment. [2] [4]

What makes a stain different from an etch?

The Natural Stone Institute (NSI) explains that etch marks are caused by acids left on the stone's surface.

Color can help you describe a mark. For example, NSI describes oil-based stains as darkening the stone and iron or rust stains as orange to brown, following the shape of the staining object. Record the color along with the location and any known cause, and ask the provider to assess the mark before selecting a treatment.

What should you record about the mark?

NSI recommends considering a stain's location, color, shape or pattern, and the activity around it. Use those prompts to prepare the handoff record below.

Use these suggested fields to organize what you know. Leave uncertain details marked as unknown.

1. Date noticed and location. Room, nearest entrance, and whether it sits in a traffic lane.
2. What is nearby. Food service, plants, cosmetics, metal fixtures, mats or planters.
3. Appearance. Color, shape, size, and whether the sheen looks different from the surrounding floor. Describe only what you see.
4. Known or suspected cause. What was spilled, roughly when, and how long it sat. Write "unknown" if it is unknown.
5. Products used since. Any cleaner, remover or treatment applied to the spot, and who applied it. NSI notes that paint strippers can etch the surface of the stone and that re-polishing may be necessary, so a provider may want to know what has touched the area.
6. Floor identity. Stone type as installed, finish, and whether a sealer was applied. Write "not known" where records are missing.
7. Maintenance history. Date of any past polishing or restoration, and the current cleaning routine.
8. Photo IDs. Number each photo and tie it to the location above.

How should you use photographs?

Attach dated photos labeled with the location, and record measurements of the mark separately in writing. Send them to the provider and ask what remains uncertain from the photos and whether a site visit or further evaluation is needed.

NSI cautions that some stains may never be completely removed. Ask the provider about treatment limitations at the outset. For etched areas that you cannot remove, NSI says to contact your stone dealer or call a professional stone restorer for refinishing or re-polishing.

If a spill is fresh, NSI advises blotting the spill with a paper towel immediately rather than wiping, because wiping will spread the spill.

What does MB Floor Solutions offer for marble?

MB Floor Solutions lists commercial marble and terrazzo polishing among its services. Its polishing service includes a walkthrough to confirm marble type and condition. Bring your observation record to that discussion and ask which proposed work addresses the stain, the finish change or both.

What to ask before you agree to a treatment

• Which part of the mark do you think is discoloration, which part is a finish change, and how confident are you before any testing?
• What method do you propose, and is any additional repair proposed before it?
• What would a test area involve, where would it go, and how will the result be recorded?
• If the stain or the dulling does not fully go away, what will the report say, and what are the next options?
• Will the finished area match the sheen of the surrounding floor? If not, what is the plan?
• Which product or sealer are you proposing, and which manufacturer instructions apply to it?

Ask the provider to review whatever you can supply: installer or supplier care instructions, finish and sealer information, product labels and safety data sheets for anything proposed, and prior restoration records.

How to request an assessment from MB Floor Solutions

Send the completed worksheet and labeled photos to MB, and ask for an assessment of the marks, the proposed treatment and its limits. Confirm the scope, scheduling and terms before booking. Request a marble floor assessment or call (954) 380-3050.