Stone Countertops FAQs

Kitchen and bath countertop etching, stains and chips.

Etch Marks, Chips & Dull Countertops? Here's What We Fix

Countertops absorb more daily damage than almost any other stone surface in a home. Lemon juice, wine, and vinegar etch into marble within seconds, leaving dull, rough patches that no amount of scrubbing fixes. Our countertop restoration for Chicago homes starts by determining whether the damage is an etching, a stain, or a physical chip, since each requires a different repair. Etched marble gets honed and repolished to remove the pitted texture left behind by acidic spills. Chips near sink cutouts and edges are filled with color-matched resin as part of our marble countertop repair work, then polished flush so the repair disappears into the stone. Dull granite and quartzite surfaces get a full polish to restore their original shine.

Countertop Repair vs. Replacement

Replacing a countertop makes sense when the stone is cracked all the way through, badly discolored across most of its surface, or simply outdated for the kitchen's new design. Otherwise, restoration almost always costs less and takes far less time than a full teardown and reinstall. Our countertop maintenance for Chicago properties handles the vast majority of cases we see, since most damage sits at the surface rather than through the slab. Regular countertop cleaning across Chicago between professional visits also extends the life of a countertop considerably, reducing how often deeper restoration is needed. If a fresh look or an entirely new stone is genuinely desired, countertop installation for Chicago kitchens is a separate service worth discussing directly, as it involves templating and fabrication rather than repair.

Common questions about stone countertops

Can etch marks from lemon, wine or cleaners be removed from marble countertops?

Yes. Etching is surface damage caused by acid dissolving the calcium in marble. We hone the affected area, blend it into the surrounding stone and re-polish to a uniform finish. It is a same-day repair for most kitchens.

Do you repair chips and cracks in granite and quartzite countertops?

We fill chips and hairline cracks with color-matched resin, shape and polish the repair flush, then reseal the top. Larger seam separations are re-bonded and re-filled. Repairs are far less costly than replacing a slab.

How often should granite and marble countertops be sealed?

Granite typically needs resealing every two years. Marble and other softer calcite stones benefit from a yearly polish and seal. We test absorbency on site and only reseal when the stone actually needs it.

Can you remove a stain from a stone countertop?

Most stains can be drawn out with a poultice matched to the stain type, such as oil, organic, or rust. Etching, which looks like a dull spot, is corrected by honing and polishing rather than a poultice.

Is it worth restoring countertops before selling a home?

Yes. A restored kitchen or bath countertop photographs well and removes a negotiation point for buyers at a fraction of replacement cost. Many of our projects are scheduled a week or two before a listing goes live.

Will polishing change the color of my countertop?

Polishing restores the stone's original color and depth; it does not change it. If you want a richer tone we can apply a color-enhancing sealer on a test area first so you can approve the look.

Stone Countertops service page · All FAQ topics

Granite Heroes — owner-operated natural stone restoration in Chicagoland. Serving Chicagoland since 2013, with 13 years of experience. Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM CT. Call (312) 800-1659.