This is a great question, as they are often confused. An "etch" is a physical dull spot or mark on the surface of the marble caused by an acidic substance. It's not a discoloration, but rather a loss of the marble's polish. A "stain" is a discoloration caused by a substance penetrating the porous stone, such as red wine, oil, or ink. While a poultice can often draw out a stain, only professional honing and polishing can truly remove an etch mark and restore the shine.

The frequency depends on the area's traffic and use. For marble floors in high-traffic areas, we recommend professional cleaning and sealing every 6-12 months. For countertops, especially in kitchens, a yearly service is a good idea to ensure the protective seal is holding up. A simple test to check your seal is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, your seal is likely still effective. If it soaks in and darkens the stone, it's definitely time to reseal.

Marble is a highly porous stone, meaning it has tiny pores that can easily absorb liquids. A high-quality impregnating sealer penetrates these pores, acting as a protective barrier against spills and stains. While a sealer won't make your marble stain-proof, it buys you critical time to clean up spills before they can cause permanent damage. Regular sealing is the best preventative maintenance you can do for your marble.