Rose Restoration is a Washington DC countertop restoration contractor restoring marble, granite, quartzite, travertine, limestone, and natural-stone countertops for residential, hospitality, and commercial clients across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Services include polishing, honing, etch removal, stain removal, chip repair, seam repair, sealing, and Marble Armor invisible 10-year protection — typically saving 70-90% versus replacement.
Rose Restoration has delivered countertop restoration and related services for:
Rose Restoration restores marble, granite, quartzite, travertine, and limestone countertops across Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Services include polishing, honing, etch removal, stain removal, chip repair, seam repair, and sealing. 47 years of experience, 35+ in-house technicians, and named clients including the Four Seasons Washington DC and Congressional Country Club. Request a free in-home estimate.
Yes. Etching (common on marble from acidic spills) is removed with professional diamond honing and polishing — DIY etch-remover pastes only mask minor etching. Stains are drawn out with specialized poultice applications and followed by impregnating sealer to prevent recurrence. Most residential marble countertops are fully restored in a single 2-4 hour visit with no demolition.
Chips are repaired with color-matched epoxy resin, applied in layers, shaped to match the original edge profile, and polished flush with the surrounding surface. Most chip repairs are completed in under two hours and are virtually undetectable. Large chips at sink edges or seam corners may require additional shaping but are almost always fixable.
Countertop restoration in the DC metro typically runs: countertop polishing $300-$1,500 per project, chip repair $150-$500 per chip, stain removal $200-$600 per area, seam repair $200-$800, and sealing $1-$3 per sq ft. Whole-kitchen packages typically run $800-$3,000 depending on counter size, stone type, and condition.
Yes. Rose Restoration installs Marble Armor — a proprietary invisible 10-year protection treatment that resists etching from acids (lemon, wine, vinegar, coffee) and heat up to about 300°F. Marble Armor is invisible in daily use, fully removable, and popular in luxury kitchens, hotel bars, and commercial hospitality countertops across the DC metro.
Expert care for marble, granite, quartzite, limestone, travertine, engineered quartz, and solid surface countertops.
Calacatta Island — Before & After
Honed vs Polished
Dyed Concrete Countertop
Calacatta Backsplash
Black Marble Table
Residential Marble — After
Your countertops endure more daily contact than any other stone surface in your home. Every meal prepared, every glass set down, every spill wiped away leaves its mark over time. What once gleamed as the centerpiece of your kitchen or bathroom can gradually lose its luster, develop etch marks, or suffer chips and cracks that detract from both beauty and function.
At Rose Restoration, we have spent more than 40 years restoring countertops throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Our team of over 30 skilled technicians works with every major countertop material — from classic marble and granite to quartzite, limestone, travertine, engineered quartz, and Corian solid surface. Rather than living with damaged surfaces or facing the enormous cost of replacement, our clients choose professional countertop restoration to bring their surfaces back to like-new condition at a fraction of the price.
Most countertop restoration projects cost between $10 and $20 per square foot — a small investment compared to the thousands required for new fabrication and installation.
Schedule a free countertop assessment or call us directly at 703-327-7676 to discuss your project.
No surface in your home takes more abuse than your countertops. Daily mechanical wear from plates, pots, and appliances creates micro-scratches that accumulate into visible dulling. Acidic foods — lemon juice, wine, vinegar, tomato sauce — react chemically with marble and limestone, leaving etch marks that no amount of cleaning can remove. Hot pans cause thermal stress and potential cracking. Dropped objects chip edges and corners. Oils, wine, and coffee penetrate unsealed stone, leaving deep stains that household cleaners cannot reach.
Professional restoration addresses all of these issues using diamond abrasives, specialized compounds, and techniques refined over decades — not the guesswork of DIY kits or general handyman approaches.
Every countertop material has unique properties that demand a tailored restoration approach. Our technicians are trained to identify the specific stone type, assess its condition, and select the appropriate techniques and compounds for optimal results.
Marble is the most common countertop material we restore — and the most susceptible to damage. As a calcium-based stone, marble reacts with acids, producing the dull, whitish etch marks that frustrate homeowners. Our marble restoration process involves diamond honing to remove etch marks and scratches at a uniform depth, followed by progressive polishing to restore the original sheen. The result is a surface that looks and feels as it did when first installed.
Granite is harder and more resistant to etching than marble, but over time polished granite develops gradual dulling from abrasion — particularly in high-traffic areas around the sink and stove. Our granite countertop restoration process uses diamond abrasives calibrated for granite’s hardness, followed by specialized polishing compounds that restore the deep, reflective finish granite is known for. We also address hard water deposits that cloud surfaces near sinks and faucets.
Quartzite is one of the hardest natural stones used for countertops, which means that when chips or cracks do occur, they require expert-level repair. Its crystalline structure can cause chips to fracture unpredictably. Our technicians use color-matched epoxies and careful honing techniques to restore chipped or cracked quartzite, and polish surfaces that have lost their original luster.
Limestone and travertine are softer natural stones, making them vulnerable to scratching, etching, and staining. Travertine’s characteristic pits and voids can also trap debris if the fill material has worn away. Restoration often includes re-filling voids, honing out etch marks, and applying sealers for ongoing protection.
Engineered quartz (Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, and similar brands) does not etch like natural stone, but it can chip, crack, and develop dull spots from abrasion or heat damage. We repair chips and cracks using color-matched adhesives and careful blending techniques. Deep heat discoloration may have limited repairability — we always give you an honest assessment before beginning work.
Corian and other solid surface materials are among the most restorable countertop options available. Because the color runs through the full thickness, scratches, stains, and minor burns can be sanded out completely and the surface re-finished to any sheen — from soft matte to high gloss. This process can make even a 20-year-old Corian countertop look virtually new.
Chips and cracks are more than cosmetic — left untreated, moisture seeps in and temperature changes cause the damage to expand over time.
Small chips and cracks addressed early remain simple, affordable repairs. Left unattended, they grow into problems that are significantly more costly to fix.
Most countertop installations require at least one seam, and over time these seams can become eyesores. Epoxy can discolor, adhesive can shrink, lippage (height differences between adjoining slabs) can develop as the substrate shifts, and dirt can accumulate in the seam line.
Our stone countertop seam repair process addresses all of these issues:
While no seam in natural stone can be made completely invisible — the stone itself has natural variation — professional seam repair can dramatically reduce the visual impact and restore a clean, uniform surface.
Etch marks are the most common complaint from marble, limestone, and travertine countertop owners. These dull spots and rings appear wherever acidic substances — lemon juice, wine, vinegar, tomato sauce, carbonated beverages, even certain household cleaners — contact the stone.
Etching is a chemical reaction, not a stain. The acid dissolves calcium carbonate in the stone, roughening the polished surface at a microscopic level. No amount of cleaning will remove an etch mark. The only true remedy is mechanical: re-honing and re-polishing the affected area to restore the smooth, reflective surface.
For isolated etch marks, we can spot-treat the affected areas. For widespread etching — common in kitchens that have gone years without professional care — we recommend a full hone-and-polish to achieve a consistent appearance. Contact us about etch mark removal — most countertops can be fully restored in a single visit.
Unlike etch marks, stains occur when a substance penetrates into the stone through its pores. Natural stone is more porous than most homeowners realize, and liquids can wick deep into the material if the sealer has worn away.
Most stains can be significantly improved or fully eliminated. We will always give you a realistic expectation before we begin.
When we restore a countertop, one of the key decisions is the final finish.
Honed (matte) finish is smooth to the touch with a soft, non-reflective appearance. Etch marks and water spots are far less visible on a honed surface, making this an excellent choice for marble kitchen countertops. It provides a contemporary aesthetic and requires sealing, as honed surfaces are slightly more porous.
Polished (glossy) finish delivers a high-gloss, mirror-like surface that showcases the stone’s color and veining. This classic look is preferred for formal spaces and bathrooms. Etch marks and scratches are more visible, requiring more attentive care. The polishing process itself closes the stone’s pores slightly, providing some natural stain resistance.
Many of our clients with marble kitchen countertops opt to switch from polished to honed during restoration. This single change dramatically reduces the visibility of future etching. We can prepare sample areas on your actual stone so you can see and feel both options before committing.
Sealing is the final critical step in any countertop restoration. A quality impregnating sealer penetrates into the stone’s pores, creating an invisible barrier that resists staining while allowing the stone to breathe. Important: sealers protect against stains, not etching — acidic substances will still etch marble and limestone through a sealer. We use professional-grade sealers that significantly outlast consumer products, and recommend refreshing every one to three years for kitchen countertops. Engineered quartz and Corian do not require sealing.
For the highest level of protection, we offer Marble Armor protection — an advanced treatment that provides superior resistance to both staining and etching. Marble Armor is particularly well-suited for marble and limestone kitchen countertops where acid exposure is a daily reality.
We also perform precision on-site modifications to existing countertops: drilling holes for new faucets or soap dispensers, cutting or enlarging openings for sinks and cooktops, and trimming slabs to fit altered cabinetry. All work is performed with water-cooled diamond tools to minimize dust and prevent thermal damage. Learn more about our stone modification services, or call 703-327-7676 to discuss your project.
Kitchen countertops face more acids, oils, and impact damage than any other surface in the home. They often benefit from a honed finish to minimize the appearance of etching, require more frequent sealing, and are ideal candidates for Marble Armor protection. Seams near sinks and cooktops need special attention, as moisture and heat accelerate deterioration.
Bathroom countertops contend primarily with water spots, soap residue, and cosmetic product stains such as hair dye and nail polish. Polished finishes are often preferred in bathrooms for their elegant appearance. Hard water deposits around faucets are a common issue in our region. Bathrooms generally require restoration less frequently than kitchens.
Restoration is the right choice when the stone is structurally sound but cosmetically worn, when chips or seam issues can be repaired without compromising stability, when you love your existing stone, or when you want to update the finish. At $10 to $20 per square foot, restoration is a fraction of replacement cost.
Replacement may be necessary when the stone has major structural damage (large cracks, broken sections, or failed substrates), when the countertop layout needs to change for a remodel, or when you want a completely different material.
The vast majority of countertops we evaluate are excellent candidates for restoration. Even surfaces that homeowners assume are beyond help often look remarkable after professional treatment. Request a free assessment before making the decision to replace.
When you contact Rose Restoration, here is what to expect: an in-person assessment to evaluate the stone type and condition, a clear written proposal with no hidden charges, professional restoration using diamond abrasives and specialized compounds, protective sealing, and a final walkthrough with care recommendations. Most residential countertop projects are completed in a single day.
Most kitchen or bathroom countertop restorations are completed in one day, typically within three to six hours depending on the size and condition of the surface. Projects involving deep stain poulticing may require a return visit.
Most countertop restoration projects fall in the range of $10 to $20 per square foot, depending on the material, the extent of damage, and the services required. We provide a detailed written estimate after an in-person assessment. This is consistently a fraction of the cost of replacing countertops.
Yes. Etch mark removal is one of our most common services. We use diamond honing and polishing to mechanically restore the surface where acid has dulled the polish. Whether you have a few etch rings or widespread etching across the entire countertop, we can restore a uniform, beautiful finish.
We carefully color-match all fill materials to the surrounding stone, including veining where applicable. Most repairs, once polished, are very difficult to detect under normal viewing conditions.
We often recommend a honed finish for marble kitchen countertops. The matte surface does not show etch marks or minor scratches, making it far more practical for daily use. We can show you both options on your actual stone so you can decide.
We recommend resealing most natural stone kitchen countertops every one to three years, depending on the stone type and usage. Bathroom countertops can often go longer. Engineered quartz and Corian do not require sealing.
Yes. We repair chips, cracks, and surface damage in all major engineered quartz brands including Caesarstone, Silestone, and Cambria. We are transparent about what can and cannot be achieved with manufactured materials.
Yes. Rose Restoration serves homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Visit our residential services page to learn more.
Whether your marble kitchen countertop is covered in etch marks, your granite has lost its shine, or your bathroom vanity has a chip that has been bothering you for years — Rose Restoration has the expertise, equipment, and track record to make it right.
With more than four decades of experience and a team of over 30 dedicated technicians serving Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., we are the region’s trusted name in countertop restoration.
Ready to see what professional restoration can do for your countertops? Request your free assessment online or call 703-327-7676 to schedule a consultation.
A quick look at how Marble Armor is applied to protect countertops from etching and staining — the most common causes of marble countertop damage.
Call 703-327-7676 or request a consultation to discuss your countertop project.
To remove etch from marble, you re-polish the surface with progressively finer diamond pads — typically 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000 grit, used wet on a variable-speed rotary tool. The dull etch is leveled with the surrounding stone and re-polished to match the original finish. For a single small etch, a Rose technician can complete the work on site in 30 to 60 minutes. For a fully etched countertop, a complete marble countertop restoration is the better path — re-honing or re-polishing the entire slab in one pass.
Almost always. A typical marble countertop restoration costs 15% to 25% of slab replacement, takes one to two days instead of one to two weeks, and produces a surface visually equivalent to new. Replacement is reserved for slabs with structural damage or layout changes that require new fabrication.
Impregnating sealers slow staining but do not stop acid etching. The only proven prevention for ongoing kitchen use is a surface coating like Marble Armor — a chemically bonded clear protective film that lasts ten years or more and blocks acids before they can reach the marble.
Real Rose Restoration projects at trophy DC metro clients — see the full case studies.
Short videos of real Rose Restoration projects — no stock footage.
