A marble kitchen in McLean, Virginia, restored and then protected. We honed and polished the island and the perimeter countertops, repaired the wear around the sink, and installed Gloss Marble Armor film over all of it, so daily cooking would stop marking the stone. Spring 2022.
| Where | Private home, McLean, VA |
|---|---|
| Surfaces | Marble kitchen island and perimeter countertops |
| What needed attention | About 20 stun marks near the sink, chips, a sharp edge at the island sink, worn caulk |
| What we did | Clean, hone, polish and seal; fill stun marks; repair chips; ease an edge; recaulk; install Gloss Marble Armor |
What we found
The wear was where a kitchen works hardest: around the sink. There were about 20 stun marks, the small white spots that appear when something hard strikes marble and bruises the crystals just under the surface. There were also several chips, and the edge at the island’s small sink had worn sharp.
What we did, and why
- Island and perimeter: clean, hone, polish and seal. Honing takes the surface down evenly so wear and dull spots go together; polishing brings back the shine.
- Stun marks and chips filled with color-matched resin and finished with the surrounding stone.
- Edge eased at the island sink so it is no longer sharp, and the joints recaulked in white or clear silicone.
- Gloss Marble Armor on the island (one 9’3″ x 62″ piece) and on every perimeter run. Gloss film suits a polished top; satin suits a honed one.
What to expect if you add protection film
These notes were part of this job’s written estimate. They apply to any Marble Armor installation:
- Faucets come off before the film goes on, so it can run cleanly around them.
- Allow up to two weeks for the film to cure. Small air bubbles and imperfections settle out on their own.
- The film is self-healing: light scratches and impact marks release over time. Something heavy left on it overnight can leave a temporary dent that also relaxes.
What a similar kitchen can learn
If the same spots keep getting marked, restoring the stone fixes today’s damage, but only protection changes what happens next week. Restore first, then protect, so the film goes on over a surface that already looks right.
Have something similar? Send two or three photos, one of the whole surface and one close-up, and we will tell you what it needs. Send photos or call (703) 327-7676.
Related: Marble Armor · Countertop restoration · Stone restoration in McLean
Questions
What are stun marks on marble?
Small white spots where something hard hit the stone and bruised the crystals just below the surface. On this McLean kitchen they were filled with color-matched resin and refinished.
Should marble be restored before Marble Armor goes on?
Yes, if it is etched, dull or chipped. The film protects the surface as it is, so the stone is restored first, as it was here.
countertop restoration · marble etch removal · marble restoration in McLean
Also serving: Granite Seam Repair Alexandria, VA · Black Marble Table Restoration Chevy Chase, MD · Dark Granite Countertop Restoration Reston, VA — or see all Project Portfolio: Case Studies services.
