There s a reason a vintage marble topped table looks like it s seen a thing or two it s because it has.
Marble patina over time.
Patina p ə ˈ t iː n ə or ˈ p æ t ɪ n ə is a thin layer that variously forms on the surface of copper brass bronze and similar metals tarnish produced by oxidation or other chemical processes or certain stones and wooden furniture sheen produced by age wear and polishing or any similar acquired change of a surface through age and exposure.
A honed finish has a more velvety so scratches and slight etching blends in easier.
My experience with etching is that i have found that the etching tends to fade over time.
Imo if you get polished marble it will withstand a lot yes it will patina over time but that to me is the beauty of it but i use my kitchen a lot and if i did not have a hug stone fp that backs on my kitchen i would have done cararra counters.
So an etch that was there six months ago is no longer there.
Keep in mind marble can be fixed from small etching from in home products and can even be professional refinished as well.
So if you are looking for that aged marble patina marble look that can be accomplished with a honed finish.
However since it is a softer material than granite it requires more care to maintain its original luster and can acquire a worn patina over time in heavy use areas.
I have a house full of antiques and i personally value the wear and tear and signs of life the patina that a surface such as marble can provide to a space.
Anything with a ph of less than 7 will acid etch marble vinegar is 2 which will cause acid etching this would be the last thing i would recommend to clean of a watermark a coating is the only way to protect marble and we have the best in the world clearstone this has proven itself many times over and comes with a 10 year guarantee against acid etching and staining.
Since it is capable of taking a polish marble makes a popular choice for many home and business owners.
The other thing that the acid wash achieves is that it removes seams i wanted a thick slab for my island so that it would resemble an old baker s table so my fabricator joined two separate pieces at the angle and after the acid bath the seam completed disappeared.
I learned however that over time marble develops a beautiful patina and the subtle imperfections that can mostly only be seen when the sun hits it just right all blend together and become the character of the marble and therefore of your home in my opinion.
It s calcium based so anything acidic causes etching and then fades to a patina if you will.
Marble is a living finish so it s always going to change with age says sklar.
Imo marble with patina beats plastic quartz everytime.
The marble has a beautiful honed patina think of a marble floor of an old cathedral in italy a very clean marble foor.