Oh, very true

Christ, do you lot know nothing?

If the surface is smooth, just has lost its luster, you can polish it up with Gel-Gloss, or Turtle Wax, whichever is more accessible.  Just put it on, let haze, then buff to a shine.

If the surface is not smooth, you’ll need a diamond abrasive to work it until it’s smooth.  Not a DIY job.

Or you can just buy new marble.

Bovine, try this:
Depending on how rough the surface really is (It`s very hard to figure that out from your post), you will probably have to use water sandpapers of different granulation, and very high quality. I suggest water sandpapers 1500 for the finish, or you can buy polishing paste that car painters use to polish the final paint coat.
It`s a lot of work, stone is a very demanding material and every work on it takes a lot of time and effort. Do NOT use any form of wax until you finished sanding your peace of marble.

Doing the things I do, I’m no expert on DIY (although have had a go on a few power tools - but that’s another story), it is important to remember that refinishing marble is simply a matter of abrading the surface with a power sanding machine, using progressively finer grits until the scratches in the marble are microscopic, causing the surface to become reflective.

I have never tried to refinish marble, so I am not about to offer you any hands-on personal advise, but I can refer you to a couple of websites and also a good book that have all the information you need…

“IPT Marble and Stone Care” has a short primer on marble refinishing at http://www.iptmarble.com/marble.htm .

“The National Training Center for the Stone and Masonry Trades” offers a wide range of books and videos, with a few specifically on marble resurfacing, and one video on polishing and restoring marble vanity and furniture tops. Their site address is http://www.ntc-stone.com

One specific book that touches most of the bases is “Caring for Your Marble Floor” by Frederick M. Hoeston. He is the syndicated “Around The House” guy. His book covers a wide range of marble care and repair issues. Find out more by clicking HERE .

Refinishing marble is not the typical do-it-yourself project, but I hope this infusion of inspirational material gets you started on the right path!

All the best,

Humper

i had a cutout part of a granit counter top given to me and it was rough around edges and on bottom like raw granit. I looked and tried things, but stone is harder then you think. so I had to give it to a countertop place and they used some special diamond buffing pads and water to smooth it out. didnt take them long and they didnt even charge me.

Finiousfingers - 22 May 2008 02:37 PM

stone is harder then you think

Rock hard i’ve heard…