We have a polished travertine table where someone spilled salsa. We wiped it off right away but the finish has been dulled. What can we do to repair it?

Q. We have a polished travertine table where someone spilled salsa. We wiped it off right away but the finish has been dulled. What can we do to repair it?

A. What you are describing are not stains. They are acid etches. The stone has been chemically etched by the neutralization process that happens between calcium (the main ingredient in marble) and the acid applied or spilled on your table top. More than likely you will need to call a professional restoration contractor to refinish your stone. However, if the etching is not severe, we recommend that you first try to polish your stone first using a Marble Polishing Powder or Compound. Understand this it is not cleaning—it is polishing the stone much like jewelers rouge.

If this doesn't work and you need to locate a stone restoration contractor, click on Find a PRO to locate one in your area.