How to polish marble, travertine, limestone and onyx countertops
The right process depends on the condition of the stone and what you want to achieve. If the surface is already in good shape, two polishing pads add gloss. Light etching is handled by the 5-step Magic Renova system. Damage you can feel by hand — or catch with a fingernail — needs the diamond resin sequence first, worked wet, then the gloss steps. Every step is done with water.
This guide covers marble, travertine, limestone and onyx countertops, tables, vanities and bathroom surfaces. Diagnose first, then pick the option that matches. Do not skip steps and do not jump to a finer abrasive to fix what the previous one left behind.
Choose the right process
Run your hand across the stone, then your fingernail. What you feel decides where you start.
Increase gloss on stone in good condition
Result: more shine, without removing damage. Use it when the stone already has gloss and there are no deep scratches or etching to correct.
- 6 slow passes with water
- Rinse and dry
- 6 to 12 slow passes with water
- The more passes, the higher the gloss
Polish and remove light damage
Result: removes light wear, loss of gloss and light acid etching in a single system.
- Run the complete system, following its instructions
- Work wet throughout
Moderate restoration
Result: removes moderate wear, acid etching you can feel by hand and scratches a fingernail barely catches.
- 6 to 10 slow passes with water
- Rinse and inspect: the finish must be uniform with no scratch pattern, and the texture, etching or scratch must be gone
- If the damage is still visible, run another 6 passes with water and repeat until it is gone
- Rinse
- 6 to 10 slow passes with water
- Rinse and inspect for a uniform finish with no scratch pattern
- Rinse
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After step 2, choose either step 3A or 3B
- Run steps 3 and 4 of the Magic Renova system following its instructions
- Continue to step 4
- 6 to 10 slow passes with water
- Rinse and inspect for a uniform finish with no scratch pattern
- Rinse
- Continue to step 4
- 6 to 10 slow passes with water
- If you want more gloss, run another 6 passes with water
Severe restoration
Result: removes severe wear, acid etching you can feel and scratches a fingernail clearly catches.
- 6 to 10 slow passes with water
- Rinse and inspect: uniform finish, no scratch pattern, texture and etching gone
- If the damage is still visible, run another 6 passes and repeat until it is gone
- Rinse
- 6 to 10 slow passes with water
- Rinse and inspect for a uniform finish with no scratch pattern
- Rinse
- 6 to 10 slow passes with water
- Rinse and inspect for a uniform finish with no scratch pattern
- Rinse
- Continue to step 4A or 4B
- Run steps 3 and 4 of the Magic Renova system following its instructions
- Continue to step 5
- 6 to 10 slow passes with water
- Rinse and inspect for a uniform finish with no scratch pattern
- Rinse
- Continue to step 5
- 6 to 10 slow passes with water
- If you want more gloss, run another 6 passes with water
Frequently asked questions
What machine do I need for a countertop?
A variable-speed polisher or a drill with a flexible backer plate and 4" or 5" discs is enough for most countertops, vanities and tables. For large islands or repeat commercial work, the Mini Top 13" countertop machine is faster and gives a more even finish.
Will this remove the rings left by lemon, wine or cleaning products?
Yes — those marks are acid etching. If they are barely perceptible, Option B is enough. If you can feel them by hand, go to Option C.
Can I polish a countertop dry?
No. Water carries away the removed material, keeps the abrasive cutting evenly and prevents burning the stone. Every step in this guide is worked wet.
Does the same process work on bathroom vanities and shower walls?
Yes. Marble, travertine, limestone and onyx respond to the same sequence regardless of where they are installed. On vertical surfaces work in smaller sections and control the water.
Does polishing protect the stone from staining?
Polishing restores the finish, it does not make the stone stain-proof. On kitchen countertops apply a penetrating sealer once the surface is dry.
Order the discs and resins online, or send us a photo of the surface and our technical team will tell you exactly where to start.