Nestled on a charming but bustling street in Princeton, this home’s kitchen featured a marble island that had lost its luster. Etch marks dulled its once-luxurious surface. Designer Erin Forrey took the reins—calling us, arranging the site meeting, and even scheduling the restoration while her client was away. The result? A pristine marble surface without the homeowner ever needing to be involved.
When our technician, Chris, met Erin at the property, he quickly assessed the marble’s condition. The etching was best corrected through diamond grinding—a multi-step process that carefully resurfaces the stone to its original beauty.
To protect the surrounding cabinetry, we masked and sealed the work area with plastic and safe, non-damaging tape. Diamond grinding produces a wet slurry, so precise containment is key to a spotless finish.
Our restoration process began with an aggressive 100-grit pass, gradually refining through 220, 400, and 800 grits. To explain further, this is similar to wet-sanding a surface to contain the dust. And it is done so with a specific schedule that begins with an aggressive grit pad, and progresses to finer grit pads. (In comparison, it is just like what nail technicians do while giving manicures. Or, is is also just like what is done by our hardwood floor refinishers too.)
Light-colored marble typically requires fewer passes, saving both time and cost. Each stage involved meticulous cleaning between grits, ensuring the surface was perfectly prepared for the next step.
Once the etching was fully removed, we performed an interim polish to check for swirl marks invisible to the eye, followed by two coats of premium sealer. A final powder polish revealed the soft, elegant sheen this marble deserved. With a two-person team, the entire restoration was completed in one day—from setup to immaculate cleanup.
Erin’s response said it all: “Over the moon thrilled.” The marble’s elegance was fully restored, its surface smooth and radiant once again. Even better—her clients returned from their trip to a kitchen island that looked brand new, never having been inconvenienced during the process.
Erin also received our best-use care tips to pass along to her clients:
Use only stone-safe cleaners (never vinegar or harsh household solutions).
Place trays or boards under oils, vinegars, or beverages.
Keep coasters handy for drinks.
Wipe up spills—especially acidic ones—immediately.
Ask about our new etch protection program (forthcoming), for lasting beauty and peace of mind.
When expertise meets collaboration, perfection feels effortless. Thanks to Erin Forrey’s proactive approach and our skilled restoration process, this Princeton homeowner experienced complete transformation—without a moment of disruption. To learn more about Erin Forrey Design Click here
Designers and homeowners alike trust us to make surfaces shine—quietly, beautifully, and without disruption.