The simple act of not using a coaster can result in water rings. Of course, no matter how careful we are at first, we tend to neglect our stone worktops after several months or years. When you have water rings on your worktops, they might not always be perfectly visible. However, when the light strikes your worktops just right, they are clear as day. Water rings are formed by chemical surface damage known as etching. While this sounds quite harsh, the good news is that there are ways to remedy this problem.
How to remove water rings
If you are lucky and the etching has not yet penetrated too deep, you might be able to restore your worktops yourself. A good way of testing the depth of the etching is by simply running your finger across the surface. If the etched area feels smooth just like the rest of the surface, then all you will need is a high-quality stone polishing compound. Follow the instructions and this should take care of the problem with very little effort.
Professional assistance
If the etching has managed to penetrate deeper than the very top layer, you will notice that the area will feel rough. In this case, it is best to call a professional to perform the stone restoration instead. A trained expert will have the right tools and solutions as well as the necessary knowledge. Not only will it be the safest bet, but it will be quicker too.
No matter what, the best approach is always prevention. If you can get into the habit of always using coasters and never placing items directly on the stone surface, this will be ideal. Any spills should be cleaned up right away too. Remember, the way in which you care for your natural stone worktops will determine just how long they will last and look their best.