Marble polish is a very thin, very hard surface layer. It is durable in normal use and easily destroyed by abrasives.
Safe habits
Soft cloths only — microfibre or cotton.
Plain water or a pH-neutral stone cleaner.
Dry immediately after wiping.
Lift the murti from the base rather than sliding it, which scratches the underside and the platform.
What dulls the polish
Acidic cleaners — vinegar, lemon, some bathroom sprays.
Abrasive powders and scouring pads.
Repeated washing without drying, leaving mineral film.
Sliding the murti rather than lifting it.
If the polish has dulled
Light film lifts with a pH-neutral cleaner. Genuine dulling needs professional repolishing, which removes a minute surface layer and restores the shine without touching the carving.
Do not DIY-polish
Hand polishing a carved murti with compound almost always rounds over fine detail in the recesses, which is irreversible. Leave it to a workshop.
Frequently asked questions
What dulls a marble murti polish?
Acidic cleaners, abrasive powders and pads, repeated washing without drying, and sliding the murti across surfaces.
Can I repolish a marble murti myself?
No. Hand polishing a carved piece rounds over fine detail in the recesses, which cannot be undone. Professional repolishing is safer.
How do I restore a dull marble murti?
Light mineral film lifts with a pH-neutral cleaner. Genuine dulling requires professional repolishing.
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