Cultured Marble Care and Cleaning Tips

Cultured marble resembles marble but is not actually marble. It is a manufactured item resembling marble. It is a molded composite made from stone dust and a binding polymer. The surface of the molded piece is given a very smooth finish by sanding and then coating with a gel coat which makes the surface waterproof and durable. The advantage of cultured marble over real marble and stone is that it can be molded into any shape. It is used for various types of countertops, and bathroom vanity tops with the bowl integrated into it, which gives it a very sophisticated look. Usually it is less expensive but it can have more tensile strength than natural marble.

Being manufactured by the molding process, cultured marble offers more design possibilities than the natural ones. Another advantage is that when it is integrated with other items there are no ugly grout lines around those items and this gives item made from cultured marble a more sophisticated look. Although the surface is quite durable it can be scratched by abrasive materials and some chemical. Thus care is needed while using it. Here are some care and cleaning tips which will ensure that the cultured marble products used in your home retain their beauty and surface finish for a very long time.

The gel coat on the cultured marble items not only adds beauty and authenticity to the surface it also seals the surface making it waterproof. It prevents staining as well as growth of bacteria and mold. However this gel coat can get damaged by deep scratches, excessive scouring and cleaning with abrasive products, as the surface is only a superficial coating and does not go deep into the material. Damage and discoloration can also be caused by harsh chemicals, sprays and medicines used in the bathroom,. In many cases it even gets cigarette burn marks caused by careless smokers. Nail polish remover (acetone) is one of the most notorious products that can cause harm to the surface. Thus care must be taken not to expose them to harsh chemicals and burning cigarettes that can harm the polyester resin used in the marble.