About Cultured Marble & How to Care for it.

What exactly is cultured marble?

Cultured marble is neither a high-class version of marble, nor is it a "fake" product. Its manufacture begins with the mining of marble. The marble stones are sorted for size and color purity, then crushed into powder. This powder is poured into a mold to create a polymer casting, which is coated with a gel gloss similar to the clear coat on a car, in that it provides the first line of defense against scratches, stains, burns, or chemical damage. The precise blend of ingredients yields a diverse range of colors, patterns and veining.

Where is cultured marble used?

Cultured marble is typically used for vanity countertops and sinks—these are the cultured marble products that The Kitchen Works manufactures, to coordinate with the cabinets you select for your bathroom. (Cultured marble is quite popular and is also used for fireplace facings, windowsills, bar tops, shower bases, and bath flooring.)

How should I care for my cultured marble countertop?

Clean your cultured marble regularly using non-abrasive cleaners such as Windex or Formula 409. Furniture polish or foam may also be used.

Due to the gel coating inherent in its manufacture, culture marble should be impervious to stains (unlike traditional marble, which is very porous.) Never use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, scouring pads or sandpaper. Avoid extremes in water temperatures in sink basins, which over time may diminish their quality. Dyes and chemicals such as hair care products, nail polish and remover, and perfumes can be hazardous.

If abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals have been used over the years, some of the gel-coat on the surface of your cultured marble may be gone. You can restore a dull surface by gently applying liquid car wax or paste. If stubborn stains have formed over time, you can try a nylon dish scrubber. For light scratches, try buffing them out with rubbing compound and an automotive buffer pad, and then apply gel-coat from your local hardware store. Addressing tough stains, deep scratches and chips should be left to professionals.

Given proper care, cultured marble will provide for years and years of problem-free use.