Are you looking to install marble countertops in your home? There are plenty of things you should know about them. These things include:
Marble patinates
Marble will develop a patina over time. The term ‘patina’ alone may send some people scurrying for the hills. However, many experts advise that patina should be embraced rather than feared.
Patina is a sophisticated way of saying used over time. If you go to Italy or France, or even a French restaurant, you will see marble on dining tables and worktops.
Those bits of stone have been around forever. And they remain lovely no matter how much they are used.
The stone’s beauty stems from its wear and tear. Each etch and trace of wear is a time capsule of all the hard work that has gone into your home.
And for many individuals, it is simply a part of life. We’re not all perfect and pristine all the time, so don’t expect your countertops to be either. Strive to embrace your patina. It will seem to be used, which is fine.
Marble etches
Etching is part of the patina. It’s an aspect of having marble surfaces that you’re either fine with or not. Whether marble—etching and all—is suited for you is determined by your expectations. This is especially true with marble in the kitchen.
You have to know what you’re getting into, and don’t assume that you are going to maintain the stone’s gorgeous, pristine, and polished perfection.
You’re going to spill something on it, and if you leave a glass out too long, something will happen. Then, you’ll learn a little bit about etching.
Marble etch marks form when an acidic liquid remains on the surface for an extended period of time, causing it to erode. Corroded surfaces have a dull or light appearance.
The impacted marble becomes rougher or less smooth than it was before the acidic spill.
People occasionally use various household cleaners that are generally effective for cleaning but are not suitable for marble surfaces.
The low pH of cleaning solutions instantly destroys the stone’s luster, leaving a damaged and drab surface.
As a result, you must exercise caution to maintain the marble surface’s overall appearance, sheen, and smoothness.
Some of the things you can do to prevent marble etching include:
Avoid using harsh cleaning products: It is best to avoid exposing the marble surface to any strong chemicals that could damage it. Even for cleaning, avoid using chlorine and acidic substances because they can alter the stone’s luster.
Hone the surface: A sharpened region is less likely to be etched than a polished surface. The matte finish will reduce the visibility of any scratches or stains on the marble surface.
Use chopping boards: You should use chopping boards in the kitchen to prevent acidic food drips from damaging the marble surface.
Clean spills as soon as they happen: Spills are always inadvertent. To protect your surfaces, make it a habit to clear the spills as soon as they happen.
Wipe the surface clean with a wet towel right away. Remember that the longer the acid remains on the surface, the greater the possibility of etching, and you don’t want this, do you?
Marble stains
Marble is a highly porous stone that has earned a reputation as a magnet for stains, particularly from acidic substances.
Your marble countertop, on the other hand, is not like your best white top, which is likewise stain-resistant—it can endure much more.
If you’re worried about stains, you can seal your surface to protect it. To be on the safe side, have your kitchen marble sealed once a year or refinished as needed.
Marble in the bathroom, on the other hand, is significantly less likely to absorb food stains. As a result, it is far safer and requires less sealing.
You can seal the surfaces by yourself but for the best outcome, let a professional help you out.
For the best outcome, you should apply two coats of the sealer.
Do not be alarmed if any ugly defects remain after applying the first coat of stone sealer. The second coat will effectively cover these defects and other minor wear indications.
Before applying the second coat, the first coat must be totally dry. After the first coat has dried, apply the second coat using the same way. Give the second coating an extra 15 to 20 minutes to dry.
After the second application of sealant has cured completely, polish your marble surfaces to finish the process. Polishing and buffing marble stones removes excess sealant.
To keep your surfaces nice, clean them using a microfiber cloth or any other type of towel. After you’ve completed, leave your marble surfaces overnight and be ready for elegant looking surfaces the following day.
There’s a misconception that marble stains easily, but it doesn’t. Those who have marble in their kitchen can speak from personal experience. It takes time to stain the surfaces.
There is marble in the US.
For those who value the “Made in America” label, don’t dismiss marble just yet. There is a prevalent assumption that marble must be imported from abroad; however, this is not always the case.
Marble is mostly found in Italy, China, India, and Spain. These four countries quarry almost half of the world’s marble. Marble quarries are also common in Turkey, Greece, the United States, Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom.
The states with the most marble are Georgia, Alabama, Colorado, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont.
If you love buying American products, you should insist on buying the ones produced in these states. Of course, the marble will be much cheaper as it will have lower transport costs. Also, since it won’t have import duty, it will most likely cost you less.
Parting shot
These are some of the things you should know about marble. You should note that marble is one of the best materials you can install in your home. Whether you are having a countertop replacement NC project or installing new units, ensure that you have a professional install the surfaces.
You also should take good care of the surfaces so that they not only look good, but also last for a long time.