Cultured marble is not a term heard very often. However, it is a product that many homeowners choose for the bathroom vanity. Surprisingly, many homeowners who are interested in granite countertops or vanity tops often choose cultured marble for its versatility in styles and shapes.
Before you jump to make a decision about what material to choose for your vanity top, it is important that you discover all there is to know about cultured marble. You need to know what it is and how it is made, as well as what colors and styles are available. In addition, you should be aware of what it takes to clean and polish cultured marble. All of these areas of cultured marble vanity tops will be discussed here, to help you make an informed decision.
What is Cultured Marble?
Although many people believe cultured marble is completely synthetic material, this is not true. In fact, dust from real natural marble is used in the manufacturing process of cultured marble, and actually makes up about 75% of the finished product. The dust is combined with liquid polyester resin to create the cultured marble vanity top.
Cultured marble has only been around for about 40 years, but has made great progress over the last few decades. Many of the cultured marble vanity tops that are available are super durable and can last for many years, maintaining their stunning beauty with little maintenance. Aside from vanity tops, you can also purchase other products for the bathroom – and kitchen – that are made of cultured marble. This includes sinks with an integral vanity top, bathtubs, shower basins, backsplashes, and whirlpool tubs.
What Designs, Styles, and Colors are Available?
Surprisingly, the possibilities of design, style, and color are virtually endless. Cultured marble is a manufactured product that is molded. Due to this process, just about any shape or size can be custom made to fit your needs. In addition, the manufacturer can add tint to create just about any color you desire. The final product is coated with a clear finish that can be either satin or high gloss, depending on your preference.
What is the Maintenance and Care Process?
Fortunately, cultured marble is very durable. Unlike real natural marble, it is a nonporous surface, meaning it is resistant to stains from hair dye, shampoos, and other beauty products that are commonly found in the bathroom. Furthermore, if your cultured marble vanity top does obtain a scratch, chip, or blemish, it can usually be repaired fairly simply. The surface can be rebuffed with a gel compound that recoats the vanity top. With that said, a crack or broken piece cannot be repaired, as these are made from a single mold.
Routine cleaning involves minimal work on your part. You should avoid abrasive cleaners, however. If you have a cultured marble shower, it is recommended that you use a squeegee to remove any excess water after each shower to prevent water droplets on the walls. If the water drops are left there, they can easily be cleaned with vinegar via a spray bottle. You can restore the shine of a cultured marble vanity top using a gel gloss or counter top magic product one time per year.
How Do You Polish a Cultured Marble Vanity Top?
To help keep your cultured marble vanity top in tip-top shape, you should consider polishing it, particularly when they have become smudged or scratched. The process is fairly simple and can be done in a relatively quick manner. Start by wiping down your vanity top with a lightly damp washcloth, ensuring you remove dirt, dust, grime, or toothpaste left behind by the kids. Once everything is removed, dry with a soft cloth.
You can then apply the polish. It is recommended that you use a polish specifically designed for cultured marble products, to avoid causing damage to the vanity top. Use a soft cloth to apply the polish and follow the directions of the manufacturer on the polish bottle for length of time it needs to set. You can then buff with a soft cloth, focusing on the scratched or smudged areas, and then rinse off the polish. It is recommended that you use a spray bottle filled with water and a soft cloth to keep removing the polish.
As you have discovered, there are many benefits to having cultured marble for your vanity top. It is very durable and can outlast a real marble counter or vanity top. You have an unlimited selection of designs, shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from, which means that it will be easy to find the perfect cultured marble vanity top for your bathroom. In addition, with little maintenance and routine care, your marble vanity top will look amazing, as it did the day it ws installed, for many years to come.