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Composite marble, also known as engineered marble, has a unique charm and flawless beauty. Read further to know more about composite marble.
What Is Composite Marble & Its Benefits Over Natural Marble?
Composite marble is an engineered/artificial form of marble manufactured out of a blend of 90% of natural stone marble, polyester resins, marble dust and stone particles, and pigments to generate natural-looking patterns in a wide variety of colours.
Benefits of Composite Marble For Your Home
- It is more durable, strong and denser than natural marble.
- It is less expensive as compared to natural marble.
- It has a uniform look as it is artificially coloured and polished.
- It is more resistant to moisture, cracks, heat and stains on the surface.
- It increases the resale value of your entire room or home.
- It has a shorter installation period than natural marble.
- It can be resanded, repolished and reglazed.
- It is flexible as it can be customised to fit specific dimensions or designs.
- It is easier to clean and maintain as compared to natural marble.
- It is lighter and thinner than natural marble, making it easier to transport and install.
- It has a long-lasting finish and is much glossier than natural marble.
- It is available in various textures, patterns and colours, like red composite marble and white composite marble.
- You cannot change the original colour and pattern of the composite marble that is baked into the core and covered with a clear acrylic gel coat, but you can apply an epoxy coating to cover the entire original surface.
- It can be used for adorning the backsplash, tabletops, flooring, indoor stair treads/risers, accent pieces, etc.
How Do I Maintain and Clean Composite Marble?
You must know proper cleaning and maintenance methods if you want to maintain the look and feel of your composite marble. Here are a few suggestions that you can implement:
- Use a soft sponge/cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner/mild dish soap to remove minor stains.
- Apply sealant periodically (~4-6 months) to the composite marble surface to maintain its lustre.
- Remove hard water build-up with a 50/50 solution of warm water and vinegar.
Can Composite Marble Be Repaired If It Gets Damaged?
Composite marble is a highly sought-after material in today’s times. It can be repaired to a nearly new condition if the transparent gel coat layer on the top is intact. However, sometimes composite marble can get damaged due to excessive wear and tear, but the happy news is that it can be easily repaired.
The composite marble can suffer damages in various forms:
- Using the composite marble flooring or composite marble tabletop as a cutting surface.
- Placing hot items like curling irons on the composite marble surface for long periods.
- Using harsh detergents and acidic liquids as it will stain composite marble drastically.
- Drink and food spills, and oil grease, can cause permanent stains on the composite marble surface.
Use the Following Methods To Repair the Damage Caused
- SCRATCHES – Remove marble scratches with a special marble polish. Wash the surface and lightly buff it with a soft dry cloth. Mix the polish with a small amount of water and apply it in thin coats. The marble polish seeps into the scratches and makes them much less noticeable.
- CRACKS – Use a brush to clean the damaged area of the marble from any grime or dirt. Apply paint remover to clear the sides of the crack, which prepares the area for when you put a new finish over it. Fill the crack with grout and add a touch of stain to match the surface colour. Wipe away the excess and allow it to dry for 12 hours at least.
- BURNS – Use light sanding and buffing for surface-level burns. If the burn goes beyond the protective gel coat, it will most likely need to be replaced.
- SPILLS/STAINS – Use a cleaning solution like a marble poultice to remove any stains from the composite marble surface. Clean up drink or food spills immediately to prevent the liquid from seeping into the marble’s surface.
- YELLOW DISCOLOURATION – Try scrubbing the composite marble surface with a diluted bleach solution and a non-abrasive pad if it has yellowed over time.
If the scratches, burns and cracks on the composite marble surface are too deep, then you may require a professional restoration technician or a permanent replacement altogether.
Are There Any Safety Concerns Using Composite Marble?
There aren’t any such major safety concerns while using composite marble. Composite marble does not attract a lot of dirt/dust since the resin binders and pigments make the engineered stone more durable, rigid and less porous. Hence, composite marble can be used in areas with high-water exposure and moisture.
That’s all there is! While natural marble and stones are a gem, composite marble and stones are also a great alternative for creating a style statement in your home within an affordable budget. To know how best you can incorporate composite marble and stone in your home, contact the interior designers’ team at DesignCafe and we’ll guide you through the process and resolve all your doubts.
