How to Refinish a Cultured Marble Countertop

Cultured-marble countertops are beautiful, durable, and affordable. Although these countertops have many advantages, this kitchen surface is prone to scuffs and other damage from daily use. Restore your cultured-marble kitchen countertop’s luster and brilliance by refinishing the surface with the following information.

Step 1 – Cleaning the Countertop

Warning: Before beginning, equip yourself with plastic gloves and safety goggles.

Start by washing the marble countertop with a cleaning solution of gentle soap and distilled water. Distilled water is recommended because hard water can form mineral deposits on a cultured-marble countertop. Dip a sponge in the solution, and wipe the cultured-marble surface.

Then, mildly brush the surface with a soft-bristled brush to scrape off more dirt. Do not use a brush with hard bristles, as these bristles could permanently scratch the stone. Give special attention to the areas around seams and chrome fittings. Then, rinse the countertop with distilled water to get rid of any soap residues.

Step 2 – Removing Hard Stains

For removing matured and hard-water stains, use non-abrasive cleaners specifically retailed for stone surfaces. These cleaners won’t stain the cultured-marble countertop surface, and they are excellent for removing multiple stain types, including rust and food spills. Use a soft, dry cloth to apply the branded cleaner, even if it’s sold with soft brushes.

Step 3 – Correcting Surface Blemishes

To repair small scratches or cracks in the stone, use marble-polishing powder containing tin oxide and epoxy-based glues. Tin oxide powder fills and camouflages small scratches, while the glue fills cracks. Apply this substance as per the instructions on the product.

Step 4 – Taping the Countertop

Using painter’s tape, tape the edges of the cultured-marble countertop. Be sure to mask around the sink, especially, to avoid getting polishing or refinishing compounds in the sink.

Step 5 – Sanding the Stone

Using medium-grit sandpaper, sand the cleaned and repaired countertop surface. Use even pressure to ensure a smooth surface. Then, clean the countertop with a sponge to remove any dust created from sanding.

Step 6 – Applying Primer

Using a paint roller, apply a thin layer of marble primer on the countertop surface. Leave the coated surface alone for about one hour, and allow it to dry.

Step 7 – Spraying a Stone-Finish Solution

To restore the shine of the countertop, spray a stone-finish solution. These solutions are available at hardware stores. Allow the sprayed countertop surface to dry according to the packaged instructions.

Step 8 – Completing the Process

To complete the refinishing process, use a polymer resin, not a wax. Sprinkle a few drops of the resin onto the countertop, and spread them out evenly with a paintbrush. Let the substance dry according to package directions. After it’s dry, you can coat the refinished surface with a high-gloss polyurethane varnish to restore the sparkle associated with a cultured-marble countertop.

Warning: Polyurethane varnish may be toxic to inhale, so wear a respirator mask and make sure the work area is well-ventilated before applying it.