Restoring Cultured Marble

Cultured marble is a countertop made from a combination of resin and marble dust. This combination creates a highly moldable and extremely hard polymer. It is less expensive than regular marble but takes on the same look.

A lot of homes are using cultured marble countertops because of its great look, durability, and applications. Cultured marble can be formed into one-piece countertops with sinks molded into them, bathtubs, shower surrounds, and kitchen counters. While cultured marble does have great tensile strength it can begin to show signs of wear after a while. The finish can dull over time and scratches can begin to add up. Also, there can be a buildup of dirt, cosmetics, soap, and other substances that will take away from the color and the beauty of the polymer countertop.

Restoration of Cultured Marble

While some restorations might be extensive and need costly professionals, you can perform most repairs yourself. You will need the following materials to get started.

Removing Stains

One of the big problems with cultured marble is stains that have built up over time. These stains can be easily removed with these simple steps.

Soak a soft cloth in peroxide, apply it to the stain and let it sit overnight. The peroxide will work on the base of the stain making it more soluble.

Wipe off in the morning and rinse it off with a mop or a clean cloth.

If the stain is not gone use a solution of ammonia, vinegar, baking soda, and water. Mix ½ gallon of hot water with ½ cup ammonia, ¼ cup of baking soda, and vinegar. Wash the area with a sponge for 5 minutes. Rinse with clean water.

Once the stain is removed you can apply a wax to the surface to bring back the glossy shine.

Restore Shine

To restore the shine to the cultured marble countertop you will first have to scruff it up a little bit.

Get an abrasive polish like automotive rubbing compound in liquid or bar form.

Rent a high-speed buffer, or use a soft cloth. It doesn't matter which you use, but the buffer will make it a quicker process. However, you have to be careful not to remove the finish with the buffer. If you have never used one before, stick to the soft cloth.

Apply compound. If the compound is a liquid applied directly to the surface. If in bar form, apply to the buffing pad, or cloth.

Begin rubbing until scratches are gone. Using the buffer, or the cloth, begin rubbing out the scratches. The compound will grind down the ridges, and also fill in the scratches, while you are polishing the surface.

Apply wax. To get the shine back after polishing, apply a coat of wax over the entire surface.