How Do I Care For My Cultured Marble or Granite? (FAQ)
Gloss Finish, The beauty of cultured marble/granite is the ease of cleaning and maintaining the new shiny look. To clean, just wipe with a soft cloth or sponge using a mild soap and water or a non-abrasive foam cleaner. To maintain your marble/granite luster, periodically apply a protective coat of wax. We recommend GelGloss™. (FAQ)
Matte Finish, Use a soft sponge or cloth along with a mild soap and water, and if desired you may use a very mild abrasive cleaner for this type of finish. You may also put a protective coat of wax with GelGloss™ on this type of finish.
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Check out these do’s and don’ts
Will My Cultured Marble or Granite Scratch? (FAQ)
Normal care and cleaning of cultured marble/granite products will ensure years of enjoyment and use. Avoid placing sharp abrasive objects on the surface because they will scratch.
Can you remove minor scratches? (FAQ)
Gloss Finish – You can remove fine scratches with automotive paint buffing compound and a hand held polisher, but a company technician should take care of deeper scratches.
Matte Finish – These textures will not show minor scratches.
What If My Cultured Marble or Granite Gets a chip Or Has A Major Scratch? (FAQ)
Cultured marble/granite has a hard waterproof, stain proof surface. If it scratches or chips, call a company technician to make repairs. Sometimes the fix may be sanding and polishing. Other times, we must be fill the chip with the same material originally used. Both of these procedures require a person with the knowledge and tools needed.
What Is Certified Marble or Granite? (FAQ)
Many cultured marble/granite shops have their products tested regularly by a testing laboratory for compliance with ANSI specifications. This is an expensive test that is done to insure the product the marble/granite manufacturer is making will be a durable, high quality product that the customer can enjoy for many years. The marble/granite is tested for stain resistance, scratch resistance, impact strength, and susceptibility to hot and cold water. Whirlpool tubs are tested further for proper drainage and hair entrapment. A label will be attached to the product showing the product meets or exceeds all specifications.
Can I Install My Own Marble or Granite?
It is possible for vanity top installation by the homeowner, but they are heavy and usually require two people. We have instructions available on how to do it. Whirlpool tubs and shower systems require more skill but yet some homeowners elect to do it. It is a cut-and-fit process that requires special tools and, although possible, we recommend that skilled installers install our products.
Who do you service?
Acadiana Marble is proud to service Lafayette LA, Broussard la, and surrounding south Louisiana areas.
Why Use Cultured Marble or Granite Instead of Tile For Showers?
Cultured marble/granite panels and shower pans are solid pieces with no grout lines to clean or keep sealed. The seams have a seal with a mildew resistant 100% silicone caulk that requires little in the way of maintenance. Also, building structures will shift with the change of temperatures, this may cause grout lines to crack and crumble. You can avoid this problem with the use of cultured marble/granite.
Why Use Cultured Marble or Granite Instead of Acrylic Inserts For Showers?
First, cultured marble/granite showers are constructed solid and strong with very little give and flexibility. Therefore, over time they do not have a tendency to crack or leak as an acrylic insert does. Secondly, cultured marble/granite wall panels come separate from the base and thus are easier to maneuver than a bulky one piece shower insert. Cultured marble/granite is custom to fit nearly anywhere.
What Is Crazing?
Crazing is tiny hairline cracks around the drain that become progressively worse over time, and is a problem that happened with cultured marble several years ago. The testing done by product testing labs ensures that the product has maximum resistance to crazing. Because of the technology changes and product testing, crazing should not be a problem for tens of years.
If I spill something and it stains, what do I do?
Gloss Finish, Simply rinse the area with soap and water and wipe the clean.
Matte Finish, Rinse with soap and water and wipe area clean. By applying an abrasive cleaner (Ajax or Soft Scrub) and rubbing out or using a Scotch Pad with a light rubbing motion until you remove the stain.
How Can I remove a rust spot on my drain?
Most rust or mineral deposits are removable with off-the-shelf cleaners from your local hardware store. You may apply as stated on the label.
What if the length or depth vary from my order?
Length & depth may vary slightly from your order. Cultured marble shrinks when it is curing therefore exact sizes are not possible. When making our tops, they are set-up ¼” to ½” larger than your order to allow for shrinkage. We cannot control the shrinkage and therefore the sizes and bowl placement may vary 1/8” to ¼”. This is not a defect but rather a reality in the cultured marble industry.
Is Your Showroom Open To The Public?
Yes! The Acadiana Marble showroom is open Monday to Thursday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. We will be happy to answer your questions, offer ideas and assist with product selection.
