Cultured marble
is a mixture of crushed marble and polyester resins in a gel coat to give it a shine. The most common causes of scratches and dulled surfaces is the wearing away of the sheen. Abrasive cleaners are the biggest culprits. Extreme hot and cold temperatures in a water basin or shower stall will also cause hairline spider cracks and crazing in the surface. Fortunately, dull surfaces can be made shiny again and minor crazing can be buffed out to restore that lustrous polish to cultured marble.
Cleaning
Always clean cultured marble while it is wet to avoid scratching it. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Mineral deposits left by hard water may be removed with a cleaner used in clothes irons such as Faultless Hot Iron Cleaner to remove iron and other mineral deposits. However, do not leave such cleaners in contact with cultured marble for a prolonged period of time.
A more natural and inexpensive way to clean cultured marble is white vinegar. Put some in a spray bottle, spray it on, let sit for 45 minutes to an hour, then rinse it off with clear water.
Use nail polish remover or acetone to clean severe stains like nail polish, hair spray residue, or nicotine burn marks. Denatured alcohol or paint thinner may also be used; however, care must be taken not to touch anything plastic, such as the finish on some faucet fixtures. Always check the manufacturer's directions and test clean a spot in an inconspicuous place on the marble.
Repair Scratches
Remove hairline scratches using an automotive finishing polishing compound, such as those made by Turtle Wax, and an electric buffer. This is a silicone-free, polishing agent designed to remove minor scratches while restoring gloss and shine to car finishes and is recommended as safe by manufacturers of cultured marble. Rub the finishing compound by hand onto the surface, let it dry to a haze but not completely, then buff it off with a wool pad at 2000 rpm. For deeper scratches, wet-sand with finishing compound and 800-grit wet-dry sand paper.
Repairing deep cracks in cultured marble requires experience. Before replacing the countertop, call in an expert for advice.
Restoring the Polish
Apply liquid car wax or a polishing wax designed specifically for cultured marble to keep countertops looking new. Wait for the haze and buff out using a soft cloth. Polish your countertop one per month remove soap scum and to help it resist stains and scratches.
When in doubt, ask a cultured marble supplier what they recommend for keeping the countertop new and shiny.
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