Marble is a popular choice with a massive number of benefits and is an excellent option for a table top. The natural stone look can impact your space, however, over time it is important to keep its bright and shiny look. Here are some tips for taking care of your marble table top:
Clean any stains as soon as possible
Acidic spills can cause damage to your marble table top any type of wine, fruit juice, tomatoes and some soft drinks can be harmful. It is important not to wipe or rub on the stain, use a commercial marble table top stain remover if the stain persists.
Watch out for etching
Marble is prone to marking because of its calcium carbonate composition, which reacts with acid. Acid eats away a tiny bit of the surface, resulting in dull spots known as etches. Etching on your marble can occur on the surface of the stone. This happens when acidic substances like citrus, wine, and coffee come into contact with your marble table top.
Scratching
Even with regular cleaning and proper care, marble can become scratched and dulled over time. Marble table top is a harder material to scratch; however, it can happen. Surface scratches can be removed by wet sanding the marble, this will wear away any scratches then buff for a smooth finish. We would recommend seeking advice from a professional first.
Protect your Marble
Marble table top is resistant to high heat, however you need to make sure to avoid placing hot objects on marble. Use coasters in case you need to have anything hot on the marble. Using ceramic or stone on marble is better than using metallic as it can avoid rust stains.
Everyday cleaning
For daily cleaning, less is more. Use a small microfibre cloth, and hot soapy water to clean the marble countertops. Always dry up your marble with a dry cloth since the marble is prone to water spots. Avoid vinegar and other acidic cleaners. Biocide cleaners may also leave a smeary finish on your marble. White spirit can help to remove stubborn marks on marble table tops.
Before polishing
Prepare the surface by removing any dirt on it. Wipe all the grime, waxes, and stains first, this will avoid them being forced deeper into the surface when polishing marble. If you haven’t used a cleaner before, but wish to, we would recommend testing it on a small area of the marble first to check if it causes any damage or discolouration.
Shining the surface
The safest way to make the marble shine is to polish it with a chamois on a damp surface as the chamois will dry up any water residue making sure to leave no marks. Ensure the marble is shiny and uniform. Once you are happy with the polishing effect, wait 24 hours before applying any sealant.
Apply Sealant
Sealants help clog the pores of the stone. Preventing the marble from absorbing liquids and help stop the colours getting into the stone. Note: This is not a surface coating and will not prevent etching. Depending on how often the marble is cleaned, we recommend applying a thin layer of sealant every 6 to 12 months. It is important to use a sealant specifically designed for use with solid marble. There are other alternative sealants online, just double-check them for solid marble.
Conclusion
Marble is a popular choice with a massive number of benefits to a workspace. However, it is important to look after your table tops. Over time it is vital to keep its bright and shiny look. If something spills, clean it straight away with hot, soapy water and dry it immediately. Watch out for cleaning products with acid in them, we always recommend the natural way of cleaning this beautiful stone. Where applicable use coasters or mats for anything going onto the surface and clean daily. Using a sealant is completely up to you, just make sure it is the right product for the right surface.
When purchasing one of our Tuff Top Marble table tops you receive a free Cleaning and Care Guide for our Tuff Top Solid Marble.
Have a look at more of our Marble Range here
