Also known as faux marble and artificial marble, they are man-made and contain around 75-90% of marble dust. In simple words, it is a cheap imitation of natural marble that is only distantly related to the stone – hence, the name.
Artificial marbles are a combination of marble debris, stone powder, plastic cement, sand, and a few other items, along with acrylic glue mixed in a predetermined proportion.
Hard to maintain with its plasticky gloss layers that do not withstand scratches and heat from your pots and pans, all for a relatively huge price tag, it is best to think twice before purchasing faux marble dining tables or coffee tables. Once damaged, it cannot be repaired.
Real marble is one of the finest materials available as tiles and is a natural material quarried from the earth. Fake marble or 'cultured' marble is made to look like real marble, but is man-made with small marble debris, stone powder, quartz, sand, plastic and acrylic glue.
Faux marble countertops can offer an affordable and attractive alternative to natural marble countertops. However, they share several cons, including limited color options, poor durability, and susceptibility to stains and scratches.
It seems like the perfect choice! Cultured marble is an excellent choice if you want the look of expensive marble without the cost. However, be sure to recognize the limitations of imitation stone. With proper treatment, your cultured marble countertop should last you approximately 20 years.
Scagliola is a composite substance made from plaster of Paris, glue and natural pigments, imitating marble and other hard stones. The material may be veined with colors and applied to a core, or desired pattern may be carved into a previously prepared scagliola matrix.
Cultured marble is considered more of a budget friendly product while real marble is considered more of a luxury item. Cultured marble never needs sealing. Real marble does. The protective coating on cultured marble gives it a high shine.
Alternatives to Marble Countertops. If you're looking for countertops that look like marble, then quartz, quartzite, and granite provide excellent alternatives. They are more durable, potentially cheaper, and lower maintenance.
Cultured marble is completely water-proof, meaning it creates a complete seal to keep the water where it belongs and preventing mold. Low Maintenance – To keep the water from seeping behind the tile or marble requires constant maintenance to the stone and grout surfaces.
Routine cleaning with a soft sponge or cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner is all that is normally needed to give many years of trouble free service to your cultured marble products. We recommend cleaning agents in the form of multi-purpose spray or liquid varieties such as Fantastic, Formula 409, or Mr.
A real marble top will show scratches and etching over time. If you scratch a knife on a marble top (only do this on the underside of the slab) and don't see the damage, the surface is likely granite or manufactured stone.
Unlike natural marble, which is heavy and requires professional installation, these panels are lightweight and can be installed by DIY enthusiasts or professional contractors with ease. The versatility of faux marble panels also means they can be used in a variety of settings.
Durability: Artificial marble is resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches, making it a durable option for high-traffic areas and surfaces that are prone to wear and tear. Low Maintenance: Unlike natural marble, artificial marble is non-porous and does not require regular sealing, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Since cultured marble is nonporous, you do not need to worry about stains and chips. Cultured marble is made of nonporous elements that make it durable. Of the materials you can remodel with, it is the least susceptible to typical damage.
Faux marble offers several advantages over other materials. In addition to being more affordable than natural marble, it is also easier to maintain and less prone to staining or scratching.
Artificial Marble is also named as Cultured Marble, Engineered Marble, Synthetic Marble, Composite Marble, Simulated Marble, Man Made Marble, Faux Marble, Fake Marble etc. It is made of natural marble scraps aggregate, calcium powder, resin and pigment by vacuum pressed with high pressure.
Porcelain Slabs That Look Like Marble
Porcelain is a naturally white, non-porous material that can be used in place of marble and other natural stones. It's the most durable of all the look-alike materials discussed so far, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Choosing quality materials is the most important factor when painting faux marble. A good primer provides a solid base for your paint for good adhesion and durability. Acrylic and latex paints are water-based, making them easy to work with and clean up.
Will water stain on marble go away? Water stains on marble may not go away on their own. To remove them, you can try a DIY poultice made with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide or contact a stone expert for recommendations on safe cleaning products.
Types of faux marble
Faux stone – this is a polymer made of resin and marble pieces. It resembles the natural stone but lacks its depth and shine. On the other hand, it doesn't scratch or etch so easily as the real natural stone and is therefore preferred for areas as kitchen tops.
/fəʊ/ Faux means fake, or imitation. If you love the look of diamonds but can't afford one, get a faux diamond ring. Faux is a French word that has crept into our lexicon, because faux in French means "fake." Now if we have the words fake, imitation, and false (all of which are good synonyms), why use faux?
Marble comes in a variety of colors and many have different qualities, such as the amount of veining, etc. This being said, there are 5 main kinds of marble that are widely used or regarded in the world. These five kinds are Carrara, Statuary, Calacatta, Emperador, and Crema Marfil.
And since there are many types of natural marble stone, there are also many quartz options that look like marble. The most popular are Calacatta Quartz and Carrara Quartz. They look so natural and are so convincing in mimicking the natural marble that you will hardly be able to tell the difference.