Although not the end of the world, investing in marble countertops only to have them discolor can be a real downer. You put so much time and money into creating a beautiful kitchen you can be proud of. But one day you suddenly notice some discoloration in your countertops. Not good.
Do you know what causes marble to discolor? When it happens, do you know what to do? It has been our experience that most homeowners don’t know much about marble beyond the fact that it is strong, durable, and really beautiful.
Allow us the opportunity to explain the discoloration issue. Note that a discolored countertop might never be restored to its original color, but there are things you can do to address the most noticeable spots. There are also ways to avoid discoloration altogether.
Marble and Its Characteristics
Marble is a metamorphic rock that begins as either limestone or dolomite. Under intense heat and pressure, the underlying material combines with a variety of minerals to create an extremely hard rock with a uniform crystalline structure. Marble is:
- Durable over prolonged periods of time
- Resistant to temperature changes
- Granular in terms of texture
- Found in a variety of colors and patterns.
Marble’s tendency toward discoloration is due to its highly porous makeup. Something that is porous absorbs water easily. But that means that marble also absorbs other materials – which leads us to the next topic: things that cause marble discoloration.
Plenty of Things in the Kitchen
Although we are big fans of marble countertops, we must admit that there are lots of things in the kitchen that can cause discoloration. At the top of the list are acidic substances. Examples include coffee, citrus juices, and wine. Acidic substances pose a dual problem.
First, any liquid or semi-liquid can be absorbed by marble. Second, acidic substances are known to etch marble. Between etching and absorption, acidic materials can cause discoloration. Other causes of discoloration are:
- Environmental air pollution.
- Exposure to hard water deposits.
- Iron oxidation from excessive moisture.
- Poor quality surface coatings.
- Harsh cleaners not meant for natural stone.
Marble countertops are more easily stained than granite, quartz, and quartzite. But this isn’t necessarily a reason to dismiss marble as one of your options. With the right care and maintenance, you can prevent discoloration.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Your number one tool for fighting discoloration is sealant. Marble countertops need to be sealed on a regular basis using a high-quality sealer capable of withstanding the rigors of daily kitchen activity. We recommend sealing every 6-12 months for maximum protection.
What else can you do to prevent discoloration? Here are a few more suggestions:
- Use a pH neutral cleaner specifically made for natural stone surfaces.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners.
- Use blinds or curtains to keep direct sunlight off the countertops.
- Use protective tools like coasters, trivets, and placemats.
- Clean up all spills immediately.
- Reduce water mineral content with filters or water softeners.
If you ever notice the early signs of discoloring, it doesn’t hurt to bring in a professional to take a look. The same goes if you see any cracks or chips. Professional maintenance can go a long way toward keeping marble countertops looking beautiful.
Unfortunately, marble can discolor. But with proper care and maintenance, it doesn’t have to. Marble countertops can continue looking good for decades. We hope you won’t let the possibility of discoloration stop you from considering this beautiful and durable material for your new countertops. If you would like to know more, visit any of our Utah showrooms.
