FAQ

What is Cultured Marble, Onyx, Granatex and Solid-Color Marble ?

They are all "man-made" molded products, generally consisting of a polyester resin.  Each piece is individually cast, allowing infinite variations in color, surface texture, veining, shape and design.  They can be manufactured in a full line of decorator colors in practically any size and shape to match or enhance your decorating schemes.  They are often used to enhance products from such name brands as Kohler, American Standard, Elger, Corian, Wilsonart and Formica.  They produce the quality and beauty of real marble, natural onyx and natural granite at a much lower cost.

What are the individual characteristics of these materials ?

is highly filled with inorganic particles and pigments.  Whites, delicate pastels, bold solid hues, and marble effects with subtle veining in a full rainbow spectrum are all possible.  Cultured marble describes products that contain fillers such as crushed marble, which reproduce the beauty strength and aesthetic appearance of natural quarried marble.

is highly filled with natural minerals of varying colors, ranging from the subtleties of white with stones to the boldness of black with light-colored particles.  Granatex describes products made using combinations of natural minerals to produce a truly authentic stone appearance.

is highly filled with inorganic particles and pigments.  Whites, delicate pastels, bold solid hues, are just some of the marble effects possible.  With subtle veining in a full rainbow of colors to choose from... let your imagination flow!  Cultured Onyx describes products that contain translucent fillers such as frit or alumina trihydrate, which reproduce the elegance of natural onyx, agate, alabaster or fine porcelain.

is highly filled with organic particles and pigments that produces a solid color material.  You can easily match your bathroom fixtures and accessories with a multitude of solid color matrixes that can then be made to match most Kohler, American Standard, Elger, Corian, Formica and Wilsonart colors.

How are these products manufactured ?

A precise blend of polyester resin, catalyst, fillers and pigments is thoroughly mixed and placed into open molds.  This formulates a tough, durable, transparent surface resistant to in-service wear.  The shape of the part and texture of the surface is determined by the mold.  Color and pattern is determined by the manufacture.

How do you care for these products ?

Cultured products provide an extremely durable, non-porous surface that resists staining.  Care is very simple.  Routine cleaning with a soft sponge or cloth, or non-abrasive aerosol foam cleaner is all that is normally needed to give many years of trouble-free service.  Harsh abrasive cleaners are neither required or recommended.  Mild abrasives such as automotive polishing compound, or baking soda, will remove simple scratches and stains.  Cigarette burns can normally be removed without noticeable effect.

What are the recommended uses for these products ?

Typical products presently produced are:  SHOWER BASES and wall surrounds; VANITY TOPS with and without integral sinks; PANELS for walls, archways, window sills, door frames and baseboards; and LAUNDRY ROOM COUNTERS.