Everything you need to know about cast marble

Marble has always been considered one of the most beautiful materials. Products made from it adorn interiors of any stylistic direction. However, real, natural marble is very expensive, and not everyone can afford it. Therefore, more and more consumers are giving preference to artificial analogs. One of these is cast marble, the features and advantages of which should be found out in advance for those who plan to include this material in the interior of their apartment or house.

Cast marble is a special material, which is almost entirely (85%) composed of marble chips, less often of quartz sand. The remainder of the composition is occupied by a polymer, which is a polyester or acrylic resin. This resin serves as a binding element and allows the marble to look spectacular, shimmering beautifully. Cast marble is also called liquid marble.

This material quickly fell in love with interior designers and buyers. And all thanks to the following advantages:

• the material is warm to the touch, it is pleasant to touch it;
• there is an opportunity to use a variety of colors, which can never be achieved in the case of natural marble;
• easy care and the possibility of repair at home;
• strength and resistance to stress, high wear resistance;
• smoothness and spectacular appearance;
• the ability to make products of any shape and size.

As you can see, cast marble has a lot of advantages. But, like any other artificial or natural material, it also has disadvantages. The following disadvantages should be noted:

• the material is afraid of temperature extremes, this can cause cracks on it;
• needs frequent polishing;
• there is a need for correct calculations, because when installing objects made of cast marble, everything must be carefully calculated, and at the slightest distortion, the product will endure increased loads;
• do not use abrasive products for cleaning.

Despite the fact that cast marble is very beautiful, and it has more than enough advantages, the procedure for its production is incredibly simple. To make such marble, you don't need a lot of equipment: molds, mixer, sprayer, brushes.

First, the required raw materials are prepared. As already mentioned, it consists of marble chips and resin binder. In addition, mineral pigments are introduced into the composition, thanks to which the required color can be obtained. You also need to prepare a gelcoat - this is a special modified resin that allows you to get a glossy surface. As for the forms (matrices), they can be either ready-made or made to order.

The production of cast liquid marble is as follows:

• the molds are polished, and then a substance is applied to them that will prevent the material from adhering to the surface;
• using sprays, the matrices are treated with gelcoat, then you need to wait for it to solidify;
• prepare the necessary mixture, pour it into molds;
• remove air from the composition;
• wait until the mixture becomes solid, remove the resulting products from the dies;
• if necessary, further work with the material: grind, polish.

There are not so many manufacturers of cast marble products on the market. Companies such as:

• Avstrom (Austria);
• Marmite (Poland);
• Riho (Czech Republic);
• Marmorin (Poland);
• Kaldewei (Germany);
• Royal Cream Stone (Kazakhstan).

Most often, plumbing, including baths, is made of cast marble. If the goal is to purchase just such an item, then it is recommended to pay attention to several domestic companies.

• "Esthete". Russian manufacturer specializing exclusively in artificial materials. He makes bathtubs of different shapes and colors. Their only drawback is that there is no hydromassage.

• Astra-Form. It is also a Russian manufacturer that produces sanitary ware made of cast marble. There are all the necessary options, including ozonation. However, products can only be purchased through a dedicated dealer network.

• Esse. The firm is located in Tyumen, produces bathtubs from flexible cast marble, which will perfectly fit into modern interior design. There are white, colored products, models with sequins. The peculiarity of the manufacturer is the geographical names of the products, for example, Australia, Bali.

Cast marble is used in many areas. First of all, these are plumbing items for the home. From this material, incredibly beautiful and durable bathtubs are obtained. They will be an interesting addition to any of the styles, as they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. In addition to baths, there is an opportunity to purchase washbasins, bathroom shelves made of this material. Those who love showers more shouldn't be upset either. After all, most manufacturers offer excellent cast marble shower trays. The shower trays are non-slip and very pleasant to stand on.

In addition to bathroom fixtures, this material is widely used in the kitchen. Sinks, kitchen sinks, countertops, even window sills are made of it. The resulting products are very practical and durable. It should be noted that today it is fashionable to put the sink on the washing machine. It looks pretty interesting. And these sinks can also be made of cast marble.

Cast marble is used in living rooms and bedrooms. For example, fake fireplaces from this material look very dignified and expensive. And here are cast from such marble figurines will complement the interiors of the loft style, minimalism, hi-tech. Others are also made of it. souvenirs: boxes, vases... Often decorated with similar marble and photo frames. In addition to the interior filling of premises, cast marble is often used to decorate the exterior of buildings and the adjacent territory. So, this versatile material can be used to decorate the basement, which will significantly increase the cost of construction.

Besides, with the help of artificial marble, it is quite possible to create chic elements of buildings: majestic steps, smooth colored railings, an airy arch. If we are talking about a garden, then the described material will help to ennoble it, and for little money. Cast marble can be laid out paths, fences for flower beds are made from it, and included as a decor for a gazebo.

And garden benches, small sculptures and figurines, fountains made of such material will become an object of admiration for friends and acquaintances.... The only drawback of all such things can be considered only weight - in any case, a product made of cast marble will be heavy.

In general, liquid marble products are considered to be very durable. However, they still require at least minimal care. Let's take a look at a few basic rules.

• Protect your product from temperature fluctuations. They quickly deform it. For example, rinsing the bathtub first with cold and then hot water is a bad idea.
• Despite the resistance of the material to stress, it should not be subjected to them again. Try not to drop heavy things on the marble object - this can cause cracks and chips.
• If the product is dirty and needs to be cleaned, do not rush to the bathroom for powders. In most cases, warm water and soap or a mild detergent will suffice. After processing, the soap solution is washed off and the product is wiped dry with a soft cloth. Scrapers, dry cleaning compounds are prohibited. In case of stubborn stains, it is better to consult a specialist.
• Items made of cast marble have a long service life. But due to their characteristics, after some time they begin to turn yellow. In this case, polishing is recommended. You can also polish marble products at home.

Cast marble is an inexpensive and affordable way for everyone to transform their apartment or house, as well as their local area. Those who have already dealt with such material speak extremely well of it, noting both the durability of marble and its beauty.

In the next video, you will find the technology for making cast marble.