Cutting
& Trimming Instructions
Cultured
marble can be cut by a skill saw with a carborundum
(masonry) blade. A belt sander can be used to grind
down the edge. To cut holes, use a hole saw or a saber
(jig) saw with a metal blade, approximately 6 teeth
per inch. Granite material requires a carbide saber
saw blade for cutting. Make all cuts on the back side
making sure to protect the finish of the marble from
the saw guard while cutting. All cut and sanded edges
will be porous and unfinished and should butt up to
something. The marble should always be supported securely
while cutting and drilling, and never lay tools
on the marble surface, as it could be scratched.
Installations
Vanity
Tops:
Run a bead of silicone around the edge of the cabinet,
then position the marble on top of the cabinet. Never
force the marble top between walls. Use a belt sander
to grind the edge that butts to a wall. Attach the faucets,
never over-tightening the drain nut. Glue the side splashes
to the walls and silicone all joints.
Wall
Material:
Start with clean and dry panels by wiping the dust from
the front and back after cutting and trimming of any
kind. For 3/8" Onyx material only, the back of
the panels must be painted with white latex before gluing
into place to prevent the silicone adhesive from showing
through the translucent material. This step is not necessary
for other materials. Fit and trim the marble, then measure
and cut holes for the fixtures in one end panel. When
installing soap dishes, first drill at least a 1/4"
hole in each inside corner where the soap dish is to
be located. Then use a jig saw to cut out the rest of
the hole for the soap dish. This protects the marble
from cracking at the corners. Install the largest or
back panel first. Using silicone, apply generous amounts
to back of panels or ceramic tile wall mastic, and never
let a skim coat (dried out) develop before adhering
marble to sheet rock. For further water sealing, run
a bead of silicone in the corners of the sheet rock
and around the edges of the tub or shower pan before
installing the panels. After installing all panels,
block with a 1" x 2" board appropriately placed
between the panel and opposite wall. After the silicone
dries, apply silicone to all of the openings and joints
between the panels and tub or pan.
Bath
Tubs & Shower Pans:
Do not set the base on any of it's sides. Base must
be laid flat. The floor where the base is to be installed
must be flat and level. Use "Fix-All" or "Floorstone"
to level the floor. Make sure there is enough clearance
around the drain so the strainer nut is below the sub
floor.
Install the base against the studs, never force base
between studs. 1/8" clearance is recommended. Do
not use mechanical fasteners.
Install wall material (moisture resistance drywall),
keeping it at least 1/2" from top of pan floor.
Cleaning
Cul-Mar
Use
only liquid cleansers, such as Formula 409, Windex,
or Dow bathroom foam cleaner. Never use bleach
or abrasive cleaners. A soft paste car wax
can be used to protect the surface against water spotting.
We recommend using a rubber squeegee on the tub and
shower walls directly after showering, this prevents
hard water stains and soap scum from forming. If that
is not possible, KRC-7, a heavy duty cleaner, is available
at Cul-Mar Products, Inc.
To
remove small scratches from your cultured marble, sand
the affected area lightly will 600 to 800 grit wet sandpaper,
that is mounted to a flat block. Then use a high speed
buffer (1500 to 1800 RPMS) with a polishing compound,
obtainable from the automotive department of a grocery
or variety store. Please keep in mind that if the scratches
have gone through the clear gelcoat, the shine cannot
be restored to that area.
