Dark Emperador Marble Tile on Kitchen Countertops
by Rachel L.
QUESTION:We would like to use Dark Emperador marble tiles to tile our kitchen counter tops. I realize that there are some downsides to marble in the kitchen, but I think that a good sealer and the dark tile might make those concerns less of a problem. What do we need to know about using 12 x 12 marble tiles for this area? Thank you in advance for your tips and advice.ANSWER:Dark Emperador is typically sold as a marble or limestone because that's what it looks like, but it is a different stone called dolostone.It still has some calcite which is reactive with acids, but typically Dark Emperador is not as sensitive to acids as most marble. Sensitivity to acids is the main draw back with marble in the kitchen. You'll end up with a bunch of dull discolored spots on your countertop.... and the darker the marble the more noticeable these spots are. Sealing has NOTHING to do with etching and sensitivity to acids. The ONLY thing a sealer will do is add some protection against staining, but..... It's a mute point with Dark Emperador since it is too dense and non-pourous to seal anyway... thus it won't stain easy either. And I mean it cannot be sealed. If you apply sealer "just to be safe" all that will happen is the sealer will dry on the surface leaving a dull haze that you'll have to strip off. Dark Emperador in the bathroom... great. In the kitchen... it's still dicey. I recommend that you test a few of the tiles to see how reactive to acids (lemon juice) they are. If the test shows the tiles will etch, then I wouldn't put it in your kitchen because NOTHING will keep the countertop from etching and leaving dull spots from soda, juice, fruit, coffee, alcohol, salad dressing, mustard and a whole bunch of other acidic foods that will inevitably contact the tiles. Now, etching on polished marble countertops and floors can be easily and effectively repaired using the Marble Polish / Etch Remover. For honed marble there isn't a product that will can match the rest of the finish, so you'll have to follow the procedure in the Removing Etch Marks e-book. If the sample tiles don't etch... go for it! Good Luck, Ryan P.S. Get all the facts, answers, explanations and simple solutions with step-by-step instructions for any issue, problem or question with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals.
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