Dyeing Marble Tile

by Douglas Taylor
(Garland, Texas)

QUESTION:

My wife would like a flower mosaic inserted into our marble floor design. I am looking for colored marble tiles that would work but also would like to know if we can dye our whitish marble after we cut the pieces of the mosaic puzzle. Do you have any marble tile dyeing information as well as information on the care and feeding of dyed marble?

ANSWER:

Ha! Usually it's the other way around... get dye out of marble.

I'm sure it can be done, but finding the right dye and a competent person to do it may be difficult. I'd suggest seeking out a concrete floor specialist in your area. Concrete is often dyed and I imagine this would be the best place to start.

I can tell you that the finished product could be a bit of a surprise because you can't completely or accurately control how the marble will absorb the dye and any dye will fade and potentially discolor or yellow over time.

That's what happens to concrete countertops and quartz can't be used outdoors for the same reasons... the coloring dye will yellow.

Good Luck,
Ryan