Contents
- 1. What are marble baths made of?
- 2. Advantages and disadvantages of
- 3. Tips for choosing the shape and size of
- 4. Rules for the care and proper operation of
- 5. The best manufacturers according to consumer opinionslong forgotten. They were replaced by the quickly gained popularity of acrylic baths. Indeed, this is a great alternative with a lot of advantages, but progress does not stand still. And relatively recently, a more interesting look of this product became available - baths of molded marble. One name suggests thoughts of reliability and durability. But let's see if this really is. Today we will give you the tips for choosing bathtubs made of cast marble, consider their main advantages and disadvantages and highlight proven manufacturers.
1. What are marble baths made of?
Knowledge of production technology and the right composition, which must be respected by manufacturers, will help you choose a truly high-quality product. So, natural marble crust is used as the base. It is produced by grinding marble slabs with defects or wastes of natural stone in the manufacture of decorative items or other products. After processing, the baby has a very fine-grained structure resembling flour.
To seal the compound, special binding components are added to it and mixed thoroughly. Resins are usually used for this purpose. Moreover, the ratio of the components of the should be maintained at 80% of the crumb + 20% of the resins. A slight deviation from the norm within the limits of ± 2% is allowed, which will painlessly affect the characteristics of the finished product, but no more. A significant reduction of marble in the composition will lead to a deterioration in performance properties.
And now we will consider the method used by unscrupulous manufacturers, thereby fooling customers. As a base in this case, not natural recycled stone is used, but quartz sand. This is a material that consists of small particles that have internal cavities. And, as is known, the more porous a material is, the less is its strength. Problems may arise in the future, for example, during the cutting of holes for drainage and overflow or piercing of the hydromassage system. Chipped and small cracks may form, which will eventually spread over the entire surface of the product.
Now for production technology. It consists of 5 main stages:- Form and Formwork Preparation. The quality of the form will depend on the dimensional accuracy and straightness of the flat sections of the product. Also, the characteristics of the formwork affect the uniformity of wall thickness. Therefore, decent manufacturers use very expensive and accurate forms for pouring, which, accordingly, increases the cost of the bath itself. There are both standard formwork and custom made, under a certain shape of the bowl. A very important step is the application of on the walls of the mold of a special mixture - gelcoat. This is a polymer composition that will serve as a protective layer of the bath surface, make it shiny and increase wear resistance. Its use is mandatory because the surface of the marble is very porous. If this moment was missed, the surface of the bath will quickly absorb contaminants, and will be exposed to dyes. Moreover, it will not be so smooth and attractive.
- The second stage is the preparation of the mixture, which we described above. We didn’t mention that the dye is added to it to give the desired shade. At this stage, there is also the likelihood of being deceived. Diligent manufacturers add the dye directly to the mix and knead all the ingredients together. In this case, the finished product will have the same color throughout the thickness. And even the holes for the drain will have colored walls. This greatly simplifies the repair of the bath in the future. It is possible that in case of careless use small scratches or chips may appear, but they will have a color identical to the entire surface and will not be evident. And to eliminate them, you only need to purchase a repair kit of the appropriate shade and use it yourself. Manufacturers who are trying to reduce the cost of the manufacturing process and make the price of their goods lower and more attractive do not add color to the mix. They apply a color coating only on the surface and protect it with a layer of gelcoat, at best. In this regard, when the formation of chips or deep scratches on a colored surface, they will have a distinctive light color and will be very noticeable.
- After all the preparatory work, the finished mixture is poured into the formwork. This process requires maintaining a certain level of temperature and humidity. Normal temperature is in the range of 18-23 ° C.Compliance with this condition is one of the key points, otherwise the uncontrolled deformation of the composition may occur. In the factory, the pouring process is performed on special vibration tables. A certain level of vibration helps to distribute the mixture evenly, to prevent the formation of voids and to achieve the necessary degree of shrinkage with the specified density parameters.
- At the same temperature, further drying and crystallization of the composition occurs.
- After the final curing, the formwork is removed, and the surface of the bath is subject to minor modifications, namely the removal of casting defects, grinding and polishing. Then the finished product is allowed to brew for a certain time to acquire the required strength indicators.
After such a simple, at first glance, process, marble baths take on their refined and perfect look.
2. The advantages and disadvantages of
Any product has a number of positive and negative points that you need to know. After all, these factors are decisive during the selection. Let's start with undeniable advantages baths of molded marble:
- Bath surface, subject to compliance with all stages of production, have very high strength and resistance to mechanical stress. Quality baths for a long time will maintain a perfectly flat and unharmed surface.
- Polymer-mineral base has a high level of abrasion.
- The ability to suppress the vibration of the surface will appeal to lovers of hydromassage. In contrast to acrylic ones, which quite noticeably transmit vibrations during the operation of a massage set, marble remain completely motionless. Thus, you can fully focus on the pleasure, and not on the trembling of the walls.
- Noiselessness, which is slightly, but superior to products made of acrylic, is maintained even when water falls from a great height. This will be relevant when using the shower systems from the “tropical rain” series.
- Like most composite materials, cast marble has high thermal insulation properties. This will significantly increase the cooling time of the water.
- The bath surface is pleasant to the touch and not cold due to the low level of thermal conductivity, which makes the operation process very pleasant.
- The properties of the material itself prevents the formation and growth of bacteria.
- The structural integrity of the material makes it possible to withstand considerable loads with small wall thicknesses.
- Cast marble is a dielectric.
- Cast marble products are resistant to many chemicals.
- A variety of color palette much more than acrylic.
- Imitation of color of any breed of natural stone is possible. This option is almost indistinguishable from products from the original material.
- When scratched or chipped, the surface is easily repairable without the need for disassembly.
The advantages speak for themselves and justify the cost of such baths. Now let's take a look at the deficiencies, the of which are much smaller:
- Some people argue that the care of the surface is much more complicated due to the inability to use abrasive cleaners. This is a controversial issue. After all, even if you rub the enamel of the steel bath with the hard side of the sponge, and even with the use of bulk solids, it will eventually lose its luster and become covered with small scratches. There is a special series of products for the care of baths of various materials, allowing you to maintain the purity and integrity of the surface at the same time. And due to the presence of a protective coating, the bath surface is very smooth, which prevents the accumulation of dirt. It can be concluded that complex care is due only to the acquisition of a poorly made product.
- The surface of cast marble does not tolerate prolonged contact with water. What is meant is not the adoption of water procedures itself, but what happens after. If your bath is installed even with a slight bias, this can make it difficult to drain from the bowl. Even small patches of water can leave traces in the form of yellow spots. It is rather the inadequate quality of the water supplied than the material itself. After all, the same thing will happen with any surface, but after a different period of time.
- Marble baths are afraid of hitting heavy objects. When falling, a rather large piece can break away. This problem can be solved, but it entails large expenses.
- AND The most significant disadvantage is the high cost of a quality product, which is exceeded only by products made of natural stone.
. After carefully analyzing the shortcomings of the , you can see that the last two points are the real disadvantages. The rest are caused by either improper care or improper installation and operation, so by deciding to purchase, you will get a really reliable and durable bathtub that perfectly complements the interior of the room with its luxurious look.
3. Tips for choosing the shape and size of the
A bath is the center of attention of the entire room, its key component that can both emphasize the features of a particular style and spoil the situation with an inappropriate shape or color. The variety of the shape of the bowl of baths from cast marble is much wider than natural. Anyone can choose for themselves the necessary option. The form directly depends on the installation method:
- Freestanding;
- Wall.
In the first case, the cup can be a true work of art, especially if it was made to order. This type of product is a bowl, which is located at a distance from the walls. In some cases, there are special legs, which can be of the most diverse shape and give a special chic. Its faces can be both straight and rounded. The edges can be asymmetrical, resembling sea waves. The silhouette itself can be oval, trapezoidal, almond-shaped, round, in the form of a polyhedron or asymmetric. Such models look very unusual. They are appropriately located in ’s spacious bathrooms. Usually they occupy a place of honor in the center of the room. Effectively complement non-standard font specially paved small pedestal and high floor crane. The disadvantage of of such an installation site is:
- Difficult connection of communications to drain holes, which should remain invisible.
- It is necessary to care not only for the inside, but also for the outer surface.
- Use a large amount of storage space.
The wall installation method due to its compactness means placing in small bathrooms . According to , the form of the bowl distinguishes between the following variants:
- Rectangular;
- Asymmetric;
- Quarter Circle;
- Corner.
All the above models can be equipped with a hydromassage system. The choice of a particular shape and size of the bowl will depend on the area of the room and your personal preferences.
As for the color solution, , two options are considered to be the most harmonious:- When a bathroom has a distinctive color and serves as a highlight of the room. In this case, the non-standard color of the product must be supported by several smaller details. For example, a wine-colored bowl may be supplemented with large candles of the same color and a large bath towel. Or a small rug and wall shelf of a similar shade. The surface may not necessarily be solid. It can imitate the color of natural stone or other materials. In this case, the bowl should be of a contrasting color with respect to the colors of the walls or the floor. Then you will achieve the desired effect, and all attention will be riveted only to the elegant bath.
- The second option is the most traditional - when the bowl color matches the overall color scheme of the bathroom. This interior looks harmonious and holistic. And the bathroom becomes its integral part. Usually the closest shade to the color of the walls is selected. But the floor can be a few tones darker.
Properly selected shape and color of the bowl will help to create a unique interior, which does not require additional decoration. After all, the impeccable appearance of the marble baths is already the main decoration of the room.
4. Rules for the maintenance and proper operation of the
Like any other product, baths of cast marble require careful attitude and proper maintenance. And as you know, the best care is prevention. To maintain their attractive appearance and avoid the formation of unwanted stains, you need to follow several simple rules:
- Use detergents specifically designed for this material. You will have to forget about hard abrasives for cleaning. Their cost is quite high, but the effect of using them will mitigate this disadvantage;
- After each bath, it is advisable to wash the surface with clean water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth;
- Surface cleaning with special detergents is not necessary immediately after bathing, once or twice a week is enough, depending on the frequency of use;
- Ensure that the water is completely drained from the bowl. Even small islets of water around the drain will cause yellow spots. In the early stages, they can be eliminated with the help of hydrogen peroxide in small quantities;
- Repair leakage of taps in time to avoid prolonged exposure of water to the same place. This can also cause staining and blotchiness;
- When purchasing such an expensive product, be sure to take care of the replacement of the old water supply. Rust particles or even worse, rust-stained water can leave visible marks. And the fight against rust on products made of cast marble is very difficult;
- In the case of mold or mildew, use liquid ammonia to eliminate them;
- If a persistent stain of dye has formed, you can try to remove it with a solvent. However, it is impossible to leave it on the surface for a long time, otherwise a white cloudy spot is formed. It is better to gently wipe the contaminated area with a cotton pad moistened with a solvent;
- . If, after washing colored items, you pour water into the bath, immediately rinse its surface with clean water to avoid soaking up the dye and the formation of colored stains;
- Marble surface is practically not subject to fading, but if it still happened, a special polish will help to return the original look.
Now as for small scratches or chips. On the surface of high-quality products, they practically do not form if there was no impact. If the surface of your bath is quickly wiped and covered with a mesh of small scratches, this indicates an improper manufacturing process or a manufacturer’s saving on the quality of the protective coating. Eliminate this will help re-polishing. Special kits for minor repairs will help eliminate small chips on their own. If the size of the chip or the depth of the scratch is large, it is better to take the help of experts.
5. The best manufacturers for consumer reviews
And the most important question, which manufacturer to trust and how not to spend an impressive amount in vain. After all, it is quite simple to be deceived; we have told you about this in detail in the description of the manufacturing process. The answer to this question is very is simple - you should not be tempted by the frankly low price of the product and it is better to give preference to well-known manufacturers who have long been present on the market. After analyzing a lot of consumer reviews, we can single out a couple of domestic manufacturers who have proven themselves on the positive side:
- Estet LLC, Kostroma. The main advantage of this company is the use of natural, domestic marble for the manufacture of basics of excellent quality. Already at this stage it is clear that the performance of the products will be top notch. The high density of the structure ensures a very long service life. It is worth noting that the side and end protective panels are also made of natural marble. will also be pleased with prices for finished products, which are about 25% lower than average market prices. This is due to the use of raw materials of domestic origin. A nice bonus will be fast delivery, which does not exceed 2 days from the date of order. There is only one minus - a limited model range, which nevertheless includes the most common forms of bowls.
- LLC Essay, Tyumen( baths ESSE).This domestic manufacturer also uses high quality natural stone for manufacturing. The company boasts a wide range of not only baths, but also shower trays. Prices are reasonable, below market. Production by the individual order of the client with performance of the non-standard sizes is possible. The disadvantage of the is a long production time - from 10 to 14 days and the delivery of products on order.
from European manufacturers can be divided into three representatives:
- SPN, Latvia is a company that uses only natural marble in its production. A wide range of products will appeal to the most selective buyer. Many models are always available in the company's warehouse in Moscow. It is worth noting that this is one of the few companies that produce colored models, as well as models that imitate the surface of natural stone. There is a limited number of exclusive models in a single copy. The company also produces molded onyx baths. The disadvantage of is the use of plastic as a material for the manufacture of side and end panels.
- Vispool, Latvia - similar to all previous companies uses natural materials. Most baths are freestanding models of modern design. Most of the model range repeats the products of the domestic company Essay, Tyumen. To , the disadvantages of include the highest cost compared to all manufacturers on the Russian market. The surface of products can imitate only one version of the stone - natural granite. Delivery of goods is carried out under the order and is 2-3 weeks from the date of order.
- Belux Ltd, Belarus, Zhodino. This company is a high-quality position, made from real marble chips in compliance with all mandatory production steps. The model range is quite diverse and interesting. The prices for the positions are quite reasonable, one can say low. The disadvantage of can be called a long delivery time - about 2 weeks. And all positions are made only under the order.
It is also worth mentioning a couple of manufacturers that use quartz sand as the base material, and their products are still called marble:
- Marmite, Poland - products of this company can be found in a warehouse in Moscow. The model range has a distinctive European design. And even despite the use of quartz sand, products have very high prices.
- LLC Astra-Form is a domestic manufacturer who tries to make its products as cheap as possible by using inappropriate material. When using sand it is impossible to achieve the required indicator of the structure density, air gaps are formed, which affects the level of strength and durability. The range of the company is very large and is also available in Moscow.
We introduced you to the most significant characteristics that affect the quality of the product, made recommendations regarding the maintenance and operation, and brought several proven manufacturers whose products meet the necessary conditions. Now your choice will definitely be successful. One thing is for sure - baths of cast marble will be appreciated by people who are used to comfort and practicality.
