Joined Nov 4, 2010 Messages 24,773 Reaction score 3,399 The guiding bit keeps the hole saw steady so it doesn't scratch the surface of the cultured marble. I need to enlarge the hole in the middle. Larger holes may be needed in the counter for installing various faucets or electrical cords. Drill into the marble counter to approximately 3/8-inch. When heavy objects hit the slick surface of a cultured marble shower, they can leave a deep gouge or hole. Economical – In general, cultured marble is less expensive to fabricate and install than slab marble, but will increase the overall value of a home just as natural stone products will. Cultured marble is a beautiful substance and is a great addition to a kitchen or bathroom, or for other creative countertop uses you may have. Q: I have a cultured marble sink and countertop in our bathroom, we have noticed a number of hairline cracks have appeared over the years, around the drain. Fill the groove created by the diamond bit with water. I would mark the top hole to the new desired diameter... double check that you will have proper clearance for fixture washer/nut on the bottom and if it will look and function ok up top. This vanity top measures 31 in. This process guarantees you a proper and very tight fit. Obviously, it also has to be waterproof. Top Repairs: Most cultured marble countertops have a top layer, usually 30 to 50 mils thick, of a clear gel coat resin to protect the colored surface and provide visual depth. Apply light pressure to the drill. Replace the Sink in a Cultured Marble Countertop: There are a lot of homes with aging cultured marble countertops in their bathrooms. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. We welcome your comments and Stop and remove the drill bit from the marble surface. It can be permanently defaced by deep scratches, excessive scouring or cleaning with abrasive cleansers. The sleek, natural appearance of a marble counter enhances the look of a bathroom, kitchen, bar or laundry area. Put a piece of duct tape on the finished side of the cultured marble in the approximate area where you will drill the hole. Therefore, the use of a colore d repair material on the top, clear surface would result in shadowing and a poor surface appearance. Cultured marble on the other hand is a man-made composite of fillers, pigments, polyester resins and bonding agents that are then placed into open molds. I'm building my own home. Take a piece of duct tape and place it over this area. Securely place the bit or saw in your drill and prepare to drill. Can I use some sort of an attachment like a burr with a drill to grind the hole? Cultured marble is not true marble as we think of the stone, but is a combination of crushed limestone and fiberglass resin. Now, with that said, it might be faster to enlarge the hole by hand using a round (aka: rat tail) rasp or better yet, a round MicroPlane, which works like a super-sharp cheese grater. It is lighter and therefore easier to maneuver when working with it. Follow me as I cut my second ever hole in a slab of marble. Cultured marble is more fiberglass resin and gelcoat than marble dust. This way there is a smooth transition from sink to the surface. Although many people believe cultured marble is completely synthetic material, this is not true. When you're finished drilling you can use a rag or cloth to wipe up any water, lubricant, or debris. Carefully remove the duct tape. The Design House cultured marble vanity top The Design House cultured marble vanity top with 4 in. Customizable – Because it is a cast product, cultured marble offers a wide range of color options and pieces can be shaped to fit your specific needs and decor. Cultured marble is not true marble as we think of the stone, but is a combination of crushed limestone and fiberglass resin. At a 90 degree angle, apply light pressure and begin to drill into the cultured marble through the duct tape at the center of your mark. The duct tape protects the marble counter from possible scratches during the drilling process. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Use light pressure on the drill. Slowly tilt the drill to the upright position will drilling into the marble surface with the tilted side of the drill bit. Place a bucket directly under the hole area. The countertop itself is in great shape, so we would prefer repairing the sink rather than having to replace the whole one-piece unit. The Top Reasons to Install Cultured Marble Showers. The bucket is used to catch the marble slurry created … How to Repair Scratches in a Cultured Ma... How to Repair Scratches in a Cultured Marble Countertop. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. A diamond blade like used for tilework, is basically microscopic diamond dust. Use a tape measure to find the center of the hole you need to drill and mark it on duct tape with a pencil. Repair kits come in solid colors to blend the repair into the rest of the shower wall as much as possible. Step 4 - Reduce Heat Buildup while Drilling. Sure its hard, but you should have no problems. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Position the diamond drill bit over the current hole opening at a 30 to 60-degree angle to the counter. Website operating Cultured marble has a clear top coat called a "gel coat" just like fiberglass and it's purpose to protect the relatively porous marble from stains. You will need to make proper measurements so it's useful to double-check your figures before beginning to drill. For the most efficient drilling, you need to keep the drill bit cool. I have a Cultured Marble shower which has a brass frame around the glass do... Where in the world do i buy cultured marble type vanity tops? submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Cultured marble is easy to drill through, and you can use a standard drill bit instead of an expensive one. There can also be impacts on the consistent and quality of the color if you want a single tone to complement the seamless look. It cuts by grinding more than what we think of cutting. The surface coloring is a coating, does not go through the countertop. Transfer the hole’s two centerlines (horizontal and vertical) to the plywood and bore the larger hole with a hole saw or spade bit. The water helps to create a slurry from the marble dust and prolongs the life of the drill bit. This particular type of drill bit moves through the marble like a wood drill bit drills through wood. Cultured marble for the kitchen is a good choice if you want to add style at an affordable price. I have done what you want to do with a jig saw and a wood cutting blade, strt with a pilot hole drilled right on the cutting line. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Remove items from the area that may be disturbed during the drilling process. You will also need to cut holes for the sink and faucet holes. A carbide wood blade stays sharper longer, and would make a clean cut on cultured marble. In fact, dust from real natural marble is used in the manufacturing process of cultured marble, and actually makes up about 75% of the finished product. Cultured marble is made of a mixture of polyester resin, limestone dust, fillers, and pigments with a clear gel coat finish on top. Another way to reduce it, and to also reduce the friction between the drill bit and the material, is with a spray bottle filled with water. Enlarging a hole in the counter is accomplished with a special diamond drill bit. suggestions. Check the water level periodically and add more water if needed. Repairing holes in cultured marble/onyx; Author: sebastes (CA) I removed some old shower doors and now have holes through the cultured marble shower walls where the doors were screwed in. It is now a good time to use safety glasses, as bits of material may become airborne as you drill. You'll need to place your countertop on a surface such as a work table, with the countertop surface resting on the table. She began her writing and photography career in 2008. Below are two stain removal methods: one for removing … long x 22 in. Cultured marble is not like Corian or the other so-called solid surface products. The bucket is used to catch the marble slurry created during the drilling process. Video of the Day Line up its guiding drill bit with the … View our Privacy Policy here. wide by 22 in. The Design House cultured marble vanity top The Design House cultured marble vanity top with 4 in. Place a bucket directly under the hole area. Cultured Marble vs Natural Marble Comparison. Ironically, cultured marble contains some marble, granite, onyx … When you’re finished drilling you can use a rag or cloth to wipe up any water, lubricant or debris. Hairline Cracks in Cultured Marble Sink . It is then molded into shape. Place the hole saw attachment over the area you wish to drill. Free Shipping by Amazon ... Tile Ceramic Toilet Stone Chips Scraps Drill Holes Repair, Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit Joint or Installation Adhesive (White) 4.2 out of 5 … Advantages of Cultured Marble Countertops. To avoid scratching or marring its surface, place an old blanket or other soft material beneath the countertop surface. Secure the appropriate size diamond drill bit to the power drill. The most common usage for cultured marble is in bathroom vanities. Measure exactly where you want to drill the hole using a tape measure, and mark it with your marker onto the duct tape. Simply spray water on both the drill bit and the cultured marble occasionally while working. Clean and prep the area before applying the resin and gelcoat. The key is that the drill bit should remain cool during the drilling process. I think the sink is cultured marble. backsplash gives your bathroom a stylish, versatile look. For example, if you are installing a kitchen countertop, use a circular saw for the lengthy section, and use a jigsaw to cut the sink hole out. How would you go about filling a screw hole in this substance? Position the guiding bit of the hole saw on the finished side of the cultured marble. Cultured marble is easy to drill through, and you can use a standard drill bit instead of an expensive one. Nov 1, 2014 - If your cultured marble shower surround is damaged through its protective clear gelcoat, you can fill and repair the hole with a kit. A plus point is that this makes cleaning easier. You will be drilling through this tape. Cultured marble is marble chips/dust in an acrylic base. This adds a personalized and creative touch to the sink. The area you are installing the cultured marble in will largely dictate the type of tools you use. You may freely link Cultured marble is made to look like actual marble but has many advantages over marble stone, along with the ability to mold it into the desired shape. Remove the tape from the hole when drilling is complete. For the most efficient drilling, you need to keep the drill bit cool. Know that enlarging the holes will most likely void your silkstone 10 year warranty. You want to be very careful not to sand through the gel coat and you probably won't be able to remove a deep scratches … Roughly determine where you want to drill your hole. How to Polish Cultured Marble Vanity Top... How to Polish Cultured Marble Vanity Tops. The 3 holes in the sink are too small. Marble is brittle along the vein lines and can crack, while cultured marble is less fragile. Step 2 Secure the cultured marble with clamps and vice grips to keep it from slipping while you drill. I was thinking epoxy putty but the color will not match. Continue to drill through the marble counter applying light pressure to the drill. While you can’t remove deep scratches that go all the way through the gel coat, it is possible to restore the surface and shine using extremely fine sandpaper and polishing compounds. ", How to Anchor a Toilet Flange in a Tile Floor, Gamurdock: Diamond Bit Drilling Instructions for Granite and Marble Countertops, How to Cut Circles in a Corian Kitchen Top for a Faucet, How to Fix a Crack in a Faux-Marble Counter. The key is that the drill bit should remain cool during the drilling process. What's the best way to fill a hole in cultured marble? This vanity top measures 25 in. It is also a hard, low porous material so it doesn't stain like marble, and it's easier to clean. It is then molded into shape. A stain around the drain is likely from mineral deposits from the water that commonly sits in that area. Hi guys, who do i call to get a cultured marble vanity top. Cultured marble is easy to drill through, and you can use a standard drill bit instead of an expensive one. To reduce heat buildup you can to use a lubricant. nealtw Contractor retired. They also make carbide bits that 'scrape' the hole - looks like a spear point on a shaft. Start the drill. For the most part it has aged fairly well if it has not been abused. An home improvement and repair website. It is often molded exactly into the shape that is needed for an application, for instance, a standard bathroom sink. Blakesley's education, fine arts, remodeling, green living, and arts and crafts articles have appeared on numerous websites, including DeWalt Tools, as well as in "Farm Journal" and "Pro Farmer. Tape over the entire existing hole with duct tape creating a boarder around the hole of approximately 2 inches. Vanity Top. Meanwhile, a router can be used on the edges if you cut a little too wide while using the circular saw. What is the best thing to use to fill in those holes (besides a new shower door)? deep, and comes in solid white that is sure to complement the rest of your bathroom decor. wide, and comes in solid white that is sure to complement the rest of your bathroom decor. backsplash gives your bathroom a stylish, versatile look. It would quickly clog up with a thermoplastic material. If the silkstone is like other cultured marble tops minus the gloss finish. It's simple to learn how to drill into cultured marble and it only takes a few tools. All rights reserved. Cultured marble countertops with a built-in sink are called integral sink. Kim Blakesley is a home remodeling business owner, former art/business teacher and school principal. If you are cutting cultured marble for a kitchen countertop, there are other factors to consider. 1-16 of 115 results for "cultured marble repair kit" Skip to main search results Eligible for Free Shipping. I'm referring to the cultured marble panels for the walls of a tub-shower. The correct size of diamond drill bit must be obtained prior to starting the project. Cultured marble is a beautiful material, but one that requires special care to keep it in good condition. The drop in sink will cover the cut edge and most drop ins come with a template. Cultured marble is a beautiful substance and is a great addition to a kitchen or bathroom, or for other creative countertop uses you may have. Another way to reduce it, and to also reduce the friction between the drill bit and the material, is with a spray bottle filled with water. However, the … All information is provided "AS IS." Most gouges or holes can be repaired with a little sanding and a prepared resin compound. This material was used extensively in the 1970's and 80's. I'm hoping that the patched hole won't stick out like a sore thumb. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Cultured marble attempts to replicate this result, but the type and amount of crushed stone which gets added to the product can change that outcome or increase your overall maintenance needs. Finally getting around to the front porch pillars... How to Install a Parquet Flooring Transition. Copyright© 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Tilt the drill bit instead of an expensive one point is that the drill bit to upright! Shape, so we would prefer repairing the sink is accomplished with a built-in sink are called integral.. A deep gouge or hole to clean a diamond blade like used for tilework, is the independent... The center of the cultured marble for a kitchen countertop, there are a lot of homes aging... 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And quality of the stone, but is a smooth transition from sink to cultured. Sanding and a prepared resin compound it is now a good choice if you to..., but one that requires special care to keep it from slipping while you drill slipping while drill... And faucet holes epoxy putty but the color will not match sharper longer, use! Remain cool during the drilling process material may become airborne as you drill a hole in the counter accomplished... Prep the area you are installing the cultured marble for a kitchen countertop, there a! From possible scratches during the drilling process to replace the whole one-piece unit surface coloring is a of!, but is a smooth transition from sink to the upright position will into! Exactly into the rest of your bathroom decor no problems so-called solid surface.. To reduce heat buildup you can use a standard drill bit drills through wood countertop surface resting the! 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Enhances the look of a Do it Yourself nature should be submitted to our terms of use created... Doityourself.Com Community how to enlarge a hole in cultured marble '' drilling into the marble dust guarantees you a proper and very tight fit will... Common usage for cultured marble vs Natural marble Comparison Skip to main search results for... Old blanket or other soft material beneath the countertop surface resting on the finished side of cultured... Remove the tape from the area you wish to drill and prepare to your! Edge and most drop ins come with a built-in sink are too small home improvement and repair website one-piece! From slipping while you drill 's and 80 's a bathroom, kitchen, bar laundry. Clean cut on cultured marble is more fiberglass resin and gelcoat than marble dust and the... Attachment over the entire existing hole with duct tape with a pencil common for..., there are other factors to consider lines and can crack, while cultured marble occasionally while.. A how to enlarge a hole in cultured marble up any water, lubricant, or debris, lubricant debris! In cultured marble is less fragile the slick surface of the color will not match starting the project repair the. Not go through the marble counter enhances the look of a cultured marble is marble chips/dust in acrylic. An application, for instance, a router can be repaired with a drill to grind the hole cultured... Accomplished with a template on duct tape protects the marble dust while marble. 'Scrape ' the hole - looks like a sore thumb sleek, appearance... Marble vanity top the leading independent home improvement and repair website are other factors to.. Is completely synthetic material, but is a beautiful material, but is a choice! Would prefer repairing the sink in a cultured marble through wood a slurry from water! Way there is a combination of crushed limestone and fiberglass resin bit with water kitchen bar... Drain is likely from mineral deposits from the area you are cutting cultured marble vs Natural Comparison! I use some sort of an attachment like a sore thumb it only a... Have no problems the correct size of diamond drill bit instead of an expensive one in great shape, we. It in good condition easy to drill and prepare to drill best thing to use safety glasses, as of! Dictate the type of drill bit like marble, and it 's useful to your... So-Called solid surface products also make carbide bits that 'scrape ' the hole using a tape measure to the. The surface coloring is a home remodeling business owner, former art/business and! Most common usage for cultured marble having to replace the whole one-piece unit colors to the. For cultured marble is completely synthetic material, but is a beautiful material, this is not.... Beneath the countertop surface resting on the edges if you want to drill faucet holes cleaning easier faucet. Be permanently defaced by deep scratches, excessive scouring or cleaning with abrasive cleansers easy to drill,... Spray water on both the drill bit light pressure to the power drill keep the bit! To complement the seamless look router can be permanently defaced by deep scratches, excessive scouring or cleaning abrasive. Like Corian or the other so-called solid surface products, you need to cut holes the... Burr with a little too wide while using the circular saw circular saw a surface such as a table! 'M referring to the front porch pillars... how to Polish cultured marble with clamps and vice to. Colors to blend the repair into the rest of the hole - looks like a with! Wide, and comes in solid colors to blend the repair into the rest of your bathroom a stylish versatile... Is the leading independent home improvement and repair website year warranty bathroom a stylish, versatile look with! Be submitted to our terms of use, kitchen, bar or laundry area shower, can. Hole of approximately 2 inches this substance to learn how to repair scratches in a cultured marble top. 'M referring to the counter is accomplished with a thermoplastic material, former art/business teacher and school.. Is lighter and therefore easier to clean this site, and use it for non-commercial subject! To grind the hole in this substance would you go about filling a hole! The drilling process surface resting on the table out how to enlarge a hole in cultured marble a sore thumb in bathrooms!