DO YOU NEED TO SEAL YOUR CALACATTA MARBLE BACKSPLASH?
When it comes to choosing a natural stone for your kitchen, countertops often get all of the glory. However, your kitchen backsplash can be a focal point to show off your design choices.
Homeowners who want their kitchens to have an elegant, striking appearance may choose a Calacatta marble backsplash. Its beautiful white color and dramatic veins make it a desirable option. Of course, if you’re going to invest in Calacatta marble, it’s important to understand what makes it special, what type of maintenance it needs, and the product you’ll need to protect it from damage.
WHAT IS CALACATTA MARBLE?
Calacatta marble is a special type of marble found in the mountains near Carrara, Italy. Because of its geographical origins, it is sometimes confused with Carrara marble. The two types of marble have similarities. Both are primarily white, although Carrara marble has more gray coloring in it than Calacatta marble. The veins in Calacatta marble are thicker and more dramatic than the veins in Carrara marble, as well.
While Calacatta marble is a great choice for a backsplash, it has its challenges as a kitchen countertop. It is slightly more porous than other varieties of marble and thus, more vulnerable to damage.
As you might suspect, given Calacatta marble’s rarity and beautiful appearance, it is significantly more expensive than other types of marble—sometimes costing upwards of $250 a square foot. It’s important to be wary of some unscrupulous sellers who may try to pass off less expensive marbles as Calacatta.
WHAT CAN DAMAGE CALACATTA MARBLE?
Marble is not as durable as some other kinds of stone. Calacatta marble is more porous than other types of marble and as a result, more vulnerable to damage.
The most common types of damage to Calacatta marble are:
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Staining. Calacatta marble is mostly white and prone to stains if not properly cared for. Some of the things that may stain your Calacatta marble are fruit or vegetable juices, coffee, tea or red wine. Some cleaning products—particularly those that contain dyes—may also be a problem.
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Acid etching. Any substance that contains acid, like lemon juice or corrosive cleaners, can potentially etch your Calacatta marble backsplash. For example, citric acid and vinegar are commonly used in kitchen cleaners but are not recommended for use on marble surfaces.
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Scratches. While marble isn’t the softest stone, it is not immune to scratches and chipping. You should never cut directly on marble surfaces and avoid cleaning your backsplash with abrasive tools like steel wool or wire brushes.
WHY SEALING YOUR CALACATTA MARBLE BACKSPLASH IS A SMART CHOICE
Now that we know the challenges with Calacatta marble, we also have to consider the beating that a backsplash takes. From steamy pots of soup to a homemade tomato sauce, it’s a given that your backsplash will be splashed by liquids and foods—some of them highly pigmented! The best way to keep your Calacatta marble backsplash and marble countertops clean and looking beautiful is to seal them with a safe and effective marble sealer.
The marble sealer you choose should be:
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Easy and quick to apply
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Nontoxic and free of noxious chemicals
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Safe for use in your kitchen and around the food you eat
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Safe for children and household pets
Sealing your marble backsplash will help it stay clean and make those bound-to-happen splashes and spills very easy to wipe away with a damp cloth.
An important note: many marble sealers on the market contain dangerous chemicals. They may give off toxic fumes when they are applied, making them less than ideal for use in your family kitchen. Look for a sealer that is free of toxic chemicals and designed to be used in the spaces where you and your family spend the most time, including your kitchen.
Calacatta marble is a beautiful option for your kitchen backsplash provided you treat it well and use the right marble sealer to protect it. If you do, it will continue impressing you and your guests for years to come.
