Hello,
We just had new honed carrera marble countertops installed. There is a sublte 3 inch wide or so darkening all around the undermount stainless steel sink.
The installer says this is from moisture in the caulk seeping through.
Is this normal? Will it go away? I really hope so after what he charged.
thanks.
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Replies
I've never seen that, but I've only seen Carrera with stainless sinks once or twice. It's not often used on counters around here because it's so susceptible to staining.
If it's moisture it should dissipate in a few days. Don't finish paying him until then. If the stain doesn't go away insist he replace it or remove it and refund your money.
Certain oil scan stain through marble being its so soft and porus...you're using marble for a kitchen counter??? ut oh
You better seal it REALLY well!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFexyK8J1Iw
http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Who advised you to use carrerra marble on a sink counter? I can hardly think of anything les unsuitable. Get ready to live with lots of stains.
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Carrera is semi-translucent and has to be back-buttered to avoid 'seeing things' through the stone - the thinner the piece (like tile) the truer this is.
Jeff
The fact that you said "caulk" worries me. That joint should be seal with silicone. If he used plumber's putty, the marble may be permanently stained.
White marble counter tops - very brave!
Good Luck,
Jerry
You don't consider Silicone to be caulking?
Agreed on the plumber's putty."This is a process, not an event."--Sphere
Yes, I suppose silicone is a type of caulking. Maybe it's regional, or maybe it's just me, but I think of something other than silicone when I hear caulk. When I speak of silicone I say 'silicone' not caulk.I'll accept that I could be wrong in the above description, but the point is: certain adhesives and caulks (especially any containing oil of any kind) can permanently soak into and stain marble (especially white marble). Light colored marbles can also be translucent, but since the OP said the discoloration appears to be 3" wide, I suspect it is a stain.Jerry
Agree with one of the other posts, probably the wrong sealer used on the sink, you never use putty on marble and you have to make sure that what you use is compatable. I think that you have to get the original installer to correct the prob. if possible, lots of luck.
"If all else fails, read the directions"
I agree with a mix 'n match of what has been offered to you already.
I'd have first recommended sealing the bottom face of the marble around the perimeter of the sink to prevent the sealant from staining the marble. You could have used the same food-safe sealer that you used (or did you not use?) on the top working surface of the marble.
As difficult as it can be at times, I would have used 100% siicone and not a latex or siliconized latex sealant at the sink. I could certainly be mistaken, but I don't believe that 100% will wick into and discolor the marble as the others would.
And ditto Jeff regarding a continuous backer of some sort to prevent shadows from below from telegraphing through to the top surface of the marble. That does depend on the thickness of the slab, etc.
I do hope things work out for you.
Mongo