I have a gray marble backsplash behind my bathroom sink. I hate the color. is there anyway to cange it.?

elizabethv2867 · 02-09-2009, 07:54 PM

can it be stained a different color or can it be painted? my colors are a creamy yellow and a soft green with a white countertop

DIYDoc1069 · 02-09-2009, 09:06 PM

Being second in hardness only to granite, marble does take on natural stains, from rust, mineral deposits etc. but it's not strictly absorbent. I guess I'm curious as to why the backsplash is a different color than the counter top? What is the substance of the White countertop? It sounds like it isn't cultured marble, or a one piece sink backsplash unit, why not just remove and replace the gray?. Though it isn't a substance that has to be fired and glazed like Ceramic tile, it won't take paint very well, no matter any claims made. Similar to ceramic,,, marble, is like glass, in as much as anything you apply to it will be subject to abuses, scratches, peeling, etc.Steven WolfJust my 2 "sense"

Marble

MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS

This standard includes general information on the characteristics
and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems
associated with the material.

INTRODUCTION

Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite
(CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of
limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic
processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone
with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite
porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high
polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and
sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially
polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects
of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed,
is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is
readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the
actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the
acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds
react differently with marble and produce various by-products,
which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability
of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine
the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration.

Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the
other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid
attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the
brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red,
yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition.

TYPICAL USES

Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for
outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture
it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative
features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is
used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of
exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the
feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not
the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage
to which marble is susceptible.

stonefab89533668 · 02-09-2009, 10:18 PM

I do not know what color it will turn, but it will stain. You may have to dry sand the finish off and will not be able to polish it back, it will be a matte finish. But you can hand sand with 120 grit sand-paper, this will change the look, then try either tea or coffee to stain. If this does not get it, get a stain of Min-wax wood stain. Final buff with scotch brite.