What ideas do you have to help protect my new marble countertops?

Question

Hey fellow Foodies! I am remodeling a home and have purchased gorgeous honed marble countertops. Of course, I am now hearing all the horror stories of how easy they are to ruin. I have been on Food52 looking for attractive items that can help (like a beautiful mat to place the espresso maker in when I use it so coffee doesn’t stain the marble). I’m having it well-sealed. I know not to let lemon juice, vinegar and other acids get on the counter (and good grief - it’s the kitchen!). I’m especially worried about oil as I have yet to find the container that doesn’t leak down the side! I’ll use cutting boards, etc. What tips, ideas or products do you recommend? Maybe you know of a leakproof and beautiful oil dispenser bottle? Bonus if I can get them on Food52. Thanks so much for your help!

Miss_Karen · Answer

You're welcome.  I used to work in a place that I had to know/ suggest places all over Colorado Springs area.

Sheppard · Answer

Yes, when I called they told us about the cold/snowy. Snow is but more difficult to nail but time can get the cold! Thanks for the tip about feeding day!

Miss_Karen · Answer

The wolves are more active when it's cold/snowy.

Miss_Karen · Answer

Yes. It's cool. Go on the last tour of the day on a 'feeding day.' (They don't feed them every day...) These tips will give tou the best experience.
The sign for the turn out is tricky to find. You WILL pass it & have to turn around..(Everyone does.)

Sheppard · Answer

Thank you! I recently moved here from Arizona and am still finding my places. This is really helpful! Have you been to the Wolf Sanctuary outside Colorado Springs?

Miss_Karen · Answer

Boulder?! I live in Colorado Springs... Try the Peppermill Kitchen shop (on Pearl St?) or The Cupboard in Fort Collins. There is also a chain called Oil &amp;amp; Vinegar. They have lots of locations.

Sheppard · Answer

Thank you, Wendy! I will absolutely post photos when it’s done.

Wendy · Answer

Sheppard,

I live in Canada, but just recalled that I heard of product from Italy that protects marble but was unavailable where I live, however I remembered the name and it is available is the US. https://www.stoneguardusa.com/
I have no experience with this product so I can not recommend, but you may be interested in considering it.
I am sure your kitchen will be spectacular, please post a photo when it’s complete, I would love to see it!

Sheppard · Answer

Thank you! And I fear I may rue the day I chose this one. It’s too late as it’s at the fabricator. Based on what you noted above, I think I’m going to get some silicone mats and place them on each side of the stove top when I cook. Maybe that will keep splatter stains at bay. The good news is that this marble has multiple colors in it. Some of the stains will add to its character. It’s the round rim of a red wine glass or coffee/tea mug that will bother me!

Sheppard · Answer

Thank you! Yes I have had difficulty with th plastic ones as well. I bought a gorgeous one from a craft market but the potter could not figure out the seal. Now it’s a lovely vase! I find an oil/vinegar store here in Boulder. Thanks again!

Miss_Karen · Answer

I can't help much with the counter, but perhaps with your oil bottle dilemma. I bought a couple of metal &amp;amp; rubber(not plastic) pour spouts. The go into most bottles like a cork. I don't  have issues with spillage ever. Any quality oil/vinegar shop or liquor store should carry them. The ones with the little flap/lid are kinda nice, but not as readily available.

Wendy · Answer

Sheppard,That is a gorgeous slab of marble! I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if you are actually going to cook in your kitchen, it will never stay like that. Have you thought of using it as a backsplash and using Caesarstone for your counter? You still have to reseal regularly and watch tomato sauce splatters but it may stay beautiful a lot longer…Also, I have a rubber mat under my Speedster espresso machine and it has left a permanent stain on my counter top. If I could do my kitchen over again, I would order a custom stainless plate to fit under and then have silicone underneath but that may leave a stain also.

What ideas do you have to help protect my new marble countertops?

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