What is Cast Marble?
Maybe you’ve heard of “Mincey” or seen cast marble products in your project specs. But what exactly is cast marble? For three decades, hotels have relied on Mincey for our high-quality showers. However, many outside of hospitality don’t know what it is or that it’s an ideal alternative to tile and fiberglass. Let's explore what makes it special, how it's made, and why it might be the right choice for your next project.
In a Nutshell
Cast marble showers are made up of panels (vs. individual tiles or fiberglass all-in-one units). The material is made from ground stone and polyester resin. We pour this mixture into molds and let it cure. The result? A solid, non-porous material that looks beautiful without the maintenance of tile or the cheap look of fiberglass.
The Manufacturing Process
1. MOLD DESIGN: Cast marble panels and pans are created from molds, and we have thousands of them! The molds themselves contain the actual design - and texture - of the panel or pan. At Mincey, we're constantly creating new patterns and sizes to meet our customers' needs.
2. SELECTING RAW MATERIALS: Making cast marble starts with selecting the best materials. At Mincey, we use locally ground stone combined with polyester resin, all from suppliers in the U.S.
3. SPRAYING: A sophisticated machine sprays the mold with a gel coat— similar to what's used on boats. This ensures your shower panels and pans are non-porous and permanently sealed, making them resistant to mold, mildew, and stains.
4. MIXING: Raw materials are combined in a computer-controlled mixing machine. Polyester resin is crucial, because it binds with the ground stone, making the final product strong and durable. The resulting mixture has a consistency similar to concrete.
5. POURING: Once the gel coat on the mold is dry, we pour the mixture onto the mold.
6. CURING: Once the mixture is in the mold, it undergoes a curing process. During curing, the cast marble hardens and solidifies. This stage is critical as it determines the final strength and durability of the product.
7. FINISHING: We then remove the marble from the mold, inspect it, and finish it to ensure top-notch quality. All Mincey panels have finished edges, eliminating the need for trim and reducing labor costs onsite.
8. PACKAGING: Finally, we package your panels and pans into custom-designed crates, seal them, and wrap them for protection before shipping them directly to your job site.
Material Advantages
Once onsite, panels are trimmed and installed with cast marble adhesive or silicone. Shower pans are one-piece, solid, and heavy enough that they're simply placed in the shower and hooked up to the plumbing.
Say goodbye to hours spent on mudding, setting, curing, grouting, and sealing. Our products are groutless, non-porous, and permanently sealed, ensuring a hassle-free installation and lasting durability. For an even easier installation, contact one of our certified installers.
Once your showers are complete, you never have to worry about grouting or resealing. EVER. Daily cleaning is simple with soap and water or even a window cleaner.
Versatility
One of the remarkable things about cast marble is its ability to create a wide range of designs. At Mincey, we can develop patterns that look just like tile. We can also create molds with texture for high-end designs and grout that looks and feels real.
Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, modern look or something more traditional, our cast marble can meet your specific design needs. Its ability to create intricate designs and texture makes cast marble a luxurious yet low-maintenance choice for hotels, apartments, and other commercial settings.
Learn more about the benefits of cast marble.