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Marble Countertop Material Acknowledgement and Waiver

1. The Natural Characteristics of Marble

Marble is a beautiful, classic, natural stone, but it is fundamentally different from harder, more durable countertop materials like granite or engineered quartz. The Client understands and acknowledges the following inherent characteristics of marble:

  • Softness and Scratching: Marble is a relatively soft stone (comprised mainly of calcite) and is susceptible to scratching, chipping, and abrasion from daily use. Placing abrasive items, sliding objects, or dropping heavier items will likely cause visible damage.

  • Porosity and Staining: Marble is naturally porous. While a premium sealer is applied (as detailed in Section 2), marble remains susceptible to staining from oils, grease, coffee, wine, colored spices, and other common household substances if spills are not cleaned promptly.

  • ⚠️ ACID SENSITIVITY (ETCHING) - CRITICAL WARNING ⚠️

  • Marble is vulnerable to etching. This is a permanent chemical reaction where acidic substances dull and damage the stone's polished or honed finish, leaving a visible mark.

  • The premium sealant we apply does NOT prevent etching or scratching.

  • Common household items that cause etching include: Citrus juices (lemon, lime, orange), Vinegar, Alcoholic beverages, Carbonated drinks, Tomato products, and certain cleaning products.

  • Natural Imperfections: As a product of nature, marble slabs contain variations in color, veining, pattern, and texture. These natural characteristics, which may include fissures (natural hairline cracks), pits, or differences in finish, are not considered defects but are inherent to the material and are to be expected.

2. Mandatory Sealing with STAIN-PROOF™ Premium Sealer

Due to the high-use environment of a kitchen, Russo Stone Design, LLC requires the use of a premium, deep-penetrating sealant for all marble kitchen countertop installations.

  • Mandatory Kitchen Sealer: If the Client chooses marble for their kitchen countertops, an additional charge will be added to the project cost for the application of the STAIN-PROOF™ Premium Impregnating Sealer (or equivalent product specified for dense stone).

  • STAIN-PROOF™ Warranty: This sealer comes with a 15-Year Performance Warranty directly from the manufacturer (STAIN-PROOF™/DryTreat), provided it is applied by an Accredited Applicator (Russo Stone Design, LLC, or its representative) and the surface is maintained according to the manufacturer's care guidelines.

  • Warranty Limitation: The Client understands that the STAIN-PROOF™ warranty covers resistance to permanent staining from oil and water-based liquids but expressly excludes damage from acid etching, scratching, chipping, or other physical wear and tear.

3. Maintenance and Care

The Client understands and agrees to adhere to the following care requirements for their marble countertops:

  • Spill Protocol: Wipe up all spills immediately, especially acidic liquids, to prevent etching and staining.

  • Cleaning: Only use a pH-neutral, stone-specific cleaner. Harsh, acidic, or abrasive cleaners must never be used.

  • Protection: Always use cutting boards for food preparation and trivets or hot pads for hot pots, pans, or dishes.

  • Maintenance: The Client is responsible for adhering to the manufacturer's maintenance system (including using specific cleaning products) to keep the 15-year warranty valid.

4. Client Acknowledgment and Company Protection

The Client acknowledges and agrees to the following:

  1. I have been thoroughly educated by Russo Stone Design, LLC regarding the unique characteristics and inherent vulnerabilities of Natural Marble, including the high risk of etching from common household acids.

  2. I understand that even with the application of the STAIN-PROOF™ sealer, acid etching will still occur if acidic materials come into contact with the surface.

  3. I have been advised that Granite, Quartzite, or Engineered Quartz are more durable, scratch-resistant, and etch-resistant alternatives.

  4. Acknowledging the detailed warning and the necessary premium sealing charge, I've decided to move forward with Natural Marble for my project.

  5. I understand that damage such as scratches, chips, and etching are common occurrences with marble, and that such damage is not covered by the STAIN-PROOF™ warranty and is not considered a defect in the material or the installation process.

  6. I waive all rights to hold Russo Stone Design, LLC liable for any aesthetic changes, wear and tear, or damage (including but not limited to scratches, chips, etching, and staining) that occur after the installation is complete.