The Tulip Marble Table, 10 Maintenance tips

In 1957, Eero Saarin launched his Tulip Collection to correct what he referred to as the “ugly, confusing, unrestful world resulting from the slum of legs underneath typical chairs and tables”. Resting on a single pedestal beneath the center of his chairs and tables, this design was made possible through the use of new technology and materials used for the construction of furniture. The table remains a favorite still today, and the accompanying Tulip Chair became legendary when it was used as the bridge chairs on the “USS Enterprise” of the TV series “Star Trek”. The smooth lines of Tulip Marble Table are constructed of cast aluminum with a white veined marble top. Marble inspires visions of the grandeur of the architecture of the Greek and Roman empires, however, if it is not maintained it will eventually look like those fabled ruins. These basics will see to it that the beauty of this exquisite top endures for year after year:

• Bear in mind that marble is merely reconstituted limestone and is actually very soft and porous. Treating it with special care will ensure that this table remains pleasing on the eye – repairs are costly.

• Your marble top was sealed during the manufacture of the table. The clear seal not only provides basic protection from stains, but allows you the time to remove spills before they turn into stains. Nevertheless, removing any spills on the surface is of prime importance.

• The sealer will last around three years, depending on the amount of use and maintenance on the table. Avoid using wax polish as it will cause white marble to yellow in time.

• As with any other surface, prevention is better than cure, so protect your surfaces from everyday abuse. Use coasters, plate holders and placemats wherever possible. Calcium and other minerals in water will eventually begin to etch into a marble surface and can leave permanent rings that will only be removed with sanding and buffing. Protect the surface of the marble from coming in contact with abrasive substances.

• Protect the surface from contact with hot dishes, roasting pans and cookware by using pot stands and mats. Fit soft protectors to the underside of pot stands to ensure that they don’t scratch the surface.

• In the event of spills and accidents, clean up as quickly as possible. Wine, juices and vinegar all contain acid which will etch your marble tops and leave a flat or cloudy splotch. Etched marble can only be repaired with removing a level of the top by sanding it down – and no new owner wants to even contemplate that.

• When cleaning your tabletop, use a clean sponge or damp cloth. Most spills will be easily removed by clean water and ph-neutral soap. Specialized stone cleaners are excellent to have on hand, but for routine cleaning and the occasional spills, a good mild soap is sufficient.

• Use as little water as possible in routine cleaning or when cleaning spills. Always dry immediately to avoid water stains and buff to a shine with a clean, soft cloth.

• Avoid abrasive or harsh cleaners. Even the mildest abrasives will scratch and cloud the marble surface and ammonia-based cleaners will etch the marble. Avoid window cleaning fluids and general-purpose cleaners that contain ammonia or vinegar.

• Inspect the table’s surface regularly. Any scratching of the protective sealer will allow fluids to penetrate the porous surface and leave stains. Getting a specialist to reseal the top will be far faster and cheaper than having the surface sanded and buffed. Keeping the top clean is a worthwhile part of protecting the beauty and elegance of the table and should maintain the elegance of the top for many years.