May 12, 2015 By

How to Prevent Scratches on an Avonite Solid Surface

Homeowners and businesses are stopping at one brand when they need to select from the different solid surface countertops on the market: Avonite solid surface products. Like other prominent brands, countertops made from Avonite solid surface material are sturdy, and their flexibility means that an approved fabricator can manipulate the material to suit your design.

Particularly for parents and conscientious businesspeople, the health benefits are what make Avonite solid surface countertops attractive. Avonite solid surface material has been specifically designed for adaptability—whether it is used in residential or service environments—so dirt can be easily wiped away, while a NSF51 certification ensures that bacteria cannot survive on the non-porous surface.

The health benefits don’t stop there, though, as Avonite solid surface products are GreenGuard certified because their composition enhances the surrounding air quality. When such superiority is at hand, care is a foremost concern.

Managing Scratches on Avonite Solid Surface Countertops

  1. Prevention
  • Excessive heat can damage Avonite’s solid surface material, and more than a scratch will eventuate if you are not careful, so it is always best to use a hot pad or trivet whenever you need to set down a hot kitchen item.
  • Cutting boards are essential for owners of Avonite solid surface While Avonite’s solid surface material is super-tough, an especially sharp knife or cutting instrument is likely to leave an unsightly mark. Always use a cutting board for all chopping and dicing.
  • If you have Avonite solid surface material in your home or workplace, then always remember that the surface can be scratched by any material that is harder than the solid surface itself—especially if it is high gloss. Ceramics and glassware are examples of materials that need to be buffered by felt protectors.
  1. Maintenance and Repair
  • Avonite solid surface material is advantageous because the pattern runs all the way through the surface, which means that repairing scratches simply involves sanding with grit paper. For matte finish surfaces, use 240 grit paper. For satin finish and high gloss, use 400 grit paper.
  • For considerable scratches, or when the Avonite solid surface material is a polished finish top, an Avonite solid surface fabricator should be used to complete the repair.

In Toronto, Avonite solid surface material contributes to the sophistication of a world-class city. It can stay that way so long as we are careful.

Filed Under: Avonite Solid Surface, blog
May 2, 2015 By

The Advantages of Corian Countertops

Corian Countertops are considered to be the distant cousin of more glamorous countertops like granite or quartz. They are considered to be an expensive product but there are still a number of higher-end options that will cost more to have installed. The thing that sets Corian Countertops apart would have to be their aesthetic. If you are planning on having a kitchen counter, backsplash as well as a sink replaced, then Corian Countertops can be made to give off the appearance that they are all one solid surface, and that’s just one of many benefits they are able to offer.

Why Choose Corian Countertops?

Corian can be used for a wide variety of applications including solid surface countertops, solid surface vanities, as well as solid surfaces for healthcare. There are a number of reasons why many people are choosing this option over others, which include:

  1. Easy to Clean – Corian countertops are easier to clean than most other solid surface countertops. No fancy, overly expensive products are required to clean them. Simply using warm water and soap and then wiping it dry after it is cleaned will usually be enough.
  2. Limitless Designs – They can be molded through a process known as “thermoforming,” which is unique to this material. This gives it great versatility and allows it to be used for a wide variety of applications, in a wide range of styles. In some cases, the countertops can even be illuminated.
  3. Seams – Corian countertops solve one of the biggest problems in the world of countertops – seams. Seams have traditionally been considered a weakness in countertops and can often lead to bacteria growth and unhygienic conditions (less than ideal in a kitchen) if not properly maintained. Corian countertops don’t have them, so this isn’t an issue.
  4. Price – Cheaper than many alternative countertop materials such as quartz, granite and marble. However, while they cost less, they are just as aesthetically pleasing as the others.
  5. Repairs & Maintenance – They are slightly more susceptible to damage than other surface materials but they are also easier to take care of and repair work doesn’t usually require any drastic action unlike with other countertop products.
  • Scratches- They can be sanded out. Deeper scratches would leave a slight indentation but the scratch itself can be made to disappear. If the damage is too extensive, resurfacing is also an option.
  • Maintenance- Be sure to avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface of the countertop. Also, try at all costs to not cut or slice anything on the surface of the countertop to avoid scratches. A cutting board, or heat proof mat should do the trick.
  1. Long Lifespan- Corian countertops are designed to withstand a lifetime of usage. It is sturdy and completely unaffected by humidity, an area in which wood countertops fall short.

If you are looking to remodel your kitchen or any other solid surface in your home, Corian is definitely the way to go. For a countertop that will make your living space stand out from the rest, contact the team at Solid Surface in Toronto, a trusted expert, for all your countertop needs.

Filed Under: blog, Corian Countertops
April 22, 2015 By

Questions You Should Ask Solid Surface Fabricators

Out of all the hard surface varieties, such as quartz, granite, marble, soapstone, and wood, solid surface is unquestionably the best at doing its job. It is completely non-porous, virtually indestructible, easy to maintain, and beautiful. It is also, however, quite expensive compared to most other options. Most agree that its all-around effectiveness justifies its price, but, as with any long-term investment, it is important you know the right questions to ask to know exactly what your hard-earned money is going towards.

What are the Important Questions to Ask My Solid Surface Fabricator?

There are several must-ask questions to ask when consulting a solid surface fabricator, such as:

  • What are Your Qualifications? – Solid surface countertops or vanities are a serious investment that can easily last for generations, so it is of utmost importance that the fabricator crafting your investment really knows his stuff. Most companies selling solid surfaces require that their solid surface fabricators be thoroughly trained and certified before being put on the job, but it is always a good idea to make sure before it’s too late.
  • How Thick is the Solid Surface? – The majority of solid surfaces are ½ inch slabs of solid acrylic or polyester, whichever that particular model is made of. In some cases, though, the actual acrylic/polyester layer can be thinner. In these cases, a particle-board core will make up what lies beneath the actual solid surface in order to cut costs. One of the reasons solid surfaces are usually so easy to maintain is due to them generally being made of one solid material, so any nicks or scratches that somehow penetrate the high definition laminate can be simply buffed out with a little bit of sanding. If the solid surface layer is thin, it means frequent maintenance will not be feasible.
  • What Colors and Designs are Available? One of the biggest perks of solid surfaces is that they are available in an endless array of designs, both in terms of colour and finish. They tend to dominate the aesthetic of a room they are placed in, so you have the chance to dictate exactly what mood you want the room to convey. What’s more, solid surfaces do not degrade or tarnish easily and it is likely they will carry exactly the same look for many years to come. It is, therefore, necessary to choose design wisely and be aware of all the possible options before buying.

Our Toronto-based team of master solid surface fabricators will be happy to answer any questions you have before you buy in order to make your experience of purchasing a solid surface countertop or vanity as worry-free as possible.

Filed Under: blog, solid surface fabricator
April 12, 2015 By

Solid Surface Vanities: Some of the Most Popular Materials

 

 

Solid surface tops have become a favorite among homeowners for their appearance, performance and value. The tops of solid surface vanities are heat resistant and also resistant to scratches, mold, and mildew, making them ideal for your home. As a homeowner, you want the best for your home and if you decide to go with solid surface countertops, you want to choose the right one.

Popular materials Used for Solid Surface Vanities

The countertops of solid surface vanities are made from various materials. Before making the decision as to what type of solid surface countertop you are going to choose, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons of each.

  1. Corian – Corian countertops are known for being non-porous, stain resistant, and having a seamless appearance. It is heat resistant up to 100 degrees Celsius, but can be damaged by excessive heat. The material can also be scratched, but fortunately most scratches are repairable. When it comes to toughness, this one is hard to beat.
  2. Swanstone – This material is great because not only is it eco-friendly, it is also built to last. It is known to be heat, stain, and crack resistant. Another perk is that Swanstone costs up to fifty percent less than other solid surfaces. On the downside, you do not have quite as many styles to choose from with this material.
  3. Avonite – You are provided with a wide-range of colors if you choose Avonite Solid Surface. As with other solid surfaces, this type is prone to scratches and dents, but you can easily repair any ‘light damage’ without too much fuss.
  4. Wilsonart – Wilsonart solid surface countertops are available in a wide-range of colors and designs and it is a material that is also affordable. It is not really suited for a do-it-yourselfer, as is true of any of the solid surfaces really. It should be installed by a professional. This type is known to not wear or fade-away easily.
  5. Staron – Staron solid surface is also known for its range of styles and colors, though you do not have as many choices as you would with Wilsonart. This is great for kitchen and bathroom designs,

Choosing the Right Option

Get up close and personal with solid surfaces. Visit https://solidsurface.ca/ or if you are in the Toronto area, stop into our store and let us help you find the perfect solid surface for your home.

Filed Under: blog, Solid Surface Vanities
April 2, 2015 By

Why Solid Surface for Healthcare Is an Ideal Match

There are many materials and pieces of equipment required to make a healthcare office run smoothly and efficiently, and staying organized is key. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is also vital and therefore the type of material that the countertop surfaces are constructed from, which are heavily used in most healthcare facilities, becomes very important. Solid surface countertops are the most popular choice for a number of reasons, which we’re going to outline in this article.

What Are Some Reasons Solid Surface for Healthcare is a Good Solution?

As we’ve already touched upon, the top priority in furnishing a healthcare facility is creating an environment that will prevent infection. Because of this, the surfaces used in the design of the spaces are very important. Out of all the options that could possibly be chosen, solid surfaces are ideal for several reasons, including:

  • Sterility – With recent innovations in laminate technologies, solid surfaces for healthcare are made to be 100% non-porous. This means that the liquid resulting from any spills that occur or damp objects set on the surfaces will not soak into the countertop. Surfaces like marble or granite are not completely free of air pockets. They can soak up a miniscule amount of liquid and, over time, the liquid buildup will result in mold or mildew, not compounds you want lingering around a healthcare facility. Solid surfaces always stay as sterile as the day they were installed.
  • Easy to Maintain –Healthcare professionals have a lot on their minds, and do not have much excess time to be cleaning up after themselves. Cleaning a solid surface is extremely quick and easy. The smooth laminates that coat solid surface countertops are sleek and smooth, making a single sweep from a warm sponge enough to clean the surface off completely.
  • Durability – Modern solid surfaces can take a beating and retain their clean and sterile look. Their laminates are treated with Enhanced Performance Technology methods, processes that significantly increase the surface’s ability to deflect potential scratches, scuffs, and dents.
  • Easy to Renew – Many countertop surfaces, such as marble, are very heavy, unruly, and difficult to perform maintenance or replacement on – just imagine trying to replace a thick slab of marble countertop! Solid surfaces, however, are manufactured with the thought of maintenance in mind. They are light and easy to fix or recycle.
  • Certification of Microbial Resistance – Though solid surfaces are manmade, they are completely free of potentially harmful substances, which, as any healthcare professional will tell you, is extremely important.

Solid surfaces for healthcare are the ideal choice for staying sterile and efficient. Our Toronto-based team of expert solid surface fabricators and installers would be glad to assist you with anything you need.

Filed Under: blog, Solid surfaces for healthcare
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