Acrylic stone, also called acrylic solid surface, is made of approx. 2/3 natural stone dust and 1/3 acrylic resin mass. A very small of color pigment is also added. The result is the highest quality non-porous material, popular not only for its beauty and durability, but also for other qualities. Acrylic solid surface can be thermo-formed by stone fabricators at very high temperatures (in a certain furnace, at approx. 160 Celcius degrees). Being virtually non-porous, acrylic countertops are resistant to mold, fungus, staining. Bacteria and fungal spores cannot penetrate into this long-life hi-tech material. Even very old acrylic countertops can be renewed very quickly. If such surface is no longer shiny after some years, it is enough to polish it to revive its former look new. Can it really be true?
Are you cautious about spilling red wine on your solid surface worktop? Don't worry! Even if you stain acrylic surface with red wine, beetroot or even ink, you can easily clean it with a damp cloth. For very persistent stains some dishwashing detergent will do. Has somebody spilled carrot juice on your white acrylic worktop and not wiped it for a few days? You won't have problems cleaning it later either. Because of easy cleaning acrylic stone worktops are valued not only in kitchens, but also in public places, such as restaurants, bars, hospitals, medical clinics, holiday resorts.
Solid surface slabs have the ability to thermo-form. In other words, when the slab is subjected to high temperature, it can be bent and formed by professionals into any desired shape. Why flex and bend it? Just think of a round sink or curvy table! Your sink can be seamlessly integrated into your bathroom vanity to make it look one piece. You can also have bended legs for your coffee table or winding railings for your stairs. By thermo-forming acrylic solid surface slabs it is possible to fabricate deep or shallow bathtubs, giant domes, intricately shaped altars or sculpture-like receptions. Solid surface items in interior look elegant and light.
Solid really means solid. The solid surface furniture will always look one-piece unless you wish otherwise. No matter the size of the product, all its parts can be firmly connected together without the slightest gap. The joining seam will virtually be invisible (depending on chosen actual sample pattern). Big architectural pieces can be transported separately and joined to make the final product at the place. Seamless solid surface furniture is very practical, and the overall look is great. Such pieces are easy to clean, they have no gaps for dust or dirt to accumulate.
Most acrylic solid surface materials have Green Guard Environmental Institute certificate which ensures the lowest possible amount of volatile substances released into the environment. It means that even allergic people can install acrylic stone items at home. Acrylic stone countertops are popular in medical institutions, such as dental clinics, hospitals, health clinics. Surgical rooms are often equipped with special solid surface sinks where surgeons wash their hands before operations, and special acrylic worktops in aseptic rooms are often installed.
Damaged acrylic solid surface items can be easily repaired so that no sign of previous damage remains. You might wonder what would happen if a block of cement cracks your countertop? Well, when a good professional repairs it, you won't see the mark of it even with a magnifying glass.
It is enough to clean the acrylic solid surface countertop regularly with warm and soapy water to keep it fresh. (Please see the beginning of the article: non-porous, mold-resistant). You should avoid abrasive cleaning pastes and brushes. That's it.
Because acrylic solid surface contains acrylic resins, hot pans and pots, especially the ones with flat bottoms, should not be placed directly on such worktops. When cutting products, you should use a cutting board instead of cutting on a worktop. Although hard and strong, this material can be scratched or damaged with a sharp object. If this happens, don't worry - it can be repolished by a professional to leave no mark.
Staron, Corian, Meganite