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Consumers, Designers & SpecifiersWhat Is Solid Surface?    
What is solid surface?
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There's Something Special about Solid Surface. At its heart is that bundle of performance characteristics which make it the single best decorative surface available today. Some of those characteristics include:

Traditionally, solid surface is considered a countertop material. Today the use of the product has grown from simple countertops to include objects of art, wall cladding, furniture applications and much more. Available in colors ranging from subtle white on white patterns to a bright reds and yellows, solid surface has grown in popularity over the years due to its beauty, versatility, reparability and sanitary properties.

The reparability, cleanability and sanitary properties of solid surface have made it one of the most common products used in food preparation areas. Solid surface is a hard, non-porous material, it ranks with stainless steel in resistance to fungal and bacterial growth. Hospitals have begun to use solid surface for everything from reception areas, to the wall cladding in operating rooms. In fact, cladding for both interior and exterior uses continues to increase in popularity as designers and architects have become aware of the cleanability of the product. A Scotch-BriteĀ® pad and a little water will remove anything from indelible ink to spray-painted graffiti to cigarette burns. Inconspicuous seams allow a quality fabricator to easily repair damage in virtually any application.

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The Features, advantages AND Benefits of Solid Surface
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BEAUTIFUL
Solid surfacing has an aesthetic look and feel. It is a decorative surface made to be seen.

BROAD RANGE OF COLORS AND TEXTURES
It comes in hundreds of colors and textures from solid colors and granite look-alikes to lightly sanded textures with multi-colored veining. The palette of solid surfacing includes every color of the rainbow.

LIMITLESS DESIGN POSSIBILITIES
There is no limit to how solid surface can be fabricated and customized, including inlays, borders, design trim, etc. It can also be molded into a wide range of useful shapes, such as sinks, bathtubs, shower pans, decorative embossed wall panels and even faucets.

AFFORDABLE
Solid surface is the best value premium countertop material available.

EASY TO CLEAN
Cleans easily with soap and water. Most household cleaners are also safe for solid surface.  Solid surface does not absorb food, odors or bacteria. Integral bowls and built-in coved backsplashes can be fused to the countertop to create a water-tight and bacteria-free transition.  In addition, the non-porous nature of solid surface helps it resist stains and eliminates the need for periodic sealers like granite and marble.

MOLDED, SEAMED-IN SINKS
Solid surface is the only material that features molded sinks seamed directly to the countertop. There are no gaps or messy caulks to contend with.

DURABLE
Solid throughout. There are no veneers to chip, crack, peel or wear out.

RANGE OF FINISHES
Solid surface is available in matte, satin, and high gloss finish.

SCRATCH RESISTANT
Scratches can be buffed out with a non woven pad (Scotch-Briteā„¢). Deep scratches are easily removed by sanding, but may require the services of a professional.

STAIN & CHEMICAL RESISTANT
Most household staining agents and chemicals, and even some industrial chemicals, will not damage it.

RENEWABLE
Cracks and chips are easily repaired. 10 year-old countertops can be refinished to look as new as the day they were installed.

SOLID
The sheet or shape must be "homogeneous" -- that is, the color or pattern must be absolutely consistent throughout every part. This makes it very unlike laminated products such as plywood or plastic laminate. It also makes it a little bit like wood, but without knots or grain.

MACHINABLE
This might be what gives solid surface much of its magic. Most woodworkers love solid surface, because, they say, you can do so much with it. Craftsmanship and the skill of the artisan remain an integral part of the solid surface picture.

FIRE RESISTANT
Solid Surface material will withstand limited exposure to heat without burning or scorching. However, it is advisable that free-standing cooking units with heating elements between it and the countertop, such as crock pots and electric skillets, be placed on trivets and not directly on the countertop to avoid thermal shock. Generally, home owners can buff away scorch marks and professionals can repair major accidents, easily.  

HEAT/COLD RESISTANT
Solid Surface materials remain stable and undamaged within reasonable hot/cold fluctuations.

SEAMLESS
Pieces can be joined to create seams invisible to the naked eye.

VERSATILE
In the hands of an experienced craftsman, solid surface can be seamed, shaped and sanded into virtually any shape or configuration

  

   
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