Solid surface, such as this bathroom fabricated in Hanex Grenicio color, can be used in numerous applications both horizontal and vertical and is particularly well suited for projects where hygiene is an important factor. PHOTO COURTESY OF HYUNDAI L & C
A SOLID CHOICE FOR A CLEAN SURFACE:
The Case for Solid Surface By The International Surface Fabricators Association Solid surface has been around for more than
poured, most typically, into continuous sheets
choice for healthcare, restaurant and hospitality
which have the same color throughout (hence
Cleanliness and good hygiene are on pretty
other thicknesses depending on the application
getting into why solid surface is an intelligent
around the world).
50 years now and is increasingly becoming the
that are cut to a standard size. The sheets,
applications because of its hygienic properties.
solid), are most commonly ½ in., but can be
much everyone’s minds these days, but before
and manufacturer (of which there are now many
choice for sanitary applications, just what is it?
Once the sheets are sized, most commonly 30 by
Even with more than 50 years of development
144 in. (although there are several manufacturers
or business owners, or even architects and
are sanded and then sent out through various
and refinement under its belt, many typical home
that offer alternative and custom sizes), they
designers, really have little idea of what solid
distribution methods. Fabricators then purchase
surface is.
What Is Solid Surface?
the sheets and use tools similar to woodworking equipment, to cut, route, sand and form them into countertops, wall cladding, furniture,
Qualities of Solid Surface One key quality of solid surface is that it is nonporous. This quality alone carries a lot of weight. It means that it does not need to be sealed and repels waters and most substances, such as wine, mustard, grease, “permanent” markers, hair dye, shoe polish, blood and other damaging materials that might potentially stain other surfaces, fabrics or any number of items. As such it is very low maintenance, easy to clean and does not harbor bacteria, mold or other fungus. The fact that it is nonporous also makes it resistant to a variety of chemicals. Solid surface
Solid surface, first invented in 1964 by Don
signs and a variety of other products for use in
under the brand name Corian®, solid surface
In addition to being workable similar to wood,
found in numerous household cleaners. It can
into curved and molded shapes. It can also be
guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease
that deposit the ink just below the surface so the
concentrated or acidic chemicals can produce
it can likely be created from solid surface.
easily with the use of a wet Scotchbrite® pad.
Slocum of Dupont™ and released in 1967
is a manmade material generally composed of alumina trihydrate (ATH), which is a derivative
of natural bauxite, and is mixed with acrylic or polyester resin binders (or some combination of the two) and pigments. It is then heated to
typically between 140 and 160 degrees F and
residential, commercial and OEM applications.
is not impacted by chemicals like ammonia, mild acids and trisodium phosphates, which are
solid surface can be heated and thermoformed
also be safely cleaned with a bleach solution, per
printed on using dye-sublimation techniques
Control (CDC) to kill viruses. While some highly
image becomes permanent. If it can be imagined,
a hazing effect, this can be removed relatively
20 • Vol. 13 / Issue 2 • International Surface Fabricators Association
