Solid surface, a synthetic material similar to granite and marble, further enriches the choice of materials for kitchen set table tops. This material, which is often called synthetic granite, is made from a mixture of acrylic, polyester resin, and color pigments or marble grains. There are even some manufacturers that make it from 100% acrylic. Why is this material increasingly loved as a top table kitchen set material? What its highlight than its main competitors, like granite and marble? How is it implemented in the design?
In the market, this material is better known as Corian, as a brand that was introduced by DuPont in 1967. Quite a number of manufacturers have introduced this synthetic product with their own uniqueness and advantages. This material has produced in various patterns and colors. The surface is non-porous so it doesn’t absorb dirt easily, doesn’t stain easily, and is easy to clean, making the kitchen more hygienic. Its density is lighter than granite and marble, make it light and does not require a supporting structure like granite and marble. Its solid surface makes it resistant to impact. If there’s scratch, just polish it to make it smooth again as before. Its high elasticity allows this material to bent, the joints are almost invisible, and has lasts long gloss.
This synthetic material can ordered as needed. The thermal forming method makes it easy to shaped and bend. The connection between the pieces is almost without any trace. This advantage makes the kitchen set look neater and more elegant. The angles not sharp, safer, especially for a family with small children or the elderly. Smooth curves make it look elegant and luxurious.
This material is available in several colors and motifs, and can even customized to get a unique and charming dream design. Various mixtures of pigments and marble dust make it look like granite, marble and other natural stones. This advantage makes this material chosen to execute unique designs with different colors and patterns.
Its very fine pores make it quite heat resistant, non-flammable and scratch resistant, especially if it is made of 100% acrylic. The maintenance is easy, just a damp cloth or cleaning fluid if needed. The arrangement of very fine pores makes it moisture resistant while inhibiting the growth of fungi and bacteria. The surface is smooth and almost seamless, as if the top table is made of a single piece of natural stone. The captivating look of the natural stone vein motifs that continue to blend together makes the kitchen set look neat, clean and elegant.
The synthetic material is not environmentally friendly, because it is difficult to recycle. Even it is impact resistant, this material is less resistant to scratches of sharp objects and does not hold heat for long. Its fine pores and high resistance do not mean that this material cannot melted, burned, scratched, or broken by a strong impact. With age, this material continues to damage, fade colors, and scratches. If the scratches caused by sharp objects, they can removed by re-polishing.
Even they’re called synthetic granite or marble, but not all benefits and luxuries of granite and marble can replaced by solid surfaces. This material cannot used for flooring and exterior purposes. For the price, which is more expensive than granite, is often be obstacle to choosing this material as part of a design. However, with higher price, solid surface still proves its superiority, especially in terms of neatness, elasticity, light weight, and maintenance.
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