Solidity - The Materials we Use

Materials

What Are Hi-Macs, Corian and Avonite?

All three of these materials are part of a generic group called Solid Surface. The materials were developed as a practical, robust worktop material for residential and commercial applications. The first one on the market was Corian in 1967. We are happy to work with any of these materials although each one has it's own special talents so we are always happiest when our customers listen to our advice when selecting the correct one to use, in most applications we recommend Hi-Macs by LG.

Solid Surfaces are not porous, can't be permanently stained, won't be damaged by water and are completely hygienic. They can be cleaned with strong cleaners like Cif and Viakal and as the material is not porous there is no need for routine application of special sealant treatments.

Solid Surface is not hard like Granite, engineered stone or glass but it is even more durable as it is not brittle so it doesn't easily chip or crack.

Unfortunately there is a weakness to these materials and that is that they can be damaged by directly applied heat. You must be careful to put pans and casserole dishes on a trivet or chopping board as they will scorch the the surface. Fortunately, if disaster was to strike we can joint the materials seamlessly, so if you were ever to damage your worktop we could repair it virtually invisibly.

Composition

The majority of the colours are advanced composites of aluminium-tri-hydrate, pigments and acrylic resins, however, many of the Avonite Colours and the Hi-Macs Volcanic colours also contain Polyester to increase the depth of finish and transparency.

Resistant

Solid Surface has proven itself to be a remarkably durable, versatile material that is easy to live with in both the home and commercial environments. It survives the impacts, nicks and cuts that can occur with daily wear and tear. Solid Surface has been tested for its resistance to stains, UV rays, most acids and bullet penetration.

Solid

Colours and patterns run through the entire thickness of the material and cannot wear away.

Inconspicuous joints

Joints can be glued inconspicuously, making virtually unlimited surfaces possible. Edges can be built to look thicker and long counters can be made in pieces in the workshop and inconspicuously joined together on site.

Hygienic

Because it is a non-porous material, bacteria and mould have nowhere to hide. When Solid Surface looks clean, it really is clean.

Non-toxic

Solid Surface is an inert, non-toxic, hypoallergenic material. Under normal temperature conditions it does not emit gases. Solid Surface benefits from the flame-retardant characteristics of one of its main component (aluminium-tri-hydrate): the smoke is optically light and does not contain toxic halogenated gases. Because of these properties, Solid Surface is used in public spaces and delicate applications such as airport check-in counters, wall and work surfaces in hospital operating rooms and intensive-care facilities, and on cruise ships and ferries.

Thermoformable

Solid Surface can be thermoformed at high temperatures into various 2D and 3D designs, such as baths, shower trays, bowls, sinks, vanities and columns.

Translucent

The translucent look of Solid Surface is especially striking in the lighter colours and the 6 mm thickness. Many designers have used it in the design of lamps. Light enhances the three-dimensional image of Solid Surface. Corian and Avonite have introduced colours in recent years which have been optimised to be even more translucent.

Removing General day-to-day stains

Solid Surface is a completely homogenous material.
As it does not have any pores, you can simply and easily clean it with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild detergent. You can also use a domestic scouring agent on all matt finishes. It is also useful to wipe your surface occasionally with a scouring agent or wet sponge to retain the even finish of your product.

Tougher stains

Tougher stains, caused by food colouring, tea or fruit juice can easily be removed using a bleaching agent (do not leave in contact with the work surface for more than five minutes). Clean the surface with a domestic all-purpose cleaner and rinse with clean water. You can also use a scouring agent on matt finishes. Nail varnish can easily be removed with nail varnish remover (acetone-free) or a scouring agent.

Acidic cleaning agents.

A number of cleaning agents contain acids, such as methyl chloride or acetone. You should avoid using these on a Solid Surface surface. Should one of these products accidentally come into contact with the material, as a precautionary measure you should rinse the surface with soapy water to prevent any discolouring taking place.

Hot objects

Hot saucepans or pots straight out of the oven or from the hob should not be laid directly on the Solid Surface surface. Place a mat or board underneath to prevent any damage to your product.

Burn marks

Small burn marks or marks caused by nicotine can simply be removed using a scouring agent or an abrasive sponge. Should this give the high-gloss finish a matt appearance, rubbing the surface with fine-grained sandpaper will quickly return it to its high-gloss state.

Sharp objects

Solid Surface copes effortlessly with the wear and tear of everyday life, however pointed or sharp-edged objects can leave cuts or scratches on the Solid Surface surface. You can repair smaller cuts and scratches without too much trouble but we recommend that you call us especially deep cuts.

Severe Damage

Do not despair if something very bad happens to your Solid Surface installation it is amazing what we can repair and the quality of the results. It is vital to call us in ASAP, do not be tempted to give the repair a go with some Evo-Stik and sand paper, you can very quickly make things much, much worse.

What is the Difference between the Surfaces

Why Choose Corian?

Large range of sinks, lots of conventional colours plus the new "Ice" translucent range, 10 year warranty.

Why Choose Hi-Macs?

Good range of sinks, lots of conventional colours plus the Volcanic and translucent ranges, 15 year warranty, stronger than most solid surface materials.

Why Choose Avonite?

Small range of sinks, amazing choice of colours some of which include metal flake and mother of pearl, 10 year warranty, more brittle than most solid surface materials.