Solid surface is manufactured by mixing acrylic, epoxide or polyester resin with powdered bauxite filler and pigments. The material chemically cures and is heated to 60°C or more. Cured material is then cut in sheets or shapes and sanded on one or both sides depending the brand used. Sometimes the material is brought to 160°C and cooled, to improve its heat resistance. Acrylic-modified polyester solid surface can be mixed one sheet at a time using different formulations, effects and appearances. Acrylic-modified polyester solid surface can be injected into molds to produce various solid decorative design figures. Solid surfaces is used in the following environment: Kitchen/Bathroom: kitchen worktops with integrated sink, vanity countertop, bath tub etc. Hospitality/Catering: bars, tables, reception desks etc. Shop Fitting: displays, counters, wall cladding etc. Airports: check-in counters Public buildings: displays in museums, facades, meeting tables etc. Hospitals: laboratory countertops, decontamination sinks, endoscopy etc. Solid surface is priced to compete with natural stone or quartz surfacing. It is available in many colors and patterns. The material can be formed to shape, which makes it appealing to commercial and industrial designers. Specialist fabricators possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide advice and customer service. Certain high-heat applications (anything above 400 F /200 C) are discouraged, due to the danger of cracking. Because scratches in solid surface appear white to the human eye, most dark colors are not recommended for high use areas.
