Acrylic countertops (artificial stone, acrylic stone)
Shall we talk about acrylic countertops? Other names are acrylic stone, artificial stone, artificial marble, artificial acrylic stone. We will consider the properties of this material and show decors using the Grandex (TriStone) brand as an example.
Acrylic stone is a safe composite polymer material: it includes medical clay, acrylic resins, pigments of natural origin, aluminum trihydrate, etc.
Advantages:
☑️ smooth, pleasant to the touch surface;
☑️ hygienic - absence of pores where bacteria, fungi and mold can penetrate and grow;
☑️ easy care - microfiber cloth + ordinary detergent;
☑️ an interesting palette of colors and decors;
☑️ absence of joints and the possibility of implementing non-standard forms;
☑️ water resistance – it’s suitable for kitchen countertops and bathroom tabletops, as well as for window sills;
☑️ repairable - to remove scratches, chips or to replace a part of the countertop.
Frankly about the disadvantages: it can be scratched and is afraid of high temperatures. So be sure to use a cutting board and a trivet! Although this rule applies to most countertops. We would advise you to give preference to light and non-monotonous decors.
Care & Maintenance Instructions for the countertop and sink from the acrylic stone. (based on Grandex/TriStone brands)
The acrylic stone doesn’t have pores or micro-cracks so it’s impossible for moisture or dirt to penetrate inside. That’s why dirt, fat and other everyday impurities stay on the surface and, as a rule, they are easy to remove with a sponge and mild detergent. However, every impurity and spilled liquids, especially colored, are recommended to be removed from the surface with a flannel or another soft cleaning cloth.
1. It’s not recommended to cook on the countertop itself using knives and other sharp objects – to chop, cut or shred. Protect the surface using cutting boards.
2. It’s important to use sharp objects or the ones that scratch carefully on this surface to secure it from scratches and scuffs.
3. Take into attention that micro-scratches, dust and signs of natural deterioration are less visible on the light surfaces with sand texture than on the dark ones of intense shades and monotonous colors.
4. Avoid putting into a sink or on a countertop from the artificial stone hot pots, pans, kettles, and other strongly heated utensils. Don’t forget to use trivets from thermal insulating materials and put a protective mat into a sink.
5. If you need to pour boiling water into the sink or washbasin, run a cold faucet first so that the scalding water mixes with the cold water. This will help to avoid a temperature shock that can cause damage to the sink or washbasin.
6. Make sure that the bottom of a wide dish, which protrudes beyond the cooktop, does not hang over the surface of the countertop and does not touch it.
7. Aggressive chemicals accidentally spilled on the surface (for example, strong acidic drain cleaners, methylene chloride cleaners for ovens and tiles, acetone and other similar substances) must be washed off immediately using a soapy solution and plenty of water. If the chemicals are left for a long time, they can damage the surface.
8. Boiling water is dangerous for the surfaces - microcracks may appear and milky stains may remain.
Our customers quite often choose acrylic stone, especially for bathroom countertops. It is possible to make the countertop and the sink integral.
An example of using the artificial stone for a countertop with a sink in a bathroom.
More useful information about furniture and materials is in our blog!
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