Frequently Asked Questions: Solid Surface

Question: How do I clean solid surface tops?

Answer: Solid surface is easy to clean. Soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner is all that is necessary for day-to-day care of your countertop. Minor scratches, burns or discoloration are also easy to repair. Major damage should be repaired by a fabricator.

Question: Is solid surface stain-resistant?

Answer: Solid surface is stain-resistant. Because it is nonporous, stains can't penetrate the surface, so it's easy to clean and maintain. Unlike natural stone, solid surface never requires sealing.

Question: What makes solid surface the perfect countertop?

Answer: Solid surface is easy to clean and renewable. Because it is nonporous, stains do not penetrate the surface. With proper cleaning, it is also resists the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria.

Question: What is solid surface?

Answer: Solid surface is typically an acrylic product that brings design versatility, long-term performance and value to any environment. More than just countertops, it lends itself to imaginative uses, innovative interpretations, and enduring applications. It can be cut, routed, drilled, sculpted, bent, or worked like a fine wood. Solid surface has unique characteristics including molded-in sinks, cove splashes and the ability to be renewed.

Question: Is solid surface heat-resistant?

Answer: We do not recommend placing a hot pot directly on solid surface. In most cases, this damage can be repaired. To protect your countertop from heat damage, always use a hot pad or a trivet with rubber feet when using hot pots, or heat-generating appliances like electric skillets or electric cooking pots.

Question: Can I sand out a scratch in my solid surface top myself?

Answer: You can sand out minor scratches with a very fine grit sand paper and then buff out with a scotch brite pad. Be careful not to sand a dip into your top. It is better to call CMC and have us refinish your tops.

Question: Can I use Corian outdoors?

Answer: Only if it is not in direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause the color to fade.

Question: Can I cut on solid surface?

Answer: No for two reasons. First, it will leave small scratches in your top. Second, solid surface is hard and will rapidly dull knives. Solid surface does not make good cutting boards for that reason.