This document discusses solid surface materials used for countertops and other interior surfaces. Solid surface is a man-made composite material composed of resins, bauxite, and pigments that can mimic the appearance of stone. It is commonly used for seamless countertop installations. Solid surface was first introduced in 1967 and is now manufactured by many companies in sheet form for fabrication into countertops and other shapes.

1. M E A N I N G
S o l i d s u r f a c e i s a m a n - m a d e m a t e r i a l u s u a l l y
c o m p o s e d o f a c o m b i n a t i o n o f m a r b l e d u s t ,
b a u x i t e , a c r y l i c , e p o x y o r p o l y e s t e r r e s i n s a n d
p i g m e n t s .
I t i s m o s t f r e q u e n t l y u s e d f o r s e a m l e s s
c o u n t e r t o p i n s t a l l a t i o n s .
S o l i d s u r f a c e w a s f i r s t i n t r o d u c e d b y d u p o n t
i n 1 9 6 7 u n d e r t h e n a m e o f c o r i a n . S i n c e t h e
e x p i r a t i o n o f t h e i r p a t e n t , o t h e r m a n u f a c t u r e r s
h a v e a l s o i n t r o d u c e d t h e i r b r a n d s a s w e l l .

2. CONTENTS
1 Performance characteristics
2 Availability
3 Manufacture
4 Fabrication
4.1 Materials
4.2 Tools
5 Applications
6 Advantages and disadvantages
7 Finishes
8 Texture

3. 1. PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
 Solid surface is a non-porous low-maintenance material used for
surfaces such as countertops.
 It can mimic the appearance of granite, marble, stone, and other
naturally occurring materials, and can be joined nearly invisibly by a
trained craftsman.
 Typically manufactured in sheet form for fabrication into finished
countertops, solid surface can also be cast into a variety of shapes,
including sinks, shower pans and bathtubs.
 Sheet goods can also be heated and bent into three-dimensional shapes
using a process called thermoforming, which adds to the versatility of
the product.

4.  In a residential setting, solid surface can be used as
kitchen countertops,
 bathroom vanity tops, and shower and tub surrounds.
 Countertop fabricators typically join solid surface sheets
into desired shapes using a two-part adhesive, after
which the cured joint is machined flat.
 The same method is used to build up edge thickness,
which can be profiled using tools and techniques similar
to those used to work hardwoods.

5.  Solid surface is available in hundreds of colors and visual
textures, ranging from solid colors to sparkling,
marbleized, or granite effect.
 Cultured marble, cultured granite, and cultured onyx
describe solid surfaces colored to resemble natural stone.
 Dozens of multinational companies manufacture solid
surface sheet goods and sinks for the world market; and
hundreds of smaller, regional manufacturers produce for
local markets
2. AVAILABILITY

6.  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.
 Acrylic-modified polyester, effects and
appearances.solid surface can be mixed one sheet at a
time using different formulations
3. MANUFACTURE

7.  Acrylic-modified polyester solid surface can be injected
into molds to produce various solid decorative design
figures.

8.  A surface fabricator shapes and installs
functional and decorative surfaces, usually in
buildings.
 Surface fabrication, as a distinct professional
enterprise, usually involves complex tasks of
surface shaping.
 A leading case is countertop fabrication
 Fabrication is divided into two parts
1. Materials
2. Tools
 But only material is referred
4. FABRICATION

9.  For interior spaces, surfaces include solid
coverings or decking for floors or walls, and
countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, and
workspaces.
 Natural surfaces are composed of naturally
occurring materials like wood, stone, mineral,
clay, gum and resin.
 Synthetic surfaces contain, in addition to any
natural materials, man-made substances such as
metal alloys or polymers.
 Solid surfaces are synthetic surfaces
manufactured from polymeric materials.
4.1 FABRICATION (MATERIALS)

10.  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.[3]
 Airports: check-in counters
 Public buildings: displays in museums,
facades, meeting tables etc.
 Hospitals: laboratory countertops,
decontamination sinks etc.
5. APPLICATIONS

12. Advantages:
 It is a solid durable material
 There are a wide range of colours textures and patterns
 It cleans easily with soap and water
 Resists most stains
 Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
 Seams may be visible
 Seams susceptible to prolonged water exposure
 It can chip or scratch. Some finishes are more resistant than others.
 It cannot be used as a chopping surface, but really no other counter should be either.
 It is not resistant to heat. The glue that binds the laminate to the substrate can release.
6. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

13. When selecting a surface finish, keep in mind the traction needed and the
intended users.
 Polished : This surface is very smooth. Polished crystals bring out the
brilliant colors and grains of natural stone. The shine comes from the
natural reflection of the stones crystals. (Minimum traction)
 Honed : Provides a flat, smooth low sheen and is commonly used for
high traffic areas. (Medium traction)
 Antiqued : Has low sheen with a semi-smooth textured surface that
can appear and feel similar to leather. (Medium traction)
 Sand Blasted : This rough surface is the results of a pressurized flow
of sand that provides a textured finish, commonly referred to as
etched. (Maximum traction)
 Flamed : This is a very rough surface that is developed during
fabrication. The stone is wet and heated to cause only the surface
crystals to pop loose from stone
7. FINISHES

14. Everything has a texture or a surface.
 Texture can be;
 Rough
 Slick
 Smooth
 Scratchy
 Silky
 Soft
 Prickly
 Multiple color
 …… T he list is endless
8. TEXTURES