Are you considering installing acrylic countertops? So many manufacturers are producing them these days that you have an exceptional range of choices in colors and styles. Maintenance is relatively simple, but you do have to follow some guidelines in use or you can discolor or burn the surfaces.
I’ve read that a quick way to damage an acrylic or other solid surface counter is to set a hot fry-pan or saucepan directly on the countertop. Instead, put your pots and pans on a trivet or solid cutting board. In fact, the cutting board is an acrylic countertop’s best friend. Use the board instead of cutting and slicing anything on the counter.
In some cases, if you burn the surface, you can call in a professional contractor/countertop fabricator to sand or buff down the finish. But not always. And repair jobs may void your warranty.
Countertops and Going Solid
Chemical giant DuPont first invented Corian for bathroom counters back in the 60s, and today’s kitchen countertops in the material can be cleaned with dish soap, soft soaps, and water. A mild abrasive may remove shallow cuts and scratches.
Products like Meganite clean up with water and dish soap. LG Surfaces are said to resist knives and, if you choose a matte finish, you can even use an abrasive cleaner. While LG’s High Mac surfaces are said to resist temperatures up to 225 degrees, they can yellow under continuous high heat exposure.
Other solid surface choices include Agonite, Formica, Centura, Swanstone, and Royalstone. One of the best qualities of solid surfaces is that they’re extremely hygienic. In this day and age, that’s a great attribute.
Corian is probably the most well known brand of acrylic countertop. There is also a Formica brand solid surface, as well as the brands Meganite and Avonite.