1)  I'm not familiar with solid surfacing products. What makes Avonite Surfaces products different from laminates, granite and the other solid surfacing materials?

Solid surface products offer many benefits over laminate, tile and granite. Solid surface seams are inconspicuous, hygienic, and non-porous. This means it will not support the growth of bacteria. Avonite's pattern allows for complete design flexibility. Avonite comes with a ten-year limited material warranty. Because of our unique manufacturing process, Avonite Surfaces creates a depth of color and clarity found in no other solid surface product.

2)  Is Avonite easy to repair?

Because the pattern runs through the entire thickness of the product, nicks and scratches can be easily sanded out of a top in a matte finish. Accidental major damage, or damage to a polished finish top, can be repaired by a qualified Avonite Surfaces fabricator.

3)  What's the difference between the Satin, Matte, and Gloss finishes?

A matte finish is a typical sanded finish with no sheen. A well-done satin finish is achieved by additional sanding with finer grits of sandpaper and Scotch Brite© pads. The satin finish has a low to medium luster appearance. The gloss finish has a high luster appearance and is typically applies in limited use and wear areas.

4)  Dark colors such as Midnight Sky III in a gloss finish show scratches; would getting this color in a matte finish hide the scratches better?

Midnight Sky III (G3-1050) is particularly unique. The solid black matrix with very little particulate makes this color extremely popular. Because Midnight Sky III is so dark it is very difficult to create a satin or matte finish that will remain even. For this reason Midnight Sky III is almost always polished to a uniform gloss finish. Any glossy black surface will be difficult to maintain in a high traffic application.

5)  Will Avonite Surfaces products stain?

Avonite Surfaces products are a non-porous material designed to resist stains. Spills that have dried overnight or did not completely clean with a common household cleanser can be easily removed following the steps for your particular finish in your Avonite Surfaces Care and Maintenance Kit.

6)  Can I set a hot pan directly on the surface?

Although Avonite Surfaces are resistant to heat, the nature of ALL solid surfaces is to expand and contract under extreme temperature changes. By putting a hot pan in the center of the surface, the material wants to expand. With the surrounding counter being at room temperature, the area of increased temperature has no area to expand. This may cause cracking of the surface. Scorching may also occur in extreme temperatures. To prevent damage it is recommended that you use a trivet or hot pad. Routed grooves where stainless steel rods can be placed to hold hot pans is one attractive design option. Another option is an inlayed area of ceramic tile.

7)  Can I cut directly on the surface?

Although Avonite Surfaces are very durable, they can be marred or scratched with a sharp knife, like all solid surfaces. Always use a cutting board for all of your kitchen cutting chores. If any cuts or scratches do occur, the finish can be easily renewed using the Avonite Surfaces Care and Maintenance Kit.

8)  Do Avonite Surfaces products scratch easily?

Anything harder than a solid surface may scratch the surface; items, such as ceramics, stoneware, stainless steel, glassware, etc. Scratches are easily removed using Avonite Surfaces Care and Maintenance Kit.

9)  How can I get samples or literature?

Please complete the literature request form , call us toll-free, 1-800-428-6648, option 2(U.S. only), or e-mail sales@aristechacrylics.com

10)  What is the difference between acrylic and polyester?

Acrylic and polyester solid surface have many similarities. Acrylic solid surface can be thermoformed to the most demanding radiuses, while polyesters cannot be shaped to as tight a radius. Both acrylic and polyester products will scorch if a hot item is placed on the surface. Both acrylic and polyester can achieve a matte, satin, and high polished finish. Polyester products polish more easily and have the ability to achieve a translucent appearance in a satin or high polish finish.

11)  I have heard that Avonite Surfaces products are harder to work with than Corian, is this true?

Avonite Surfaces Foundations© are identical to Corian Solid Surface. Avonite Surfaces Polyester products require somewhat different procedure. To the skilled fabricator, Avonite is not harder to work with than other solid surfaces. Be certain to use an Avonite Surfaces certified fabricator.

12)  How easy is it to keep clean?

Most of the care is already built into our products. With minimal effort, our countertops will continue to be a source of pride for years to come. Avonite Surfaces are designed to provide durable service and lasting beauty. Visit our Care & Maintenance section for complete instructions to care for your Avonite Surfaces installation.

13)  Can it be buffed back to the original shine?

Yes, if you have a high gloss countertop, our products can be buffed to its original shine. Please contact an Avonite Surfaces certified fabricator to return your countertop to its original shine.

14)  Where can I find Avonite Surfaces products?

Look in our retailer's directory for an authorized Avonite Surfaces dealer near you or call us at 1-800-428-6648 or e-mail us at sales@aristechacrylics.com.

15)  Can Avonite Surfaces be used around fireplaces?

Yes. Our products can be used in external fireplace installations; not in the actual firebox area. Please contact our Technical Services Group at 1-800-428-6648, ext. 3051 for specific installation instructions.

16)  Can Avonite be used for shower surrounds?

Yes. Our products are an excellent choice for shower surrounds. Please contact our Technical Services Group at 1-800-428-6648, ext. 3051 for specific installation instructions.

17)  What is the difference between filled and unfilled polyesters?

Avonite Surfaces polyester products are either filled or unfilled with mineral filler known as alumina trihydrate or ATH. ATH filler allows for a Class I Fire Rating, where Avonite without ATH filler has a Class III Fire Rating. Avonite's filled polyesters have the appearance of depth and texture. Unfilled polyesters have a translucent quality.