Here are a few tips to help you care for your new countertops.  First, you must know the finish that was put on your countertops when they were fabricated.  No matter which finish you have, these are things you need to know:

1. Never set hot pans, skillets, crock pots, slow cookers, griddles, or any other heat producing appliance directly on the surface.  Always use a raised trivet.
2. Never expose your surface to strong chemicals, such as:  Finger nail polish remover, oven cleaner, or paint remover. If one of these substances should come in contact with the solid surface material, flush with water immediately.
3. Never cut or chop directly on the solid surface material. Always use a cutting board.
4. Never stand on a solid surface countertop, especially in areas that have little or no support.
5. Always run COLD water into a solid surface sink any time boiling water is...

Taking A Scratch Out of A Matte or Semi-gloss Finish:

Note:  These instructions are meant for major scratches.   Everyday common scratches are best left alone and will usually fade and almost disappear with the daily cleaning of your countertops.

1. Start with the 320 Grit sandpaper.  Wet the scratch and surrounding area with water. Rub in a circular motion until the scratch disappears.
2. Keeping the area wet, use the 400 Grit sandpaper. Use a circular motion and sand a little larger area than previously.
3. Use the 600 Grit sandpaper, again, wet. Use a circular motion and again, sand a little larger area than you had previously.
4. Use a green Scotch Brite pad for Matte finish or a Gray Scotch Brite pad for a semi-gloss finish.  Use with water. Sand in a circular motion and sand a larger area than before. You may wish to use the Scotch Brite on the entire section of countertop. You may even want to use a product such as Hope's Solid Surface Cleaner and Polish on the countertop at this time.

Taking A Scratch Out Of A High Gloss Finish:

• We suggest calling your fabricator to remove scratches in 'High Gloss' to restore your countertops to the original finish.

By Jim Heaphy
(Reprinted from March 2003 KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN NEWS)

I was once a salesman, so I understand the temptation to exaggerate the benefits of a product.

Solid surface countertops are a pleasure to sell, because they have many truly outstanding characteristics.  However, they are not perfect-that's pretty much because nothing that human beings make is perfect.  Although durable, solid surface countertops are not indestructible.  Although easy to care for, they're not completely maintenance free.