Boise Solid Surface, Inc.
SOLID SURFACE CARE & MAINTENANCE TIPS
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Never cut or chop directly on the solid surface material. Always use a cutting board.
- Never stand on a solid surface countertop, especially in areas that have little or no support.
- Always run COLD water into a solid surface sink any time boiling water is being poured into the sink.
- Your solid surface countertops will develop tiny scratches with normal, everyday use. It is best to leave these tiny scratches alone and they will, over time, almost disappear with the everyday cleaning of your countertops. It is usually best to ignore scratches at first, because over time, almost all scratches seem to disappear (even deeper, more noticeable scratches).
Please see additional tips below:
MATTE/SATIN FINISH: This finish is recommended for high use areas, such as kitchens, bar tops, etc. It is also the easiest finish to maintain. It is perfectly fine to clean them with a Scotch Brite pad (green or gray is preferred for this finish) and/or with a mild abrasive cleaner (i.e. Soft Scrub). When the finish is applied in the shop, sandpaper is used in gradually finer grits to achieve the finish, ending with a Scotch Brite pad. Solid surface actually reacts positively to abrasive action, especially with a little soapy water, gradually decreasing hand pressure. Most often, a wet sponge or cloth, and mild glass or countertop spray, followed by quick wipe with a dry cloth, will keep the countertop surface looking neat and clean. Some people have reported that they had satisfying results using COUNTERTOP MAGIC by Magic American Corporation. This product is useful as a cleaner, but it is also valuable as a protective coating against water rings and staining. They need only to be applied every so often.
SEMI-GLOSS FINISH: This finish is shinier than the matte/satin finish, thus harder to maintain. For this finish, Hope's SOLID SURFACE CLEANER & POLISH, made by The Hope Company of Bridgeton, MO is effective. This liquid contains tiny abrasive particles that clean and shine the countertop at the same time. This seems to leave behind a protective finish, which make routine care of the counter top almost painless. You can always try a product on your cutting board or a small, inconspicuous area first to check results.
HIGH GLOSS FINISH: This finish is the glossiest and shiniest of the finishes available, thus the hardest to maintain. You should have major scratches taken out by a professional. The high gloss finish will not stand up to the harsh abrasive particles that are found in the other polishes. QUICK SHINE PLUS, made by Protect All, Inc. in Anaheim, CA is useful in cleaning a high sheen solid surface. This product creates a protective layer that resists water rings and stains for weeks.
When used properly, each of the above mentioned products will arm you with a tool to effectively solve normal care and maintenance issues. Or, you may do as most people do, and use nothing but water and a cloth to maintain their counters. Over time, this will have a polishing or buffing effect on the counters and they will become shinier on their own. One of the major benefits of using solid surface is that it is a renewable and repairable surface. Scratches and even cracks can be repaired so that the countertop will look new again.
- Major scratches in all finishes should be taken out by a professional.
- Everyone's level of tolerance varies, but there will eventually be tiny marks and scratches visible in the surface.
- All solid surface sinks and bowls have the matte/satin finish. A green Scotch Brite pad and powdered cleanser is perfect.
- A pink sponge/white Scotch Brite combo (found in grocery stores) is great for removing water spots that may form near a sink.
- If you ever have any problems or questions, please call your fabricator/installer.
- Shower walls and pans: Prevent problems by using a squeegee, followed by a dry cloth to keep maintenance to a minimum.