"Solid Surface is synonymous with elegance".
What is Solid Surface?
Solid Surface is a new, state-of-the-art raw material made from the composition of minerals and resins. This material stands out for the ease with which it can be given a multitude of desired shapes and finishes, giving free rein to the creative.
It is a material composed of a blend of polyester resins with fine homogeneous solids and natural minerals such as ATH (trihydrated alumina).
ATH is a white powder mineral with thermal characteristics that provides translucency and whiteness. Hydrated alumina is dry to the touch, is chemically combined with three water molecules and has a high melting temperature.
They are very high-end materials and are integrating very well in both outdoor (unaffected by ultraviolet radiation) and indoor products, offering great added value. That is why many decorators and designers are using it to create stylish and functional environments:
Commercial premises and companies: Commercial furniture, displays, office furniture, worktops, cladding, signage, communal bathrooms.
Hotels: Room furnishings, bathrooms, restaurant furnishings, worktops, communal bathrooms, signage, cladding, office furnishings.
Catering and cafeteriaRestaurant furniture, worktops, toilets, signage, cladding.
HousingKitchen worktops, kitchen sinks, bathroom worktops, washbasins, shower trays, bathtubs, furniture and decoration, cladding.
Offices and customer service: Office furniture, counters, display stands, worktops, cladding, bathrooms, signage.
Hospitals, health and laboratories: Clinical furniture, countertops, washbasins, wall cladding, bathrooms, surgical washbasins.
Public buildings and education: Office furniture, counters, cladding, bathrooms, commercial furniture, signage.
Transport and airports: Office furniture, counters, cladding, signage.
Industrial products: Furniture, coverings, household appliances.
CHARACTERISTICS AND PROPERTIES:
- Non-porous, prevents reproduction of active micro-organisms
It has no cavities where organic waste can accumulate, preventing the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.
- Sustainable
100% recyclable, it is a material that, thanks to its inert composition, does not cause any harm to the environment.
- Insurance
Manufacture and composition free of substances that are hazardous or toxic to humans.
- Easy to clean
Easy to clean and easy to maintain: a non-permeable material that is resistant to the action of chemicals.
- High durability and resistance to chemical disinfectants.
- High fire resistance
Does not emit toxic or dense fumes in case of fire. Does not spread or contribute to the spread of fire.
- Thermocurvable
Easy to mould after heat treatment with total adaptation of the material and recovery of rigidity after cooling, maintaining the desired shape.
Its properties make it mouldable and malleable, which allows designers to give free rein to their creativity without limits, achieving shapes that would be impossible with other materials. All this, without losing any of its properties.
- Suitable for food use
Their seamless joints, the ease of adapting to designs avoiding corners and bends, and their composition, offer a high degree of hygiene and asepsis against micro-organisms and micro-organisms.
- Sound insulation
- Ecological and 100% recyclable.
- Inert
Solid Surface is a material that is environmentally friendly and safe for society. It remains inactive without harming the environment.
• Backlight
It allows the possibility of embedding logos and illuminated images in any element.
• Low thermal conductivity
With low conductivity, it is an ideal material for room coverings, from interior cladding to facades, helping to improve air conditioning, energy savings and comfort.
- High mineral composition
- Resistant to solar radiation and extreme environments.
- Continuous, seamless surfaces
No perceptible joints compared to other materials such as wood or stone. Aesthetic and functional continuity, better finishes.
- Durability
Firm and resistant material, its highly mineral composition gives it great resistance to knocks, impacts or cracks. In the event of damage, the solid surface is easy to repair, without altering the design or initial appearance.
- Acoustic insulation
Non-porous and compact material, which makes it a perfect complement for acoustic insulation applications.
- High capacity for customisation and design, colours, finishes and textures.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SOLID SURFACE?
- Stain resistant, aseptic and easy to clean.
- With high resistance to impact and everyday wear and tear.
- Non-slip.
- High durability.
- Easy to work and repair, pleasant and velvety to the touch.
- Anti-scratch
- Good compaction in manufacturing processes.
- Hygienic, resistant to bacteria and fungi. Non-toxic.
TYPES OF FINISHES ON SOLID SURFACE SURFACES
Solid surface surfaces are characterised by very smooth and shiny finishes, complemented by anti-scratch and anti-slip treatments. It is a practical and aesthetic coating characterised by its high durability and resistance. The sanding and surface treatment processes are similar to those of wood.
"Sanding is the key to solid surface finishes. The degree of finish achieved is determined by the sanding process".
The surface of the solid surface is a material that can be easily sanded to roughness or honed and polished to the desired gloss level depending on the type of finish to be achieved. The size of the grains to be used, the sequence between them and the type of abrasive used are determining factors to be considered during the preparation and polishing process.
In the first sanding work or surface preparation phases we will use orbital sandpaper of our choice in its different support formats (mesh abrasive discs, polyester film or paper) and with dust suction systems to prevent the abrasive from clogging up and generating marks on surfaces that are difficult to repair in the following processes. It is advisable to start with P120 grit abrasive discs if the initial surface contains scratches and marks or, on the contrary, if the initial state is good, we can start the process with P180 grit abrasive discs.
In the final gloss sanding processes, we use abrasive discs with sponge backing or non-woven fibre backing, which refine the surface and provide smoothness and uniformity.
Finally, on high-gloss surfaces, we use liquid abrasive paste for the final polishing.
– The matt finish: with high roughness, it covers surface imperfections and can be easily retouched. This finish makes it difficult to clean the parts due to its roughness.
Prepared: P120 Grain - P180 Grain - P320 Grain
Fine tuning: P360 grit (sponge or non-woven fibre backing)
– The satin finish: maintains a softer feel and a slight sheen.
Prepared: P120 Grain - P180 Grain - P320 Grain
Fine tuning: P500 grit (sponge or non-woven fibre backing)
– The glossy finish: requires more preparatory sanding work to create a smooth and polished surface, which is difficult to repair as it creates different shiny areas. On the other hand, its finish is more durable and resistant to dampness.
Prepared: P120 Grain - P180 Grain - P320 Grain
Tuning: P360 Grain - P500 Grain - P1000 Grain - P4000 Grain (sponge or non-woven fibre backing)
Polishing: Abrasive paste (high gloss only)
Check out our Solid Surface treatment products
SANDING TECHNIQUES ON SOLID SURFACES
A good knowledge of the sanding technique is decisive to achieve efficiency and quality in our work.
Here are some practical tips:
- Avoid sanding with the edge of the sanding plate, always keep it parallel to the work surface.
- Operate the sander when it is resting on the work surface and switch it off when it has been removed from the surface.
- Continuously clean the sanded surface with blowers or microfibre cloths to prevent the deposited dust and abrasive particles from causing unexpected scratches.
- Sanding movements are always recommended first from north to south and consecutively from east to west.
- Overlap the sanding passes by a quarter of the disc diameter to ensure that the initial scratches are removed.
- Apply just enough pressure on the orbital sander to be able to hold and move it on the work surface.
At ABRASTAR we have an extensive range of abrasive discs in different formats and diameters, as well as the necessary portable tools for the preparation, sanding and final finishing of solid surface surfaces.
We are manufacturers and suppliers of abrasive solutions for surface treatment in the main industrial sectors of the market. Do you need advice? Contact usWe are sure we can help you.
Achieve the best finishes on solid surface surfaces with abrasives ABRASTAR
