Solid surfacing, stainless steel and zinc - Buying Guides - Kitchen & Bath

Solid surfacing
Solid-surface countertops, including the brand names Corian and Avonite, are a blend of acrylic polymers and materials derived from natural stone. To form countertops, the composite is poured into molds. Counters are generally about half an inch thick, although usually thicker on edges, which can make the counters appear deeper. Solid-surfacing simulates marble, granite or other hard stone. It is widely considered to be the lowest-maintenance luxury countertop material and is often recommended for busy kitchens because of its durability and lack of porosity. Solid surfacing is sold in matte and glossy finishes.

• Pros Available in a wide range of colours; seamless; stain-resistant; low maintenance; holds up well to abrasives; scratches can be sanded out; can incorporate integrated sinks.

• Cons Expensive; looks less natural than stone.

• Don't On solid surfacing with a high-gloss finish, don't use anything harsher than a mildly abrasive liquid cleaner and a sponge.

• Periodic maintenance None.

• Repair/restore Treat minor damage, including scratches, stains, scorches, and minor impact marks, with a light abrasive cleanser or a nylon scouring pad as described above. For difficult residues and stains, use a commercial spray cleaner made specifically for solid surfacing (available at home-supply stores).

• How to clean Wipe with a damp cloth and then towel-dry. Treat spills or light stains with mild dishwashing liquid or an ammonia-based cleaner. Remedies for tougher stains depend on the finish: On matte (nonshiny) finishes, use an abrasive cleanser and a nylon scouring pad. Semigloss surfaces require a mildly abrasive liquid cleaner (such as Soft Scrub, which is recommended by Corian's manufacturer) or a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, and a white scouring pad.

Advertisement

Stainless steel
Stainless-steel countertops are heat-resistant, extremely durable, and easy to keep clean. Because stainless countertops are built to measure, there are no seams to trap dirt and bacteria. Most health codes mandate it in commercial kitchens. Although stainless steel can scratch, over time the scratches mesh, forming a soft patina. Stainless-steel counters should be at least 1/20 inch thick (1/16 inch is preferred) to prevent them from denting and buckling.

• Pros Resists rust, corrosion, and common household stains; withstands heat; easy to maintain; can incorporate integrated sinks; resists acids and oils.

• Cons Expensive; can be noisy; may dent; shows fingerprints and water marks.

• Do Always wipe with the grain.

• Don't let it come in contact with chlorine bleach, which can pit the surface.

• Periodic maintenance Deep scratches or dents may be impossible to remove, but minor, everyday scratches can be camouflaged by rubbing with a nylon abrasive pad. Start with a gentle pad, and work in the same direction as the existing grain. Switch to a more abrasive pad if necessary. If you create an area that looks different from the rest of the counter, gently rub the changes in with a feathering stroke to help them blend. You can also hand-polish the entire counter to blend the finish.

• Repair/restore Deeper scratches require more aggressive treatment; consult a metal fabricator (look in the Yellow Pages to find one) for repair recommendations.

• How to clean Wipe with a soft cloth and a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid, or a dry microfibre cloth (without cleaner). You can also use a gentle abrasive powder such as Bon Ami. Buff the surface dry after cleaning. Most hardware stores and home-supply stores sell spray cleaners specifically for stainless steel; they effectively remove fingerprints and water marks.

Zinc
Zinc is shiny like stainless steel when it is new, but it develops a warm, soft patina with time and wear. It has long been formed into restaurant countertops, sinks and bars, and can lend an old-fashioned look to any residential kitchen. For durability, choose zinc countertops that are at least 1/20 inch thick (preferably 1/16 inch).

• Pros Heatproof; can incorporate integrated sinks; develops a warm glow over time.

• Cons Scratches easily; can look industrial; shows fingerprints and watermarks.

• Don't use cleaners that are highly alkaline (such as ammonia) or acidic (such as vinegar), both of which can cause damage.

• Periodic maintenance To minimize tarnishing, apply a thin coat of food-safe paste wax (with a clean, lint-free cotton cloth, preferably a diaper), available from online retailers.

• Repair/restore If dull or corroded, rub with number 000 steel wool.

• How to clean Wipe surface with a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid, then rinse well and towel-dry thoroughly.

Page 4 of 4

Excerpted from Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook by Martha Stewart. Copyright 2006 by Martha Stewart. Excerpted with permission by Clarkson Potter. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced without permission in writing from the publisher.

Read more in Kitchen & Bath and Buying Guides