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ACRYLICS CORIAN GRANITE MARBLE OTHER VANITY TOP MATERIALS
ACRYLICS
(CORIAN®) / GRANITE / MARBLE / OTHER VANITY TOP
MATERIALS: There are materials that look
somewhat like "cultured marble" that
are far more expensive and durable. One of these
is Dupont Corian ® . These materials can be
repaired by the homeowner if burned or
scratched. The color in these materials and
their usable surface extends completely through
the material as opposed to a fraction of an inch
of usable surface on plastic resin type
materials. This allows the user to
"sand" or scour the burn or scratch
off the surface.
Marble and granite countertops are less common
than all others with the exception of copper
countertops. The treatment of marble or granite
is similar to ceramic tile except that marble
can be stained. Use care with scratching or
nicking the surface of this type countertop. The
polished finish is not easily repaired. Refer to
73f for additional information. Other types of
vanity tops may include wood, copper, enameled
steel, or vinyl. Wood counter tops are usually
painted. The condition of the paint is important
since water penetrating into the wood will cause
swelling and cracking of the wood. Keep paint or
sealers liberally applied to wood vanity tops.
Copper vanity tops usually require no special
treatment. Copper cleaners are recommended for
polishing and cleaning. Enameled steel is easily
chipped and scratched. Keep chipped spots
touched up to avoid rusting of the metal. Touch
up paints are available at all Home Improvement
Stores or Building Supply Outlets. Vinyl tops
are like vinyl flooring, and in fact, usually
are vinyl flooring materials. Vinyl is almost
always glued to a wood counter top. For this
reason, care should be taken that cuts or deep
scratches not go unattended. Water penetration
into the wood substrate will swell and crack the
wood causing accelerated deterioration of the
counter top. Repair cuts or scratches with vinyl
repair caulk. This material is usually available
at most Carpet Stores that install vinyl
flooring. Use silicone caulk to repair cuts or
scratches if vinyl repair caulk is not
available.
The above information was provided by TWI Systems Copyright 1995-2005 1-800-553-5660 |
