Avonite FAQs

About Avonite    Care and Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions about Avonite

What makes Avonite Surfaces products different from laminates, granite and the other solid surfacing materials?  

Solid surface products offer many benefits over laminate, tile and granite. Solid surface seams are inconspicuous, hygienic, and non-porous. This means it will not support the growth of bacteria. Avonite's pattern allows for complete design flexibility. Avonite comes with a ten-year limited material warranty. Because of their unique manufacturing process, Avonite Surfaces creates a depth of color and clarity found in no other solid surface product.    

Is Avonite easy to repair?  

Because the pattern runs through the entire thickness of the product, nicks and scratches can be easily sanded out of a top in a matte finish. Accidental major damage, or damage to a polished finish top, can be repaired by a qualified Avonite Surfaces fabricator.

What's the difference between the Satin, Matte, and Gloss finishes?  

A matte finish is a typical sanded finish with no sheen. A well-done satin finish is achieved by additional sanding with finer grits of sandpaper and Scotch Brite^© pads. The satin finish has a low to medium luster appearance. The gloss finish has a high luster appearance and is typically applied in limited use and wear areas.  

Can I set a hot pan directly on the surface?  

Although Avonite Surfaces are resistant to heat, the nature of ALL solid surfaces is to expand and contract under extreme temperature changes. By putting a hot pan in the center of the surface, the material wants to expand. With the surrounding counter being at room temperature, the area of increased temperature has no area to expand. This may cause cracking of the surface. Scorching may also occur in extreme temperatures. To prevent damage it is recommended that you use a trivet or hot pad. Routed grooves where stainless steel rods can be placed to hold hot pans is one attractive design option. Another option is an inlayed area of ceramic tile.  

Can I cut directly on the surface?  

Although Avonite Surfaces are very durable, they can be marred or scratched with a sharp knife, like all solid surfaces. Always use a cutting board for all of your kitchen cutting chores.  

Do Avonite Surfaces products scratch easily?  

Anything harder than a solid surface may scratch the surface; including items such as ceramics, stoneware, stainless steel, glassware, etc. Visit Avonite’s Care & Maintenance section for complete instructions to care for your Avonite Surfaces installation.  

What is the difference between acrylic and polyester?  

Acrylic and polyester solid surface have many similarities. Acrylic solid surface can be thermoformed to the most demanding radiuses, while polyesters cannot be shaped to as tight a radius. Both acrylic and polyester products will scorch if a hot item is placed on the surface. Both acrylic and polyester can achieve a matte, satin, and high polished finish. Polyester products polish more easily and have the ability to achieve a translucent appearance in a satin or high polish finish.  

How easy is it to keep clean?  

Most of the care is already built into Avonite’s products. With minimal effort, Avonite's countertops will continue to be a source of pride for years to come. Avonite Surfaces are designed to provide durable service and lasting beauty. Visit Avonite’s Care & Maintenance section for complete instructions to care for your Avonite Surfaces installation.  

Can it be buffed back to the original shine?  

Yes, if you have a high gloss countertop, Avonite’s products can be buffed to its original shine. Please contact an Avonite Surfaces certified fabricator to return your countertop to its original shine.  

For more information about Avonite solid surface countertops contact Express Countertops. Call or use the estimate button above to request your free estimate and have your new Avonite countertops installed in 1 week - guaranteed!