General Questions and Answers
Q. What is the advantage of Staronâ Solid Surfaces over granite?
A. If granite is not sealed regularly, it can become stained and harbour bacteria, viruses and mould. Seams in granite are also difficult to keep clean. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is nonporous with smooth, impenetrable seams to prevent unwelcome germs and mildew.
Staronâ Solid Surfaces is also more impact-resistant than granite, and custom designs are easier to fabricate.
Q. What is the advantage of Staronâ Solid Surfaces over soiled timber?
A. Timber is a natural product and as so it will always have movement, the only way to seal the surface against ingression of germ and bacteria is with a natural oil such as tongue oil. This makes timber top very high maintenance, if this maintenance is not carried out on a very regular basis the top will become permanently discoloured and damaged.
Q. What is the advantage of Staronâ Solid Surfaces over laminates?
A. Laminates may separate over time if exposed to moisture. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is solid and homogenous, impenetrable to moisture. Laminates may also be damaged easily by nicks and cuts, and cannot be repaired like Staron.
Q. What is the advantage of Staronâ Solid Surfaces over tile?
A. Tile has many seams where bacteria, viruses and mould can accumulate. Grout between tiles must be cleaned frequently and often cracks. Staronâ Solid Surfaces has smooth impenetrable seams, is more impact-resistant than tile and offers many more edge treatments.
Q. Who should I get to install my Staronâ Solid Surfaces countertop?
A. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is installed by licensed fabricators who have been specially trained to work with this unique product. Using a licensed fabricator ensures that your countertop is will be properly installed and under full warranty.
Q. How long will Staronâ Solid Surfaces Last?
A. With proper care and maintenance , your Staronâ Solid Surfaces countertops will last for many years. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is considered renewable material and can be refinished to look like new. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is backed by 10-year limited warranty.
Q. Is Staronâ Solid Surfaces Hygienic?
A. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is inherently a nonporous material with smooth impenetrable seams. Unlike other surfaces such as laminates, tiles and granite, Staronâ Solid Surfaces has no grout lines or ridges to trap dirt and germs. This exceptionally smooth surface makes Staronâ Solid Surfaces easy to clean. Staronâ Solid Surfaces can be fabricated as one continuous surface, such as countertop, backsplash and sink, to further reduce areas for bacteria to grow.
Q. Can I place hot pans directly onto Staron?
A. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is heat resistant and will remain undamaged up to 212oF.(100oC) However, high heat or flame can damage the surface. In most cases it can be repaired.
To protect the countertop, always use a heat pad or trivet. You can also request addition of heat rails near a stove where hot pans can be placed without worry.
Q. While preparing meals, can I place raw vegetables and meats on Staron?
A. Yes because Staronâ Solid Surfaces is nonporous which mean viruses and bacteria have no place to accumulate. In fact Staronâ Solid Surfaces is one of just a few surfaces approved for food preparation areas in restaurants.
Before preparing a meal, make sure the surface is clean. Do not allow food to come in contact with a surface where raw meat has been placed until the surface is thoroughly cleaned, preferably with a weak bleach solution.
Q. The edge treatments I have in mind isn’t showing up on the Staronâ Solid Surfaces website or in the brochures. Are there other edge treatments to choose from?
A. Absolutely. We’ve provided examples of common edges that most fabricators are equipped to build. Talk to your local fabricator or builder to get the precise edge treatment that you had in mind.
Q. How long will Staronâ Solid Surfaces Last?
A. With proper care and maintenance , your Staronâ Solid Surfaces countertops will last for many years. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is considered renewable material and can be refinished to look like new. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is backed by 10-year limited warranty.
Q. How do I care for Staronâ Solid Surfaces on a daily basis?
A. Just wipe clean using soap and water. Ammonia based cleaners, such as glass cleaner, gives the surface a streak free shine. Visit the Care and Maintenance section for additional information.
Q. Will Staronâ Solid Surfaces fade?
A. No. The acrylic resins used in Staronâ Solid Surfaces are unaffected by the ultraviolet rays present in natural light. So it will not fade.
Q. Can you cut directly into Staron?
A. Cutting directly on Staronâ Solid Surfaces countertops is not recommended because it can scratch or cut the surface.
Q. If I buff out a scratch or stain with a light duty scrubbing pad, and the area is not as glossy as the rest of the countertop, what should I do?
A. The finer the grit of cleaner you use, the higher the gloss. For the highest gloss finishes, use finer grit such as white polishing compounds with water and try to blend it with the rest of the countertop. Buff and dry with a smooth cloth.
Q. Do some colours last longer than others?
A. Not necessarily, although light colours show wear less visibly and require less frequent maintenance. Any Staronâ Solid Surfaces should provide many years of dependable service.
Q. How do I repair a scratch or cut?
A. Scratches or cuts can be buffed away with a light duty scrubbing pad and a mild abrasive cleaner.
Q. What edge treatments and other special options are available?
A. There are several edge treatments that you can incorporate with your countertop design. Edge profiles are included in the Staronâ Solid Surfaces product brochure as well as on the website on www.staron.co.uk . if you don’t see the edge treatment you have in mind talk to your local fabricator. In addition to edge treatments, colour inlays can be incorporated as well as special features such as heat rails next to stoves for hot items and routed drainage channels leading to the sink.
Q. Will repairing or refinishing Staronâ Solid Surfaces reveal a different colour that won’t match the rest of the countertop?
A. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is homogenous , meaning it’s the same colour and the same material throughout. That’s why repairing scratches is so easy and why the surface with continue to look like new.
Q. What finishes are available in Staronâ Solid Surfaces countertops?
A. Staronâ Solid Surfaces is available in many different colours and patterns and can be finished with matte, semi-gloss and high gloss finishes. Distributors can help recommend the finish that best suits your use.