Solid Surface has quickly become a popular material choice for both residential and commercial properties in the UK. This is thanks to its seamless, sleek finish and its hygienic properties. But what is a Solid Surface exactly, and how is it made?

WHAT IS SOLID SURFACE?

Solid Surface is a type of stone that’s not natural, but man-made. It’s made by mixing acrylic with a by-product of aluminium mining called ATH.

This ATH is a white powder that’s obtained when they’re refining bauxite ore, which is also a by-product of aluminium mining. Mix 1/3 acrylic with 2/3 natural minerals, cure it, add some colours, and crush Solid Surface to make it as hard as stone.

It’s beautiful and can look like stone, marble, or granite, and is a great addition to other luxurious and natural products.

HOW IS SOLID SURFACE MADE?

The scientific community at DuPont was astounded by the synthesis of raw materials that led to the development of Corian®.

The raw materials included Aluminium Trihydrate (ATH), a fine white powder derived from bauxite ore, which is the principal source of aluminium globally. It is noteworthy that aluminium is one of the most recycled and recyclable materials currently in use, and it is also the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust.

The mixture of ATH and methyl acrylate, or polyester resin in some cases, was blended thoroughly, akin to cake batter, to produce the raw mixture for Solid Surface. The addition of pigment and particulates – crushed pieces of Solid Surface – to the mixture enabled the achievement of different colours and patterns. At this point in the process, the mixture was poured into a Mold and left to harden. The material was then sliced into sheets and prepared for distribution.