Artificial stone is a solid, non-porous, homogeneous surfacing material composed of ± 1/3 acrylic resin (also known as polymethyl methacrylate or PMMA) and ± 2/3 natural minerals. The main mineral is aluminium trihydrate (ATH) derived from bauxite, an ore from which aluminium is produced. Such combination gives many advantages comparing to other materials.
Since its introduction artificial stone has proved itself to be a remarkably durable material that is easy to live with. It does not delaminate and stands up well to daily wear and tear. It is ecologically clean material: does not absorb water, grease, dirt, does not emit toxins, particularly resistant to mechanical and heat impact as well as aggressive chemicals. This is particularly important when using this material in the interiors, where large crowds of people walk through every day.
Artificial stone has been tested for its mechanical, thermal, electrical and other surface properties.
The artificial stone like any other material can be scratched. But if treated with care it will serve you well for a very long time.
But the main advantage of the material is that if over time some significant scratches or broken notches appear, then it is easy to restore and the surface will regain its original appearance.
Granite - cold, heavy, not repairable. Marble - brittle, porous (tea and coffee stains remain), is not repairable. Laminate - hydrophobic, seamless connections are not possible. Wood - no resistance to moisture. Artificial stone is protected from all the drawbacks associated with other materials.
Main characteristics of the material:
Hygienic
Artificial stone is a non-porous material and doesn’t have cracks, therefore is particularly resistant to formation of stains after contact with household liquids (e.g., ketchup, vinegar, lemon juice, coffee, wine, etc.). It is solid through its entire thickness and can be fabricated with inconspicuous seams, rendering its surface hygienic. Artificial stone surfaces do not support the growth of bacteria or fungi.
Repairable
Surfaces in artificial stone are renewable, meaning they can be fully restored with ordinary mild abrasive cleansers and a scouring pad. Cigarette burns, for example, can be easily removed this way.
Compared to the natural stone the damaged material is easy to restore and the renewed surface will not differ with the initial product either by look or by its qualities. For decades, it does not lose its initial look.
Non-toxic
Artificial stone is inert and nontoxic material. Under normal temperature conditions, it does not emit gas. When burned, it releases mainly carbon oxides and the smoke generated does not contain toxic halogenated gases. Because of these properties, artificial stone is used in public and high-risk areas such as airport check-in counters and walls, and work surfaces in hospitals and hotels.
Solid
Colours and patterns run through the entire thickness of the material and does not wear away. Artificial stone is a solid material and does not delaminate.
Invisible joints
The applications for artificial stone are limited only by your own imagination. Pieces of artificial stone can be glued together inconspicuously to create a seamless look, giving virtually unlimited design possibilities for surfaces. Long counters, for example, can be easily made in pieces in a workshop and then joined together at the installation site. Edges can be built up to look thicker.
Thermoformable
Artificial stone can be thermoformed in wooden or metal moulds at controlled temperatures to create various curved design objects.
The price is composed from the material chosen and the production costs. The price of the material is different for every producer. Also, the price varies depending on the colour of the material. To make it more clear – the more the material resembles the natural stone (has more minerals in its composition), the more expensive it is.
The manufacturers give 10-year warranty for their materials and we give 24-month warranty for our work.
Although the liquids can’t soak into the artificial stone, however, if the liquid is spilled, it is recommended to wipe it immediately. For cleaning use a damp cloth and a mild creamy abrasive cleaner or a degreasing cleaner you use every day. Products always must be cleaned in a circular motion. If it is necessary to pay more attention to the stain, the surface should be cleaned using one of the methods described below.
Degrease the surface with detergent or cleaning agent for hard surfaces. Spray the surface with a mixture of ¾ liquid bleach and ¼ water and leave for a few hours or overnight, maximum - 16 hours. Then rinse or wipe with a damp cloth.
First, try the easiest ways.
Common stains like the vinegar, coffee, tea, lemon juice, bleach, ketchup, red wine or vegetable / fruit: first try the easiest way, if they do not work, only then clean the product with an abrasive plastic cleaner and detergent or a hard surface cleaner, which contains ammonia.
Only in case very persistent stains have developed, such as lily pollen, saffron stains or light scratches, try to clean with an abrasive plastic scraper and rub the stain with bleach. Then rinse several times with warm water and wipe with a soft cloth. Always after cleaning it is necessary to restore the natural luster of the product by using a damp cloth and a mild cream abrasive cleaner, with circular movements polishing the cleaned place to completely blend it in with the rest of the surface.
If on the product there are left stains from hard water, use an abrasive cleaner for plastics and scrub the stain with household lime remover, following the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse several times with warm water and wipe with a dry cloth. Restore shine, as described above.
Heat
Always use pads (with rubber surface) or others as protection against heat. Never put hot iron products on artificial stone surfaces, especially of casting iron, because the heat may damage them permanently. Pouring hot liquid directly onto the artificial stone products (e.g. sinks), while simultaneously rinsing them with cold water, can damage these products.
Scratches
As with all materials, due to the daily use of the artificial stone products, the traces of mild scratches may appear. Never cut or chop anything directly on the artificial stone surface - it can scratch the surface! Instead, use a board or pad. Dust and daily wear, as well as scratches will show up quicker on the dark, heavily pigmented colors than on the light, compact surfaces.
Chemicals spills
Accidentally spilled chemicals (e.g. paint removers, brush cleaners, metal cleaners, oven cleaners, cleaners containing ethylene chloride, sewer cleaners containing acid, acetone-based nail polish remover, etc.) must be rinsed with plenty of soapy water to avoid the damage of the products. In case the nail polish is spilled the non-acetone-based nail polish remover can be used which is afterwards rinsed with water. Undetected or prolonged exposure to chemicals may damage the product.