Solid Surface, also known as solid surface material, is a high-performance artificial stone (engineered stone) featuring seamless integration, antibacterial and sterile properties, lightweight yet high strength, a wide range of colors and textures, strong thermoformability (supporting heat bending), easy repairability, and resistance to stains and corrosion.

This material is composed of natural mineral powders (such as aluminum hydroxide), acrylic or polyester resins, and was originally developed and introduced by DuPont in 1967 (under the brand name Corian®).

It has an extremely wide range of applications, including kitchens (countertops, islands, backsplashes, sinks), bathrooms (washbasins, bathtubs, shower bases), healthcare (laboratory countertops, sterile workstations), commercial spaces (reception desks, display stands), architecture (wall cladding, windowsills), and creative furniture.

Thanks to its versatility and design flexibility, it is gradually replacing traditional materials such as natural stone, wood, and ceramics, becoming the preferred choice for modern architecture and high-end interior design.

History

Solid surface material was first conceptualized in the early 1960s by Don Slocum, a researcher at the DuPont Chemical Company.

Slocum aimed to create a durable, sanitary, and visually appealing product that would be homogeneous in both material and color, in contrast to more traditional materials like granite and marble, which are porous and can harbor bacteria.

In 1964, Slocum and his team successfully produced the first sheets of solid surface, branding it as Corian.

This innovative material quickly gained popularity for its non-porous nature and ease of maintenance, making it an attractive alternative for various applications such as countertops and sinks.

The introduction of Corian marked the beginning of a new era in surface materials, leading to the expiration of DuPont’s patent, which allowed other manufacturers to enter the market with their own brands. Notable examples include LG HI-MACS, Lotte Staron, and Aristech Avonite Surfaces, among others.

Over the years, solid surface materials have evolved significantly. They are now primarily composed of a blend of acrylic, polyester, or a combination of both with mineral particles like alumina trihydrate and various pigments.

The versatility of solid surface materials has resulted in their widespread use in both residential and commercial settings, where they are valued for their aesthetic possibilities and functional advantages, such as resistance to stains and ease of repair.

3 Types of Solid Surface

Solid surface materials come primarily in 3 types: pure acrylic solid surface; composite acrylic solid surface; gelcoat surface.

Solid Surface Materials Comparison Table

Property	Pure Acrylic Solid Surface	Composite Acrylic Solid Surface	Gel Coat Surface
Composition	100% acrylic resin (PMMA)	30-40% resin + 60-70% mineral fillers	0.2-0.5mm resin layer + cheap filler core
Structure	Homogeneous, no layers	Uniform particle distribution	Layered construction
Hardness (Mohs)	3-4	4-5	2-3
Heat Resistance	Up to 180°C	Up to 150°C	Deforms at 80°C
Scratch Resistance	Can be sanded and restored	Good resistance	Easily scratched
Stain Resistance	Non-porous	Non-porous	Rapid staining
Seamless Joints	Seamless	Seamless	Visible seams
Repairability	Repairable	Repairsable	Not repairable
Lifespan	More than 10 years	More than 10 years	1-2 years
Light Transmission	5-15% edge glow	Slight edge glow	Opaque
Thermal Expansion	Low	Low	High
Typical Applications	Medical tops/luxury bathrooms	Kitchen counters/commercial spaces	Temporary installations
Eco-Friendliness	Zero VOC, recyclable	Low VOC, partially recyclable	Contains formaldehyde
Premium Brands	Corian®/HI-MACS®	Viatera®/Staron®	No reputable brands

What is Pure Acrylic Solid Surface?

1. Definition

Pure Acrylic Solid Surface is a 100% acrylic (PMMA) resin manufactured high-end artificial stone material, containing no mineral fillers, with completely homogeneous and non-porous structure.

Representative brands: DuPont Corian®, LG HI-MACS®, Samsung Staron®.

2. Core Advantages of Pure Acrylic Solid Surface

(1) Seamless Joints, Ultimate Aesthetics

• Can be thermoformed to achieve curved designs (such as curved bars, integrated sinks).
• No seams, preventing dirt accumulation, making it suitable for high hygiene standard environments like medical and laboratory settings.

(2) Superior Stain Resistance & Easy Cleaning

• Non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth, resists penetration by soy sauce, coffee, etc., and can be directly disinfected with alcohol..

(3) Repairability

• Scratches can be restored to new condition by sanding, maintaining like-new appearance long-term.

(4) Lightweight & Impact Resistant

• Light weight makes it suitable for floating countertop designs.
• Good toughness, not easily broken.

3. Recommended Applications

• High-end kitchen countertops (for seamless appearance and easy cleaning)
• Medical countertops & laboratory work surfaces (antibacterial, chemical resistant)
• Integrated sinks & bathtubs (can be thermoformed)
• Commercial spaces (hotels, showrooms)

What is Composite Acrylic Solid Surface?

(1) Definition

Composite Acrylic Solid Surface is an artificial stone material made by mixing acrylic resin (20-40%) + mineral fillers (aluminum hydroxide/aluminum powder, 60-80%), combining the moldability of pure acrylic with the stability of mineral fillers.

Representative brands:LG Viatera®;Samsung Staron®;DuPont Corian® Endura

2. Core Advantages of Composite Acrylic

(1) Balanced Performance

• Higher hardness: More scratch-resistant than pure acrylic, suitable for kitchen use.

(2) Processing-Friendly

• Supports seamless joining.
• Can be moderately thermoformed.

(3) Visual Texture

• Surface approaches the smoothness of pure acrylic, without the granular texture of quartz stone.
• Some products can achieve translucent designs (utilizing the light-transmitting properties of aluminum hydroxide).

3. Recommended Applications

• Kitchen countertops
• Bathroom vanities (waterproof and stain-resistant requirements)
• Commercial spaces (hotel reception desks, display counters)
• Translucent decorations (feature walls, illuminated surfaces)

What is “Gel Coat” Solid Surface?

In China’s supplier market, you can always find lower prices—there’s no “lowest price.” But why? Because you might be dealing with gel coat solid surface, a low-cost alternative that sacrifices quality in price competition.

（1）Definition

Gel coat is a surface-coating process where a thin layer of resin (e.g., unsaturated polyester resin) is sprayed or rolled onto artificial stone, making it look like premium solid surface—while hiding low-cost fillers inside (e.g., calcium powder, crushed stone powder, or recycled materials).

It’s like a “veneer” or “film coating”—not a fully compressed, homogeneous material.

Major flaws:

• Scratches easily
• Fades/discolors over time
• Delaminates or yellows
• Cracks under long-term use

This is why some buyers in China end up with poor-quality solid surface—they chose the cheapest option without realizing it was gel coat, not pure/composite solid surface.

7 ways to Identify gelcoat, pure solid surfaces and composite solid surface

1. Edge/Cut Test

Cut the material, and check a cross-section of the material

• Gel coat: Visible resin layer (0.2-0.5mm) over powdery core
• Pure acrylic solid surface: Uniform texture with slight light transmission
• Composite solid surface: Even mineral distribution throughout

2. Surface Texture

Run fingers across the surface under bright light

• Gel coat: Plasticky feel with uneven gloss
• Pure acrylic solid surface: Smooth, stone-like consistency
• Composite solid surface: Smooth, Slightly grainy but uniform finish

3. Weight & Temperature

Lift and touch the material

• Gel coat: Lightweight, room temperature
• Pure acrylic solid surface: Medium weight, slightly warm
• Composite solid surface: Heaviest, cooler to touch

4. Thermoforming Evidence

Inspect curved sections

• Gel coat: No thermoforming with cracks
• Pure acrylic solid surface: Perfect seamless bends as the video showed
• Composite solid surface: Good forming capability

5. Scratch Test

Use a coin to scratch an inconspicuous area.

• Gel coat: Keys/scissors leave permanent marks
• Pure acrylic solid surface: Light scratches buff out with sandpaper
• Composite solid surface: Resists scratches better than pure acrylic

6. Heat Test (100°C)

Place a hot cup (80°C+) on the surface for 10 minute.

• Gel coat: Blisters
• Pure acrylic solid surface: No damage
• Composite solid surface: No damage

7. Stain Test

Dab coffee or oil, leave for 24 hours.

• Gel coat: Stains permanently
• Pure acrylic solid surface: Wipes clean (non-porous)
• Composite solid surface: Wipes clean (non-porous)

Kingkonree – Premium Acrylic Solid Surface Manufacturer in China

Kingkonree is a professional manufacturer with extensive experience, we offer both composite and pure acrylic solid surface materials to meet diverse project requirements. Our product range includes high-quality solid surface sheets, countertops, vanity tops, integrated sinks, bathtubs and custom solid surface products solutions for residential, commercial and healthcare applications.

All our materials feature:
• Excellent durability and stain resistance
• Non-porous, hygienic surfaces
• Custom color and texture options
• Certified quality meeting international standards

Whether you need the absolute best pure acrylic solution or high-performing composite alternatives, Kingkonree has the right solid surface products for your specific needs and budget. Contact our team today to discuss which material best suits your project requirements.