Product Brochure
CORIAN
®
SOLID SURFACE
PRODUCT BULLETIN
NA/ENGLISH
Corian® Solid Surface Product Bulletin 2/3
Limitations
Although Corian® Solid Surface can withstand high temperatures, it
should be protected against direct heat with hot pads or heat shields.
Use of 6 mm (
1
/4") sheets should be restricted to vertical applications or
certain furniture applications only. e choice between 12 mm and 19 mm
(
1
/2" and
3
/4") is generally based on performance and cost considerations.
Due to the complex blending of natural minerals and man-made acrylics,
slight color variations may be found within a sheet or from sheet to sheet
of same color. erefore, checking for color matching is an essential
element of sheet inspection before starting fabrication.
Corian® Solid Surface is nonporous so spills and stains remain on the
surface. However, some chemicals can stain, discolor or damage the
surface of Corian® Solid Surface. ese chemicals include strong acids
(like concentrated sulfuric acid), ketones (like acetone), chlorinated
solvents (like chloroform) or strong solvent combinations (like paint
remover). e extent of the damage will depend on the length of contact.
Except for strong solvents such as paint remover, short periods of contact
will not usually cause severe damage to Corian® Solid Surface. Acid drain
cleaners should not be used as they can damage both Corian® Solid
Surface and any plastic plumbing beneath. Corian® Solid Surface is not
recommended for use in photographic processing laboratories. More
information can be found in Corian® Chemical Resistance (K-27406). In
some hospitals and laboratories where strong disinfectants come in
contact with Corian® applications, the recommendation is to use solid
colors and avoid extended contact.
PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
Since its introduction in 1967, Corian® Solid Surface has proven itself to
be remarkably durable, versatile and easy to live with in both the home
and commercial environments.
Typical performance properties of Corian® products are shown in Corian®
Performance Properties (K-26829). e performance of Corian® sheets
may vary according to the thickness of the material, its aesthetics and
surface finish.
Colors and patterns run through the entire thickness of the material and
cannot wear away or delaminate. Joints can be glued inconspicuously,
making virtually unlimited surfaces possible.
Corian® Solid Surfaces are restorable, meaning they can be fully restored
with ordinary mild abrasive cleansers and a scouring pad. Cigarette
burns, for example, can be easily removed in this way. Damage caused by
abuse can usually be repaired on site without having to completely
replace the material.
Corian® Solid Surface is nonporous with a smooth, seamless appearance.
With proper cleaning, the material does not promote the growth of
mold, mildew and bacteria.
Corian® Solid Surface is nontoxic and nonallergenic to humans. Corian®
Solid Surface meets or exceeds emissions guidelines for volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and has achieved
GREENGUARD GOLD Certification.
When burned, it releases mainly carbon oxides and the smoke generated
is optically light and does not contain toxic halogenated gases. Because of
these properties, Corian® Solid Surface is used in public spaces and
delicate applications such as airport check-in counters, wall and work
surfaces in hospitals and hotels.
Corian® Solid Surface sheets can be thermoformed in wooden or metal
molds at controlled temperatures in order to create various 2D and 3D
design objects. Embossing effects can also be created.
e translucency of Corian® sheet is especially striking in the lighter
colors as well as in thinner sheets. As a result, many designers are using it
to create lamps or lighting effects in various applications.
Inlaying Corian® Solid Surface with different materials or with different
colors of Corian® is possible and can enhance the inherent beauty of the
material. Inlays and logos can also be created on Corian® Solid Surface
using dye sublimation or direct printing techniques.
FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION
Corian® Design trains and certifies fabricators and installers who are
provided detailed information regarding proper procedures; the following
is a general overview, not a comprehensive guide to proper use.
Seams
To minimize material usage and facilitate installation, a corner block of
Corian® Solid Surface should be made square (butt) rather than mitered.
e edges to be joined should be straight, smooth and clean. Some seams
need to be reinforced (see fabrication manual for details). Joints should
only be made with Corian® Joint Adhesive. Cutouts should be made with
a router equipped with a sharp carbide bit, with a minimum diameter of
3
/8" (10 mm). All corners of a cutout must be rounded to 5 mm radius
and the edges smoothed, both on top and bottom, all around a cutout.
“L” and “U” shaped corners need smooth,
3
/16" (5 mm) radius inside
corners. For hob cutouts, corners should be reinforced with a Corian®
corner block. See fabrication manual for more details.
Some Corian® Solid Surface colors that feature random veins and
irregular patterns require special considerations regarding the seams.
Please refer to the related technical bulletin for best practices in
fabrication of these colors.
Sealants and Adhesives
Corian® Solid Surface is compatible with many commercially available
caulks and sealants. 100% silicone products are recommended. Vertical
panels of Corian® may be installed over suitable substrates, including
water-resistant gypsum board, marine-grade plywood and ceramic tiles.
In case a support is needed, apply perimeter frame or full support direct
to Corian® using large beads of flexible adhesive leaving a space with a
minimum thickness of
1
/16" (1.5 mm).