Are resin washbasins all the same? Let's try to clarify.
We collected the information directly from the resin sinks and tops manufacturers and decided to report it below.
We will therefore talk about:
1_ Stonecore: glossy and matt
2_ Solid
3_ Ocritech
1_ Stonecore glossy and matt
The glossy and matt Stonecore is very versatile material and allows the development of many shapes: sinks with undercut, custom sinks, tops, bases, columns.
Daily maintenance
Taking care of this product is quick and easy.
a_ Glossy Stonecore
To remove most stains, limescale and dirt that normally settle on the surface, simply clean with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge and common non-abrasive detergents.
After cleaning, rinse the surface well.
The recommended products are: ACE® cream gel, CIF® in gel, AIAX®.
b_ Matt Stonecore
Simply clean the matt STONECORE with soapy water or common detergents to remove most of the stains and dirt that can deposit on the surface.
In particular, gel or abrasive detergents used with an abrasive sponge such as "Scotch Brite®" are recommended, making sure to rinse the surface well; in this way the original matt finish will be maintained, a distinctive feature of the matt STONECORE.
How to prevent damage
a_ Glossy Stonecore
- For cleaning avoid the use of detergents and abrasive sponges.
- Do not use metal scrapers.
- This product has good heat resistance, however avoid placing hot objects on the surface or draining hot liquids.
- We do not recommend the use of aggressive chemical solvents such as acetone, trichlorethylene, solvents, acids and strong bases.
- Some substances such as ink, cosmetics and dyes can release dyes on the surface: avoid direct contact; do not place lit cigarettes, do not cut directly on the surface.
b_ Matt Stonecore
- The surface has a good resistance to stains in general; nevertheless we do not recommend the use of aggressive chemicals such as acetone, trichlorethylene, strong acids or bases.
- Some substances such as ink, cosmetics and dyes, in prolonged contact with the material, can release dyes. Everything can be removed by following the advice below. Similarly, cigarette burns can be treated.
How to remedy any damage, remove stubborn stains, scratches and burns
a_ Glossy Stonecore
Some improper uses can cause visible defects on the surface: remedying wear marks, scratches, stubborn stains and chips is often possible with simple extraordinary maintenance.
If the technical enamel film has not been damaged in all its thickness, scratches, stubborn stains and small chips can be remedied by smoothing the surface with P800 and then P1000 sandpaper, until the treated area is uniform.
To restore the original shine (or to remove signs of wear and limescale deposits) use polishing paste or polish: the products used for polishing car bodies are recommended, used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
b_ Matt Stonecore
For minor damage it is possible to restore the surface using a Scotch Brite® abrasive sponge (3M registered trademark) and a common abrasive cleaner. If the defect is still visible, go over by sanding with very fine sandpaper.
- Cleaning: clean with a sponge and normal non-abrasive bathroom cleaning detergents.
- Simple repair: clean the surface with polishing abrasive paste.
- Accurate repair: sand the surface with P800 and then P1000 abrasive paper, until the treated area is uniform.
Eligible products
a_ Glossy Stonecore
Non-abrasive, liquid or gel detergents such as ACE® cream gel, CIF® in gel, AIAX®.
Denatured ethyl alcohol and products for removing limescale (Viakal) can be used having the foresight to rinse the surface well.
b_ Matt Stonecore
Cream or powder detergents such as CIF®, VIM® or similar that contain micro-granules that abrade the surface.
Denatured ethyl alcohol can be used having the foresight to rinse the surface well.
NOT suitable products
a_ Glossy Stonecore
Abrasive cleaners and sponges; solvents such as acetone or trichlorethylene and other aggressive chemicals such as strong acids (muriatic acid ...) and strong bases (caustic soda ...); very aggressive substances for gushing sinks; solvents used in the painting sector. For industrial or other detergents whose aggressiveness is unknown, test in an invisible area before applying to the entire product.
b_ Matt Stonecore
Abrasive cleaners and sponges; solvents such as acetone or trichlorethylene and other aggressive chemicals such as strong acids (muriatic acid ...) and strong bases (caustic soda ...); very aggressive substances for gushing sinks; solvents used in the painting sector. For industrial or other detergents whose aggressiveness is unknown, test in an invisible area before applying to the entire product.
Chemical resistance
The surface was subjected to contact tests for 16 hours with staining agents and aggressive substances; Most halos can be removed by cleaning, in some cases a repair is required:
- Cleaning: clean with a sponge and normal non-abrasive bathroom cleaning detergents.
- Simple repair: clean the surface with polishing abrasive paste.
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2_ Solid
The main characteristics of this product are compactness, resistance to chemical agents and / or solvents and resistance to scratching; furthermore, given the uniformity throughout the thickness, any damage can be easily removed using an abrasive sponge and thus renew the surface.
It is a composite material made with 2/3 of aluminum hydrates, masterfully mixed with polyester resins modified with acrylic monomers with high chemical and mechanical performance.
All this leads to a homogeneous and uniform material throughout the thickness.
Daily maintenance
- Simple cleaning - water and detergent halos for personal use.
- Clean with a sponge and normal commercial bathroom cleaning detergents. At the end, rinse thoroughly. PLEASE NOTE: it is advisable to previously test the compatibility of the detergent used on a hidden area of Solid in order to avoid damage.
- Thorough cleaning - stains from cosmetics and household cleaners. To eliminate limescale deposits and remove persistent stains (cosmetics, dyes…), clean with an abrasive sponge and detergent (CIF®, Vim…) with large and circular movements until the defect is removed. Rinse well.
What to do in case of damage to the piece
To eliminate scratches and small chips, or in the case of persistent stains, sand with P320 sandpaper.
It is also possible, after several years of use, to renew and make the surface of Solid uniform, using the same P320 sandpaper: it will be sufficient to sand the surface by hand with large and circular movements and have a homogeneous finish.
It is advisable to proceed, in the removal of persistent stains, gradually, first acting effectively with a sponge and abrasive detergent and, only if necessary, proceed with P320 abrasive paper.
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3_ Ocritech
Cutting-edge solid surface, Ocritech is a cast acrylic resin material that makes it a durable product with a contemporary aesthetic.
From an aesthetic point of view, Ocritech products are available in an elegant matte finish.
Made of cast methacrylate, whose multiple characteristics make it the right material to meet the customer's needs.
Its exceptional properties, such as resistance to bad weather and aging, to diluted acids and alkaline substances, make it widely used in the bathroom.
The characteristics of this innovative and quality material are the following:
- 100% water repellent
- Excellent impact resistance
- Unassailable by UVB rays
- Color resistance over time (does not yellow)
- Resistance to the absorption of cosmetic products, beauty products and acid substances (methylene blue contained in hair dye, etc.)
- Restorability from minor damage caused by bumps and scratches
- Ease of cleaning
Daily maintenance
For normal daily cleaning of matt Ocritech washbasins, use a scotch brite sponge and abrasive powder detergents and rinse with water.
To dry use microfibre cloths.
NOT suitable products
DO NOT use Alcohol Acetone or other types of solvents.
In case of accidental spillage of these solvents, rinse quickly with water to remove them.
