The new kitchen counters

[Bob & Lee]

I know it was talked about but I search to find nothing. So We have the new Granite impregnated composite countertop in the 3400 how do you maintain the top? what do you put on them? ours is almost flat and no shine almost look sanded not like I think they should be. who makes the counter tops? The Montana manual has very little no info on the upkeep of the product.

[LonnieB]

Hey Bob, I have the same countertops, and they don't shine either. I don't think they are supposed to. We don't put anything on them, just wash with soapy water and rinse.

[Parrothead]

Lonnie has it right. The little piece of paper that we found among all the other manuals says it is a Matte finish. So no shine. A long time ago I posted those directions. I'll see if I can find it. We just wash ours, be careful to always use a cutting board and have no problems.
Happy trails.....................

[Montana Sky]

Soap and water seems to work for me. I use trivets for all hot objects, don't set them directly on the counter top.

[SKOOBDO]

I bought some "Granite Polish" and even though the counters aren't made of granite, the polish really works great! It repels water, and reduces water spots. I put it on about every two or so weeks. It last a while. Food doesn't stick or stain much when that product is applied. For general clean up I use a spray bottle that contains a little bleach and the counters still stay shiny after the water drys. The granite polish contains carnuba wax and some other stuff. I got it from Lowes or Home Depot. They had other cleaners and conditioners also for imitation granite counters. So you might want to check them out. The counters do shine if you use these products. Good Luck!

[bsmeaton]

I notice on the Big Sky, they use the same material but boast a high shine! Really shines in the pictures too. Wonder if it's just a difference in the final buffing.

[LonnieB]

Brad,

You may have something there. Some polishing compound and a little ( or a lot ) of elbow grease??

Personally, I like them the way they are. Easy on the eyes, and warmer feeling. But that may go back to the fact that I don't much care for bling bling .

[bsmeaton]

No elbow grease for me Lonnie, I like dull .

[Sandi]

Bev Schlee suggested I use Gel Gloss on the counter tops. It works really well, with little work. Gives a little shine, not glossy. I do it every couple of weeks on the counters I use the most frequently.

[steves]

Ditto on the Gel Gloss - makes the counter have a better shine!

[Trailer Trash 2]

This is for corian/avanite but it might be the same type maintinance for your counter top.


http://i7.tinypic.com/2130z1x.jpg

http://i7.tinypic.com/21311te.jpg

[Bob & Lee]

Thanks for all the information, looks to me just how much work Lee wants to put in to maintainance if she wants them to shine or not.

[Parrothead]

I can think of a lot of things I would rather do than shine the counter every couple of weeks. The 3400 has a lot of counter space. JMHO
Happy trails.........................

[Bob & Lee]

It has a lot more counter space than our 3685 and that was a selling point, but Lee has a problem we didnt lookd at, 5'tall. The main storage for her dishes is so high she cant see in, we must buy her a step.

[Trailer Trash 2]

quote:Originally posted by Bob & Lee

Thanks for all the information, looks to me just how much work Lee wants to put in to maintainance if she wants them to shine or not.

When we sell Avanite we recomend a dull finish or matt. a high luster finish will show every water spot and scraches will POP out where ever you stand or place on the counter unless you have the felt tabs on all your china.

TT2

[Parrothead]

Bob
I know what you mean. I'm 5'3" and I have problems. Thank goodness Ed is 6'. I still think this unit was designed by a 7' single, male. I have a little folding step stool that is always with me.
Happy trails......................

[Montana Sky]

Sue,
Don't feel bad, I am a 6'1" tall single male. I have trouble getting to the top pantry cabinet. =)

[dsprik]

quote:Originally posted by Trailer Trash 2

When we sell Avanite we recomend a dull finish or matt. a high luster finish will show every water spot and scraches will POP out where ever you stand or place on the counter unless you have the felt tabs on all your china.

TT2

Good info, Don.