countertops

[toolmanroy]

The countertop packet came with a sponge with the nonabrasive material on the other side, the same you use for Teflon. Our sink covers were NOT used for cutting. I know better. The scratches or whatever was on them came with the brand new unit. I put some regular dishwashing detergent on the covers and used the other side of the sponge and whatever is there is beginning to come off. Hubby said the sandpaper they recommend is extremely fine and is a last resort effort only. I have not tried the Mr. Clean eraser sponge but I bet it will handle the job well. I know it sure cleans sinks, rug stains, and wall stains very well.

As for the Scotch Brite green pad. It is very thin and comes in a packet of 2-3. I found them in my grocery store in the same aisle with the sponges.

It is a matte finish and now that I am used to it I like it. I do love the sinks, which are extra deep, and the one-piece construction is nice.

[Montana_621]

We use ours for cutting boards. I just use the underside of them for the cutting board and then flip them over to put back on the sink if need be. That way the side people see is really nice while the other that you don't care about is just fine.

quote:Originally posted by Silverbait

If you want a shine on your solid surface countertops try WD40. Believe it or not, it works. The reason you don't want to use regular sandpaper is to avoid "cupping" similar to butcher block countertops in butcher shops. The green 3M or Scotchbrite pads are very mildly abrasive and will polish out the scratches.

Most comments indicate that the scratches are on the sink covers. This implies that the sink covers are being used as cutting boards. You really should not use the sink covers as cutting boards. A knife will cut into the solid surface much deeper than a simple scratch and removing them could result in cupping. I suggest either a maple cutting board or one of the glass/acrylic cutting boards. This will keep your sink covers looking great. I know the marketing people show the covers being used as cutting boards but if you check with the manufacturer it's really not recommended.

[PatnRich]

This is my first post. I too do like the solid surf counter tops, but I dislike the blotchy look. As far as using WD40 on tops, I am leary of this, WD40 is a petroleum product and as such should not come in contact with food products. Has anyone tried salad bowl oil or mineral oil? Just a thought, as they can be used safely around food.

Pat and Rich Labbe

2004 GMC 2500HD SB EC D/A
2004 2955RL
Sasha dark S&P mini schnauzer

[D and M On The Road]

A really great product for counters is called "Jubilee Kitchen Wax and Cleaner"
by SC Johnson. It cleans, reduces the appearance of scratches and puts down a nice shine.
It comes in a thick white cream and also aerosol spray.

It used to be extremely popular back in the 70s & 80s. It's still made but harder to find in stores. Check grocery stores, Walmarts...etc.

It is also available online from the manufacturer.

[Montana_593]

Melissa

Great idea about turning the sink covers over. I don't know about the effects of WD40 and food prep. I do know the make ready crews use it to make the countertops shine and it definitely does do that. I prefer the matte finish anyway and the 3M pads will help with that. You can find them in the same section as sandpaper. I think there are a couple of different colors, but the the green one is right for solid surface countertops.

[Trailer Trash 2]

Well if is true solid serface and you have the Gloss finish which we do not recomend when you look at the samples, we recomend the mat finish it's easier to maintain. the gloss finish will show anything that has been placed on it and will leave a mark, ring, whatever on the surface. that is how certified installers make there money on that stuff. REPAIRS and BUFFING, That is what you will need to do is POLISH IT AGAIN. I was going to put it in my house but after I got my certification and saw all the things you must not do I will go with granit it is almost the same price.

TT2