Question About Renovations

[MalahatTwo7]

Ok, you contractor types out there, specifically building construction/home renovator guys.

I have a friend who has arborite counter tops and her room mate (NO not me) used a very sharp knife, {I am responsible for why the knives are sharp though} without using the cutting board and scratched the tops. Is there anything that can be applied to buff out the scratches? Or does the top have to be replaced?

Thoughts/suggestions please. Thanks in advance.

[fireman4949]

Ok, you contractor types out there, specifically building construction/home renovator guys.

I have a friend who has arborite counter tops and her room mate (NO not me) used a very sharp knife, {I am responsible for why the knives are sharp though} without using the cutting board and scratched the tops. Is there anything that can be applied to buff out the scratches? Or does the top have to be replaced?

Thoughts/suggestions please. Thanks in advance.

There's not much you can do to repair plastic laminate tops. Once they become scratched or gouged, your options are either live with it, or re-laminate or replace them.

That being said, there are some filler compounds available that are supposed to fill/hide minor scratches in plastic laminate. I have never used them myself, but have seen "repairs" done by others...Don't waste your time. The repair looked as bad, if not worse than the initial damage itself.

Buffing out a scratch will only make the problem worse, as the color of the laminate is only on the very top surface of the plastic. The problem will also be compounded if the laminate has a gloss finish, as opposed to a matte finish.




Kevin:D

[CaptainGonzo]

Rick.. I have never heard of "arborite". I have heard of Avonite, which scratches can be buffed out using a mild automotive compond and a rotary polisher.

[MalahatTwo7]

Thats what we call it "Up There" LOL. Its the material that nearly all counter tops, that are not wood or ceramic. Its a very thin veneer that gives the appearance of plastic.
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OK. Just did the "dictionary online" thing, and it appears that we are talking about the same stuff:

Arborite is a brand of composite material manufactured by the Arborite Company, founded in Canada in 1948 after the initial development of the product in 1942 by Howard Smith Paper Mills. (The company is currently owned by Forbo International, a Swiss firm, although it maintains operations in Canada and elsewhere). The term generally refers to the company's major product, a heat resistant paper-melamine composite widely used in countertops for kitchens and bathrooms, and very similar to Formica.

Avonite is a polyester solid-surface material that has a textured granite or gemstone look manufactured by the company Avonite Surfaces and Aristech Acrylics LLC. Avonite resembles stone, with the color being the same throughout the material. It is a popular material for use in baths and kitchens (as countertops) since it can be worked and polished with woodworking tools.

AND, considering the general appearance of the countertops, I would guess (being they have the "Granite" texture) that Avonite is the correct term to use. :) Thanks CG, you just saved me a bunch o' time trying to explain this to anyone else. Now I am "armed" with the correct terms to use LOL

So maybe the scratches can be buffed out after all.

[fireman4949]

Gonz,

Arborite is a high pressure plastic laminate similar to Formica, Nevmar, Wilsonart, etc.;)

[fireman4949]

Thats what we call it "Up There" LOL. Its the material that nearly all counter tops, that are not wood or ceramic. Its a very thin veneer that gives the appearance of plastic.
------
OK. Just did the "dictionary online" thing, and it appears that we are talking about the same stuff:

Arborite is a brand of composite material manufactured by the Arborite Company, founded in Canada in 1948 after the initial development of the product in 1942 by Howard Smith Paper Mills. (The company is currently owned by Forbo International, a Swiss firm, although it maintains operations in Canada and elsewhere). The term generally refers to the company's major product, a heat resistant paper-melamine composite widely used in countertops for kitchens and bathrooms, and very similar to Formica.

Avonite is a polyester solid-surface material that has a textured granite or gemstone look manufactured by the company Avonite Surfaces and Aristech Acrylics LLC. Avonite resembles stone, with the color being the same throughout the material. It is a popular material for use in baths and kitchens (as countertops) since it can be worked and polished with woodworking tools.

AND, considering the general appearance of the countertops, I would guess (being they have the "Granite" texture) that Avonite is the correct term to use. :) Thanks CG, you just saved me a bunch o' time trying to explain this to anyone else. Now I am "armed" with the correct terms to use LOL

So maybe the scratches can be buffed out after all.

If you have "solid surface" tops, then YES, they can be repaired. If you have "plastic laminate" tops, basically, your screwed. :p