Solid surface worktops — marketed under brand names including Corian (DuPont), Hi-Macs (LG), Staron (Samsung) and Formica Solid Surface — are a popular choice in both residential kitchens and commercial environments. They’re seamless, hygienic and come in a vast range of colours. But chips, scratches and burns do occur, and owners often wonder whether their expensive worktop can be repaired.
What Are Solid Surface Worktops Made From?
Solid surface materials are typically a blend of acrylic or polyester resin with mineral fillers (usually aluminium trihydrate). Unlike laminate or veneer worktops, the material is solid all the way through — the colour and composition are consistent from front to back. This is what makes them uniquely repairable.
What Damage Can Be Repaired?
Surface Scratches
Because the material is consistent all the way through, scratches in solid surface worktops can be sanded out entirely. The surface is abraded with progressively finer grits of sandpaper, then polished back to its original sheen. For matte or satin finishes, this is very straightforward. For high-gloss finishes, it requires more care to achieve an even reflectance.
Burns
Heat damage from pots and pans is the most common serious damage on solid surface worktops. A burn discolours and may pit the surface in the affected area. This needs to be removed by sanding away the damaged layer, then feathering back to the surrounding surface. Deep burns that have penetrated significantly may require a filler patch before re-surfacing. Results are generally excellent.
Chips and Cracks
Chips and cracks in solid surface worktops are filled with a colour-matched solid surface adhesive, sanded smooth, and blended into the surrounding surface. The colour-matching is more involved than for white ceramic, but Corian and similar materials are repairable to a very high standard by experienced technicians.
DIY Repair on Solid Surface: Not Recommended
Many solid surface manufacturers note that localised damage can be repaired — but they typically recommend professional repairers or their own certified technicians. DIY sanding without proper control of grit progression and finishing results in an uneven surface with visible sanding marks. The material is forgiving, but the technique still matters.
Shazam Repairs carries out Corian and solid surface worktop repair across the UK. We carry our own colour stock and have extensive experience with all major solid surface brands. Get a free quote →
