Frequently Asked Questions
Transolid
Who is Transolid, Inc.? Transolid, Inc. was founded with the idea of creating innovative, affordable, long-lasting, solid surface products for the kitchen and bath. Today Transolid makes products for the bath and kitchen while constantly exploring applications for our solid surface products and other quality materials. How do I know Transolid makes a quality product? Transolid products have passed numerous performance tests by recognized agencies such as the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). In addition, Transolid, Inc. distributes products to a national network of more than 1,000 top quality kitchen and bath product dealers.
Solid Surface
What is Transolid solid surface? Why is it so good? Transolid solid surface material is made from a highly durable, non-porous polyester/acrylic composition that resists stains and heat up to 365°. We formulated our material specifically for the performance characteristics needed for bath vanity tops and bowls. Transolid surfaces are renewable throughout their lifetime and clean easily with an abrasive cleaner. A Scotch-Brite® pad easily removes tougher stains like coffee, juice, berries and burns. Aren’t all solid surface products the same? Not all solid surfaces are created equal. While some make the solid surface claim, often they're not a true, 100% solid surface and cannot offer the chip, scratch, stain and heat resistance of Transolid. The non-porous polyester/acrylic composition of a Transolid solid surface makes it superior for vanity top and sink applications. How do Transolid solid surface products differ from other solid surface vanity tops? While the performance characteristics of true solid surfaces may be comparable, Transolid products are available in a wide variety of colors, styles and sizes. Our single color vanity top program offers 33 colors in standard sizes up to a 73” double bowl. The contrasting color vanity top program is available in 11 two-tone color combinations. A possible 1505 color combinations exist in the custom Design Series program with sizing up to 97”. How do I clean my solid surface sink and vanity top? Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth for normal cleaning. Basic stains disappear with a mild detergent while persistent stains require an abrasive cleaner and a green Scotch-Brite pad. Periodically scrub the entire surface in a circular motion with an abrasive cleaner and Scotch-Brite pad to maintain a uniform appearance. Learn more. Do you make countertops with Transolid solid surface or natural quartz? No, Transolid does not offer sheets of material to fabricators for building countertops. Transolid excels in manufacturing finished, shaped products for the bath, such as vanity tops and sinks. How is Transolid solid surface or quartz better than cultured marble? Cultured marble is coated with a thin gel. The color and pattern are in the top raised layer only. Marble is not as repairable or as renewable as Transolid solid surface or quartz and can easily chip or wear away from scrubbing. Once damaged, cultured marble tops lose their original gleam. Also, cultured marble is less impact resistant than a Transolid surface and may develop hairline or "spider" cracks. Because it's porous, marble can absorb moisture and stains once the gel coat is damaged. Besides, cultured marble doesn't offer the warmth of color or the feel found in a Transolid surface solid surface and quartz.
Quartz
What is Transolid natural quartz? Why is it so good? Transolid Natural Quartz is made from 93% pure natural quartz and is the strongest natural stone surface on the market today. Natural quartz is non-porous, unlike granite, which means no sealing is necessary. Natural quartz is resistant to cracks, chips, scratches, and stains. How is quartz different from natural stone? Transolid Natural Quartz is a material made with 93% natural quartz, the strongest mineral found in granite, and 7% resins. Natural Quartz is non-porous, unlike granite, meaning that it is stain-resistant and requires no routine maintenance for sealing. Color consistency is an additional benefit of Natural Quartz. What is the recommended care and cleaning for quartz surfaces? Totally care-free, requiring no sealing, buffing, or polishing. Natural Quartz naturally maintains its luster and resists virtually all typical household stains caused by lemon and grape juice, wine, and tea. Just use warm water and a cloth to effortlessly wipe down the surface. Learn more. Do you make countertops with Transolid solid surface or natural quartz? No, Transolid does not offer sheets of material to fabricators for building countertops. Transolid excels in manufacturing finished, shaped products for the bath, such as vanity tops and sinks. How is Transolid solid surface or quartz better than cultured marble? Cultured marble is coated with a thin gel. The color and pattern are in the top raised layer only. Marble is not as repairable or as renewable as Transolid solid surface or quartz and can easily chip or wear away from scrubbing. Once damaged, cultured marble tops lose their original gleam. Also, cultured marble is less impact resistant than a Transolid surface and may develop hairline or "spider" cracks. Because it's porous, marble can absorb moisture and stains once the gel coat is damaged. Besides, cultured marble doesn't offer the warmth of color or the feel found in a Transolid surface solid surface and quartz.
Granite
Can you provide information about radon in a granite vanity top? Recent news reports have raised questions about radon in granite countertops. The EPA "does not believe sufficient data exist to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels."
Sinks
Can I use a Transolid undermount sink with another brand of solid surface countertop? With granite countertops? Yes, solid surface fabricators across the country are seaming Transolid undermount bowls to most major brands of solid surface countertops to create the seamless appearance desired in the kitchen. Professional installers can easily mount Transolid sinks under granite countertops to achieve a beautiful contrasting look between natural stone and solid surface. Are porcelain bowls better than solid surface? No, but the porcelain offers the consumer the option of having a bowl with a glossy shine.
Shower Walls
What are shower walls made of? Our shower walls are made through a two step molding process with our solid surface material and a polymer base substrate. Our walls are light weight, impact resistant, and easy to install. The solid surface exterior matches the feel and color of our solid surface vanity tops.
