In terms of quality, quartz conglomerate worktops are as good as products made of granite and marble. They are the same when it comes to toughness, durability, reliability and resistance to various types of damage. So a fact that we use them more and more in our kitchens is no surprise. For those of you, who consider purchasing quartz worktops we prepared a collection of information regarding their production, usage and properties. Are you interested? If yes, then we encourage you to keep reading!
Quartz conglomerates’ process of production
Quartz conglomerate is made of quartz sand that constitutes over 90% of the product’s volume, serums and pigments that are responsible for their colors. They are also sometimes enriched with pieces of glass, mirror or shell whose employment results in an unusual effect. Sands used for production of conglomerates are most pure and contain almost 100% of silica. They may come in white, grey, translucent or beige. They are assembled with polyester resin that helps with getting infusible and insoluble surface, together with organic or inorganic pigments.
During production quartz sand is taken from enormous silos to so-called mixers, where it is separately mixed and later on transported to the next facility where it is combined with the rest of components. Such prepared mixture is poured to rubbery moulds, secured from contamination and transported to the press, where it is heated in temperature of 210-250oF. After a time, a finished board called slab is taken out of the mould using special devices and after cooling it down the treatment continues – an excess of material is removed and its edges are evened. Next steps are calibration aimed at leveling the board’s girth, polishing of quartz worktops and quality check.
Rules for the use of quartz conglomerate worktops
Surfaces made of quartz conglomerate are pretty durable, however their resistance to scratching is a little lower than the one of granite worktops, so you should refrain from cutting products on them directly. Likewise, it is important to be careful with putting hot plates on them. It is better not to do this, for the material may discolor. Therefore, we advise you to supply yourselves with special place or pot pads.
However, when it comes down to maintenance it is not really demanding. Quartz worktops have perfectly smooth surfaces and dirt does not stick to them, so one just needs to wipe them with damp clout and that is it. Products based on alcohol and with mild pH may be used for their cleaning. On the other hand preparations containing wax, dissolvent and ammonia should be avoided.
Quartz worktops’ properties
We have decided to leave description of aforementioned products’ properties to the very end. Undoubtedly, they are excellently durable, tough and resistant to mechanical damage and scratching (provided there are no other products cut on them). Besides, they are not easily smirched, they are light, hygienic and their maintenance is incredibly simple. What is more is that they are friendly to the environment, antibacterial, and available in many different color versions that guarantee a magnitude of arrangement possibilities.
