Porcelain is the material of choice for bathroom fixtures, but did you know that it is an incredibly beautiful and durable option for countertops as well? Porcelain countertops are well-established as one of Europe’s primary go-to options and are quickly gaining popularity in the United States. The slab is made of clay and various minerals, shaped, put into a kiln, and fired at extremely high temperatures. The result is a material extremely resistant to scratches, UV rays, heat, and stains.
A wide range of colors and patterns are created by using pigmented glazes. Patterns often mimic the look of marble or other natural stone. This flexibility allows you to personalize the look at a more budget-friendly price than some other materials.
Antiquity – Glossy
Group 6B&W – Glossy
Group 7Banned – Glossy
Group 7Bergen
Group 9Carat – Glossy
Group 6Couture – Glossy
Group 6Couture – Matte
Group 5Edge – Glossy
Group 6Edge – Matte
Group 5Euphoria – Glossy
Group 6Forte – Glossy
Group 6Forte – Matte
Group 5Gilt – Glossy
Group 6Gilt – Matte
Group 6Gotham – Glossy
Group 7Graffiti – Matte
Group 6Ice – Glossy
Group 7Icon – Matte
Group 5Kelya – Matte
Group 9Legend – Glossy
Group 7Luminous – Glossy
Group 7Lust – Glossy
Group 7Muse – Matte
Group 6Obsession – Glossy
Group 6Obsession – Velvet
Group 6Realm – Glossy
Group 6Realm – Velvet
Group 6Renaissance – Glossy
Group 6Renaissance – Matte
Group 5Rivet – Velvet
Group 5Rome – Glossy
Group 7Rome – Velvet
Group 7Sanctuary – Matte
Group 5Stiletto – Matte
Group 5Taga
Group 9Trilium- Matte
Group 9Vamp – Glossy
Group 6Vamp – Matte
Group 5Veil – Glossy
Group 7Vogue – Glossy
Group 6Voltage – Glossy
Group 6Voltage – Matte
Group 5Whisper – Glossy
Group 7Zn – Matte
Group 6
Porcelain Countertop Maintenance
To keep your countertops looking good, you need to know about porcelain care. Fortunately, Lakeside Surfaces is here to help.
Stain Removal
Porcelain is highly stain-resistant because it’s non-porous. That means there’s no risk of liquids getting below the surface. However, there’s still the chance that pigmented material can stain light-colored porcelain.
The good news is, you can remove stubborn spots fairly easily. In most cases, soap and water will do. Our Pristine Clean is also safe to use on stone and porcelain surfaces. Additionally, avoid abrasive scrubbing materials such as steel wool, as these can leave scratches.
Daily Cleaning
For the most part, porcelain only requires a daily wipe-down with hot water and a soft cloth. You can use soap to clean up spills that contain bacteria, such as fluid from raw meat, but too much soap can result in scum. Additionally, you should thoroughly wipe down counters after using harsh chemicals, as you don’t want to risk them coming into contact with food or bare skin.
To prevent stains, try to wipe up spills immediately. You can use a paper towel to absorb the excess liquid before wiping the area with a washcloth.
Chips and Scratches
Though porcelain is highly durable, it’s still possible to scratch or chip it. Damage may be highly visible since patterns are only printed on the surface of the tile. For this reason, you should always use a cutting board.
Of course, accidents are bound to happen, and countertops show wear over the years. What can you do if your porcelain is chipped or scratched?
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about scratches, which is why it’s so important to avoid using knives on the surface.
Countertops for Your Home
Lakeside Surfaces is proud to offer countertop installation to homeowners in West Michigan. When you need quality materials and excellent service, we’re the ones to call. To learn more about our selection or request a quote, you can contact us via our online form.