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Porcelain Countertops – Hollywood Florida
Porcelain is uniquely different from the other materials on this site. It’s made out of clay and unlike granite and marble, it’s not a natural stone. Instead, porcelain countertops are made by melting clay (most commonly china clay) in a kiln at extremely high temperatures. Pigmented glazes can then be added to the porcelain slab. This step of the process will determine whether the countertop will be glossy, matte or have patterns. The slab is then fired up again for a second time to ensure the the glaze adheres completely.
The product of all this manufacturing is a surface that is incredibly dense and almost completely impervious to heat, stains, scratching, cracks, chips, and UV rays. This material is non-porous, which means liquids will not be absorbed by the surface and spills can easily be wiped and cleaned off. It’s construction is so strong that it is heat and UV resistant. Porcelain countertops also do well against acidic substances that would tend to stain normal surfaces.
This is a brilliant choice for persons who value beauty and form along with durability. Porcelain countertops make for excellent indoor options, but also manage to fair very well against the elements as outdoor countertops because of their sturdy construction and UV resistance.
Maintenance is also a benefit since this type of material is very easy to maintain and will maintain it’s high quality look for years after installation.
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Allure & Function
Porcelain is a man-made material that is as durable as it is beautiful and customizable.
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How to Seal and Clean a Porcelain Countertop
So, are you going to seal your new porcelain countertop or nah? Good news is that much like a quartz countertop, sealing is not necessary for all porcelain countertops. The reason for this is the material’s production process which uses incredibly high temperatures that essentially cures and eliminates pores from the surface. Please note however that some glazed and almost all unglazed countertops would benefit from applying a sealer. Rest assured our specialists would gladly advise on whether sealing your new countertop will be necessary or not.
Cleaning is a very simple process with porcelain. Much like the other countertops, we recommend the use of warm water and a sponge to absorb spills or clean spots. The use of soap, although fine from time to time, is generally discouraged because it tends to build up on the surface. What is suggested is using a quality countertop cleaner. These products will leave the surface clean and much more shiny than water alone.
As previously mentioned, this material is not porous and will last a very long time with regular maintenance like the one mentioned above.
Porcelain Countertop Finishes
Porcelain countertops are made from clay at extremely high temperatures. Advances in technology have made this material incredibly durable, hygienic, and beautiful. They come in virtually any color and include a multitude of variations in finish for both indoor and outdoor countertops.
Glazed Porcelain FinishA super popular option for porcelain countertops is a glazed finish. You can also opt to get your porcelain unglazed, but for the most part, we tend to recommend the glazed option when considering the two. One great benefit of glazed porcelain is that it functions as a sealer. A common misconception, however, is that glazed porcelain does not ever need to be sealed. Our specialist understand this and will properly advise you on the proper way to treat whatever porcelain you and your family decide on.
Two versions of glazed porcelain are high-gloss and matte finish. Once the clay has hardened and taken out of the kiln, it undergoes a second process to add a pattern and the glaze. Once these two things are added, the porcelain is fired a second time to adhere the added elements.
High-Gloss Glaze Finish
A high-gloss finish will give your countertop a mirror-like appearance that is beautiful and smooth to the touch. It also enhances the detail and intricacies of the patterns and colors added during the glazing process, adding vibrant depth and visual saturation to the countertop.
Matte Glaze Finish
Going with a matte finish will leave the surface of your countertop with a “matte” or “satin” appearance. This type of finish isn’t as popular as the polished finish for a few reasons. This option tends to be a bit flat and far less brilliant than that of a high-gloss countertop. Although less popular, it is incredibly beautiful, especially when complimented with the perfect accents and decor for a more rustic elegance.
Edge Styles
The type of edge you decide you want your porcelain countertop to have may have restrictions because of the nature of the material you will be installing. A porcelain countertop’s beauty is generally only skin-deep. Once a pattern is added, it’s added on top of the slab and then sealed with a glaze. When certain types of edges are cut, they remove the superficial design added during production and expose the monotone clay body of the material. This is only a problem if the customer is set on a specific cut for the edges of their countertop. Many times, a simple edge will do an incredible job while keeping the integrity of the design. Also keep in mind, this is one of the only drawbacks to this material since it’s about 30% stronger than granite.
Benefits of a Porcelain Countertop
Heat Resistant: Since these countertops are manufactured at really high temperatures, they can withstand very high temperatures; hot pots and pans won’t scorch the surface. In order to ensure your counter’s durability and good condition, it’s recommended you use trivets when handling hot cookware.
Stain Resistant: Porcelain is the one material that comes incredibly close to being 100% stain resistant. Porcelain is non-porous which makes cleaning any stain incredibly easy since liquids can’t be absorbed by the material.
Chemical Resistant: Unlike granite, quartz or marble, chemicals and acidic foods and drinks will not stain or dull the surface of porcelain countertops.
Scratch Resistant: Porcelain surfaces are incredibly strong and difficult to scratch. The only exceptions are ceramic knives which have been known to hurt their own. It’s always recommended you use a cutting board when preparing food to avoid any scratches and extend the life of your countertop.
UV Resistant: Since this material is resistant to the harmful UV rays of the sun, it’s a perfect material for outdoor; porcelain will not dull from extended exposure to sun light.
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