Solid surfacing used on everything and the kitchen sink.

The opportunities for solid surface material are nearly limitless.

It can be found in nearly any room in the house. It has been spotted at shopping malls. It has been detected in laboratories and noticed in bars.

The culprit -- solid surface material, and uses for this stain- and chemical-resistant product are cropping up every day.

The industrial and commercial uses are just beginning to be tapped. "The market is wide open to anyone with the vision to make it happen," says John Muller, Product Manager, DurAllure, VT Industries Inc. VT is noticing a trend toward specifications for bowls, wall panels, window sills and mouldings, Muller says.

Another rapidly growing area is wet wall applications. The use for solid surfacing in shower walls and tub surrounds is growing says Randy Jensen, Marketing Manager, Wilsonart/Gibraltar, Solid Surfacing. Jensen adds that solid surfacing can be found in many commercial applications and particularly in healthcare and food service segments because of the product's unique performance characteristics. It is repairable, hygienic and meets stringent applications.

Once thought of as a kitchen counter-top material, solid surfacing has expanded to virtually any application. The following are some of companies that offer solid surface material. For more information circle the corresponding number on the Reader's Service Card.

Available solid surface materials

Wilsonart offers 10 Gibraltar solid surfacing colors and patterns including subtle neutrals and dark earth tones. New options feature specialized color matching to ensure color consistency and are matched exactly to selected Wilsonart laminates. Gibraltar is available in sheets, strip material and 12 integral sinks.

DurAllure solid surface material from VT Industries is offered in a wide range of colors, sizes and products for a variety of applications. It is available in prefabricated decks, sheets and bowls. DurAllure can be used for countertops, shower and tub surrounds, vanity tops, window sills, wall panels, laboratory surfaces and is backed by a 12-year limited warranty. It is easy to maintain and eliminates germ and bacteria growth, the company says.

DuPont says its 12 new Corian shades reflect a palette of earthy tones made from natural pigments from the earth itself. The following are the new shades by color families: Bisque and Champagne in the Genesis family; Malachite in the Sierra family; Champagne and Peach in the Verano family; Blue Ridge, Everest, Matterhorn, Pyrenees, Sequoia, Spruce and Vesuvius in the Summit family. As with all Corian colors, these new shades will last a lifetime, DuPont says. Their natural pigments, which run all the way through the material, are impervious to light so color will not fade.

Avonite offers Formstone Lite Preforms, a mid-priced product line combining attributes of solid surfacing with postformed laminate construction. Formstone Life Preforms are made of 1/8-in.-thick, cast, 100% solid surfacing material bonded to a proprietary moisture resistant substrate, FR35. The product is offered in five colors: Stormy Gray, Beechnut granite, Almond, Cameo and Porcelain White solid. Formstone Lite Preforms have the surface qualities of solid surfacing materials including a monolithic look, chemical and stain resistance and a nonporous sanitary surface that can be maintained with minimal effort, Avonite says.

Nevamar added four new colors for Fountainhead that reflect muted and warming trends for the interiors palette. Bisque and Parchment solid colors are cleaner, natural neutrals. Two new patterned items, Fawn Mist and Agean Mist are compatible with white-washed woods. The company offers a double bowl kitchen sink that is 16 1/2 in. by 27 1/4 in. for smaller base cabinets and countertop economy in kitchens and a larger vanity bowl, 20 in. by 13 in.

Lippert Corp. offers Prism, a homogeneous, nonporous material composed of a carefully formulated, mineral-filled polymer. It is Class I fire-rated and resists stains, scratches and heat. Prism is offered in 17 standard (10 granite and 7 solid) and custom solid colors. Prism is available in standard sizes of 1/4-in. and 1/2-in. thick; 30-in. and 36-in. widths; 4-ft, 5-ft, 6-ft and 8-ft lengths available in both thicknesses, 10-ft and 12-ft lengths are also available in 1/2-in. thickness.

Formica Corp. says Surell solid surfacing material machines easily, is easy to clean, and is resistant to flame, heat and fire; impact and scratches; and chemicals. Surell is available in sheet thicknesses of 1/4 in., 1/2 in. and 3/4 in. thick, and is suitable for kitchen sinks, lavatory bowls, vanity tops, shower bases and shower wall, bathtubs and bath walls and window sills.

Forma, div. of TRM Inc. says Forma is a seamless, stain-resistant, finished component product that can perform well in both vertical and horizontal applications. It is recommended for the following uses: countertops, store fixtures, bars, window sills, custom furniture, wall paneling, dressing rooms and hospital surfaces. It is available in solids, patterns and custom colors.

Safas Corp. says that Grainicoat, applied to a wood surface for cabinet doors, panels, etc. creates an attractive, yet durable product. In early 1995, Safas Corp. will launch Everstone, a beautiful and unique solid surfacing material that is economical and in light, convenient 3/4-in. thick sheets.