The Tips of Choosing Traditional Artificial Marble Countertops

Traditional artificial marble countertops are typically made from acrylic resin and aluminum hydroxide, offering moderate flexibility and hardness but being prone to scratches from knives. This material is corrosion-resistant, light-resistant, and can be shaped into various forms under high temperatures. It ages slowly, boasts a long service life, and is non-toxic and colorfast. Additionally, such countertops are easy to refurbish, sand, and polish. However, counterfeit countertops on the market are not the same story. 

Calcium powder countertops are a product of fierce competition. "High-quality artificial stone countertops cost several thousand yuan, while inferior ones can be purchased for just a few hundred." Experts explain that due to intense competition and the pursuit of high profits, some manufacturers compromise on product quality. Instead of adding aluminum hydroxide to the resin as it should be, they incorporate calcium powder, specifically calcium carbonate. 

Since calcium carbonate is unstable, it readily reacts chemically when exposed to heat or acids. In normal acrylic boards, the resin content should reach 35%, as only with a certain proportion of resin can the board achieve optimal flexibility. When calcium powder is added, the artificial stone becomes brittle, prone to cracking and deformation, and easily yellows. "UV exposure causes yellowing, and it also readily absorbs stains—soy sauce and the like can seep in, contaminating the countertop." "The lifespan of the countertop is significantly reduced, severely impacting the functionality of the cabinet." It is noted that cabinets typically last about 10 years. If the countertop is adulterated, its lifespan is only one or two years, greatly diminishing the cabinet's usability.

According to relevant industry professionals, consumers can also verify the authenticity of countertops through the following five methods.

Visual Inspection: The sample exhibits a pure and clear color without any turbidity, with good transparency. The surface lacks a plastic-like adhesive texture, and the back of the board shows no fine pores;

Second Touch: The sample surface feels smooth and silky to the touch, without any roughness or unevenness. (This can help distinguish whether aluminum hydroxide or calcium carbonate is used.);

Three scratches: Scratch the surface of the board with a fingernail without leaving obvious marks;

Four Tests: 1. Use soy sauce to test the countertop's permeability (result: no penetration).  2. Use edible vinegar to test for added calcium carbonate (result: no color change and no powder).  3. Use a lighter to burn the countertop sample (result: flame retardant, no open flame; countertops with higher acrylic content emit less odor);

Five Checks: Verify whether the product has ISO quality system certification, environmental protection mark certification, quality inspection reports, and product warranty cards along with relevant anti-counterfeiting labels.