General
What is a seamless overlay made from?
Our solid surface overlay worktop is a man-made solid surface material composed of acrylic resin combined with natural minerals and pigments.
- 30–35% acrylic resin – provides durability and flexibility
- 60–70% minerals and pigments to give strength, rigidity and colour
It is non-porous, seamless, and fully repairable, making it widely used in residential kitchens, bathrooms, healthcare facilities, and commercial applications.
Installation
Can it be DIY installed?
No – installation needs to be completed by a competent professional trained specifically for Solid Surface. Solid Surface behaves differently to other worktop materials and as such cannot be approached without the appropriate experience.
The only exception may be where it is supplied in a ready-to-fit or slab version. Even so, knowing how to join seamlessly and fit sinks to the worktop requires specific skills.
How are seams joined?
Joins are prepared in the workshop as part of the fabrication process. They require precise cutting and assembly, with cleats and specific angles being engineered to ensure onsite fitting is seamless. Joins dovetail together using cleats to create both a location method and strength to the join. After cleaning the joint area with specific cleaners, dedicated adhesives are carefully applied, which when dry can be sanded carefully to create a seamless join.
Where no subframe is used, i.e. 12mm thick tops only, Solid Surface joins can be strengthened with a patented technique (Seamtech) established by the BFAB Group.
Do cabinets need reinforcement?
Typically no. A well-made and fitted kitchen carcass should be able to comfortably support a Solid Surface worktop. For larger spans, battens are used to create support. Older kitchens may use the same technique to ensure cabinets are level. Assessment of the readiness of the cabinet to support Solid Surface worktops is done during the Template (measurement) stage of the process – concerns and remedies are addressed at this point.
Warranty
Seamless Overlay Warranty Statement
We strive to produce the highest quality products using the best materials and the highest standards of workmanship. That is why we are proud and confident to offer you the reassurance of this extensive warranty.
Each Seamless Overlay product installation will have the following warranties:
- A 10-year limited homeowner warranty for the decorative solid surfacing materials and the fabrication and installation workmanship.
- A 3-year limited homeowner warranty for the sink and bowls.
These warranties rely on the following conditions being met:
- The decorative solid surfaces must be templated, fabricated and installed by Seamless Overlay or an authorised agent.
- Décors that contain metallic flakes have reflective properties, which may cause the colour of the solid surfacing materials to alter depending on the angle of view. This effect is not covered under our 10-year limited homeowner warranty for decorative solid surfacing materials.
- Material will be replaced if it is found to be faulty, but labour charges will not be covered either during or after fabrication and installation.
- The 10-year limited homeowner warranty for decorative solid surfacing materials will not cover the use of dark décors if they are used in high-traffic areas where scratching may occur.
- Dark colours and high-gloss finishes will potentially show scratches if a worktop saver has not been used. Scratches or abrasions are not covered under the 10-year limited homeowner warranty for decorative solid surfacing materials, regardless of the décor.
- The maintenance and prevention of damage instructions that follow this warranty statement must be followed.
- Although we will make our best effort to repair or replace with the best possible décor match to the original, we cannot guarantee an exact colour match in the event of repair or replacement
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Maintenance
Because Solid Surface has a non-porous finish, it's extremely easy to keep clean and is also extra hygienic.
The material won't absorb any spills or splashes, which is especially important in kitchens and bathrooms where you want to minimise the growth of bacteria or mould as much as possible. With simple daily maintenance, such as wiping with a damp cloth, Solid Surface worktops will remain good as new for an impressive amount of time.
General use and minor accidental damage does happen. Follow these guidelines to maintain a great-looking worktop and ideally prevent damage in the first place.
How to clean
For everyday care and basic stains (tea, wine etc.) clean regularly with a mild detergent such as those used for hand dishwashing.
For more stubborn stains and minor scratches, apply a mild abrasive cleaner such as Cif on the area and buff in a circular motion with a burgundy Scotch-Brite® pad. Buff over the entire sink or bowl to blend the finish and then rinse with clean water.
To keep sinks and bowls bright and clean, occasionally apply liquid bleach and water using the steps below.
Daily use
Avoid cutting or chopping directly on a Solid Surface product. Always use a cutting board and avoid dropping heavy objects onto the surface. Tip: treat the top in the same way as if it were made of wood.
Maintaining Solid Surface sinks and bowls
Follow these instructions to preserve your Solid Surface sinks and bowls:
- Fill sink or bowl to 25% with water and add 1 to 2 cups of bleach.
- Carefully (without splashing) scrub the entire surface with a burgundy Scotch-Brite® pad and sponge.
- Allow to stand for 15 minutes.
- Then drain and rinse in clean water.
Heat exposure
Seamless Overlay products have excellent heat-resistant properties compared to some other work surface products. However, placing hot pans as well as some heat-generating appliances such as electric grills or deep fryers can damage the surface. Always use a hot pad or a trivet with rubber feet to protect your surface. Avoid subjecting your Seamless Overlay products to any source of extreme heat. Always run cold water when pouring boiling water into the sink or bowl.
Chemicals
Avoid exposing your Solid Surface products to strong chemicals such as paint removers, acetone, oven cleaners or drain and toilet cleaning products. Solid Surface that has accidentally been exposed to these chemicals should be flushed promptly with water, using appropriate safety measures to avoid injury. Remove nail polish with a non-acetone-based remover and flush with water.
Environment
Seamless Overlay is fabricated by the BFAB Group, who hold ISO 14001 environmental certification. This means we have proven processes and a progressive culture focused on minimising our impact on the environment.
Seamless Overlay is NOT Quartz Overlay (Engineered Stone)
Seamless Overlay is made from pure acrylic solid surface materials – unlike engineered stone (quartz), our worktops have no crystalline silica content.
In May 2026, the HSE announced a clampdown specifically focused on the risks associated with Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust generated during the cutting, grinding, polishing, and installation of engineered stone (quartz-based) worktops.
Dry cutting, grinding and polishing of Quartz worktops, including Quartz Overlay, is not permitted
- No crystalline silica content: Pure acrylic solid surface materials are formulated using aluminium trihydrate (ATH) as the mineral filler, not quartz or other silica-bearing minerals. On the basis of current manufacturer technical literature and SDS documentation, these products do not contain any crystalline silica.
- No RCS exposure pathway: The fabrication of pure acrylic solid surface does not generate respirable crystalline silica dust. Silicosis, the primary occupational disease concern driving the HSE's current campaign, is caused by inhalation of crystalline silica particles – a hazard not present in the processing of pure acrylic solid surface materials.
- Scope of the HSE guidance: The HSE's May 2026 COSHH guidance sheet and associated inspection programme are directed at businesses fabricating and installing engineered stone (quartz-based) worktops. The guidance is framed around the crystalline silica hazard specific to those materials and does not apply to the fabrication of pure acrylic solid surface.
- Inspection programme scope: The HSE's 1,000+ workplace inspection programme commencing May/June 2026 is focused on fabricators and installers of stone worktops containing crystalline silica. Pure acrylic solid surface fabricators are not within the stated scope of that inspection campaign.
Recommendation
We recommend that a suitable risk assessment is carried out if Quartz worktops are chosen. We also recommend that appropriate professional advice is sought in relation to any on-site installation, fabrication, handling and/or disposal activities involving engineered stone (Quartz) worktops containing crystalline silica.