Solid surface: raw materials and technical assistance for manufacturers
At AITANA CHEMICALS we are specialists in solid surface and composite materials. We combine the supply of high-quality raw materials required for manufacturing with a personalised technical assistance service focused on optimizing formulations, cutting production costs and solving the complex technical issues in manufacturing plants. Based on our model of “supply + technical support + R&D”, we adapt processes to the specific production needs of each client. Our comprehensive technical consultancy also covers the setup and commissioning of new solid surface and composite material projects worldwide.
Table of contents
What is solid surface?
Solid surface is an advanced composite material produced by blending a thermosetting resin with mineral fillers, pigments, and additives. The result is a solid, non-porous, repairable material that is homogeneous across its entire thickness, compliant with the ISO 19712:2013 standard. Its resistance to bacterial and fungal growth (inert material), its easy cleaning and unlimited design possibilities (colours, shapes and textures) make it increasingly an increasingly demanded material all over the world.
“Pure” solid surface, as defined by the ISO 19712:2013 standard, is made up of three main raw materials:
- Aluminium trihydrate (ATH) as a functional mineral filler. A controlled particle size distribution (PSD) and an optimal whiteness are essential to guarantee a high-quality final product.
- ISO-NPG resin: provides superior resistance to hydrolysis, thermal shock and abrasion, while preventing premature yellowing caused by UV radiation.
- Pigment pastes to give colour and appearance to the part. Specifically formulated for optimal dispersion within the resin and mineral filler mixture, without disrupting the cross-linking and curing process of the matrix.
Applications of solid surface
Kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, washbasins, sinks, shower trays, bathtubs, commercial furniture, wall cladding, flooring, and even ventilated façades. Its durability, repairability, and seamless joining capabilities make it the preferred material for architects, designers, and sanitaryware manufacturers.
Two Technologies for Manufacturing Solid Surface Products
Two main manufacturing technologies currently coexist in the sanitary composite industry. Selecting the right technology before investing in production machinery or moulds is critical to project profitability:
Pure solid surface — compliant with ISO 19712:2013
A homogeneous mixture of Aluminum Trihydrate (ATH) + ISO-NPG resin + pigment pastes. This represents the premium quality choice: a solid, fully repairable material with identical composition throughout its cross-section. It targets exclusive market segments, involving higher material costs and a more demanding manufacturing process.
Gelcoat Stone Technology (Gelcoat Coated Composites)
Based on injecting a core matrix of orthophthalic resin and mineral fillers into a mould pre-coated with a high-performance gelcoat layer. It is an easier technology to implement that enables lower production costs. Utilizing high-grade ISO-NPG gelcoats achieves mechanical and surface properties equal to or exceeding traditional solid surface. The global composite sanitaryware market is rapidly adopting Gelcoat Stone (ortho resin + mineral fillers + ISO-NPG gelcoat) as a highly competitive alternative.
Additionally, by incorporating innovative lightweight mineral fillers, the final weight of molded parts can be reduced by more than 40%, a key requirement in shower tray manufacturing. This weight reduction directly improves production margins by lowering raw material consumption while reducing logistics and installation labor costs.
Before making major capital decisions such as purchasing equipment or launching a new solid surface project, it is essential to evaluate all available technologies. At AITANA CHEMICALS, we assist you in selecting the most profitable manufacturing technology for your business model prior to committing investments in machinery or tooling.
Raw material supply and technical assistance for solid surface manufacturing
- Raw material supplier: Premium aluminum trihydrate (ATH), ISO-NPG polyester resin, specialized release agents, high-concentration pigment pastes, and functional mineral fillers.
- Custom Technical Support: Formulation development and process optimization to prevent defect formation (such as microporosity, pinholes, or color separation).
- Production Line Setup & Machinery: Complete guidance from plant design and equipment selection to line assembly and commissioning. Explore our dedicated page on solid surface production and machinery.
Engineering Consultancy and Technical Support for New Solid Surface Plants
If you are planning to build a new solid surface or gelcoat stone factory, AITANA CHEMICALS provides end-to-end guidance across every stage of your industrial project under strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA):
- Plant Engineering & Layout Design: Custom layout planning for solid surface production lines based on automation goals, environmental control of facility areas (temperature, humidity, and ventilation), optimization of raw material and finished goods workflows, and detailed unit cost analysis.
- Formulation Development: Tailoring resin-filler mixes to locally sourced raw materials to lower supply costs without compromising product quality. Development of specialized formulations: eco-friendly green labels, high scratch-resistance surfaces, and compliance with international standards.
- Hands-on Technical Training: Operator training on batch mixing, mould injection, release agent application, demoulding protocols, post-curing thermal cycles, and surface finishing (sanding/polishing). Quality control training for raw materials and finished products.
- On-Site Plant Commissioning: Direct on-site assistance in your facility to fine-tune gel times, peak exotherms, and curing curves to your line speed and environmental conditions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is solid surface?
It is a solid composite material made of polyester or acrylic resin, mineral fillers (ATH), pigments and additives. To meet the ISO 19712:2013 standard, it must feature a homogeneous composition throughout its thickness and be fully renewable/repairable (e.g., surface scratches can be easily removed by light sanding).
Which raw materials are required to manufacture pure solid surface?
Pure solid surface (ISO 19712:2013) requires three primary ingredients: Aluminum Trihydrate (ATH), ISO-NPG resin, and specialized pigment pastes. AITANA CHEMICALS supplies all raw materials necessary for solid surface production.
What is the main difference between pure solid surface and gelcoat stone technology?
Pure solid surface is a solid material with a uniform composition across its full thickness (ISO-NPG resin + ATH), allowing seamless joints and full scratch repairability. Gelcoat stone technology utilizes a core mix of orthophthalic resin and mineral fillers covered by a protective exterior gelcoat layer. Gelcoat stone is faster to deploy, more cost-effective, and enables lighter products. Both are valid technologies depending on your target market and project budget.
What raw materials do I need to start producing composite sanitaryware?
At minimum: mineral fillers (ATH or dolomite/calcium carbonate fillers), resin (ISO-NPG or orthophthalic resin depending on technology), and pigment pastes or gelcoats. Based on your selected technology and factory location, we advise on the best raw material mix and can develop custom formulations using local fillers.
Do I need special machinery to produce solid surface products?
Yes. Machinery requirements depend on your technology choice and target product portfolio (shower trays, washbasins, bathtubs, or countertops). AITANA CHEMICALS helps define equipment specifications and setups your production line from scratch. Read more on our page about solid surface production and machinery.
Does solid surface comply with international quality standards?
Yes. The primary international reference is the ISO 19712:2013 standard, which specifies requirements and test methods for thermal resistance stain resistance, impact strength, color stability, and renewability.
What support does AITANACHEM offer for CE marking and compliance?
We guide manufacturers through ISO 19712 requirements and product-specific European sanitaryware standards (thermal shock, cleanability, chemical resistance, and fire reaction testing) in partnership with accredited testing laboratories.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Solid Surface Project?
Whether you need to troubleshoot production defects, improve scratch resistance, or launch a new manufacturing plant, our technical team is ready to support your operation. Request technical assistance or a raw-material quotation today. Contact our technical specialist.
To learn more about troubleshooting manufacturing issues and optimizing process parameters, visit our, visit our solid surface blog. You will find practical guides on materials, processes and quality improvement. Discover specialised technical articles on the raw materials and the technology best suited to your project.