You require a chemical resistant lab countertop because you work with materials that might degrade or even destroy standard work surfaces (i.e., laminates, stone, etc.). Yet, you need to know just how resistant your chemical resistant lab countertop might be. Do you determine this by purchasing a sample and testing it? That is inefficient at best and a waste of time at worst. After all, it is almost impossible to emulate conditions under which that counter is going to have to perform.
So, the best way to check the resistance level of your chemical resistant lab countertop is to do some savvy comparison shopping.
If you ask the experts, most say that the modern gold standard in terms of affordability and resistance to oil, chemicals, heat, water and even fungus and bacteria is the phenolic resin. Much lighter in total weight than traditional epoxy resin surfaces, it is incredibly heat resistant (it can withstand continuous exposure to 350 degrees Fahrenheit without failing, and it is a hard and sturdy surface. If you are going for an easy to clean and super resistant surface to keep your lab or classroom free of contaminants, this is the right choice.
Of course, epoxy resin is another resistant material, and it is noted for its ability to resist moisture, which is why it is so common around sinks. It too is notably resistant to chemicals and heat, but it can be extremely heavy and difficult to work with. It is not friendly to customization either, and shipping can be prohibitive. Yet, if you are looking for what many call the most resistant, it is to the epoxy resin surfaces you will want to turn.
There are other materials to consider in any comparison, with stainless steel, laminate, and even wood being options. However, even when you purchase materials such as high-pressure laminates or premium stainless steel, there are risks. Stainless discolors when exposed to heat and laminates succumb easily to chemicals of all kinds, and never hold up under high heat environments.
So, if you are wondering how to determine the overall resistance of your chemical resistant lab countertop, it is a good idea to simply look at epoxy resin and phenolic resin options. They are by far the most resistant and offer you a wide array of choices. See your options by visiting AGR Fabricators, Inc. where you can have customized surfaces made of the resistant materials of your choice.
