Can You Cut or Sand Corian Countertop?

Sanding Corian

• If you get cuts or scratches in your Corian countertops, you can sand them away. Sanding Corian is much like sanding wood. Because the color and pattern of the material runs all the way through each sheet, you can sand as much as you like and still retain the color and pattern. Clean the surface first, and then use 180 or 220 grit fine sandpaper in a sander until the damage is gone. Matte countertops can be restored to their previous shine with abrasive cleaner; semi-gloss requires non-abrasive cleaner; high gloss finishes will need to be buffed with white polishing compound and finished with wax.

Cutting Corian

• Cutting Corian is designed to be easy so that dealers can install countertops to precisely fit kitchens and custom spaces. You can also use Corian for woodworking projects and outdoor needs. Corian is available in ¼-inch, ½-inch, and ¾-inch thick sheets. One side is the finished and polished top, and the other is the rougher back side, something to keep in mind as you work with it. Corian works well with most common shop tools and machines; however, it does dull edges more quickly than wood, so check the sharpness of your blade edges frequently as you work.

Woodworking with Corian

• Using Corian as wood-working material has several advantages. There is no grain, as there is in wood, so it can be cut in any direction. The pattern and color remains constant all the way through each pieces, and it is not affected by moisture or normal outside temperatures. It can be used for flower boxes, bowls, as inlay in other materials, or items requiring threading such as canisters and urns.

Working Safely with Corian

• Because Corian is a composite material and not wood, be sure to wear safety glasses and a correctly-fitted dust mask or respirator when sanding it so that you don’t inhale any of the particles. Clean up all dust and debris thoroughly and dispose of with household trash; Corian shouldn’t go into compost, mulch, or any other kind of organic material recycling system.