Dear Pat: My old kitchen countertops are scratched and discolored. I want to replace them with synthetic, solid-surface countertops. Are these very durable, and should I try to install them myself? — Janine F.

Dear Janine: If you like a glossy, easy-to-clean countertop, a solid-surface one is just what you need. These countertops are often made of a plastic material, such as acrylic, and have a very attractive appearance and finish.

Even though they are made from synthetic materials, solid-surface countertops are not inexpensive to install, but with proper care they should last a lifetime.

The surface is nonporous, so it resists staining from foods. It would still be wise to clean off highly acidic food spills such as fruit juices because they are hard on just about any countertop material.

While the glossy surface is very hard and difficult to scratch, it does not mean it can be used as a cutting board. Pressure from a sharp knife blade can permanently scratch the surface. Keep a portable cutting board nearby.

Because the color goes completely through the material, small scratches and light cigarette burns can be repaired. Many acrylic countertop manufacturers offer repair kits that allow you to buff out the imperfections. Once shiny again, these spots are hardly noticeable.

The greatest possibility of seriously damaging an acrylic countertop is from excessive heat. Hot items from the oven or range top, such as hot pots, cake pans and cookie sheets, should be placed on a pad or trivet. If it is badly damaged by heat, you might try routing out the bad spot and placing a piece of decorative tile in the recess.

If you are replacing a simple, one-piece rectangular countertop with a solid surface countertop, you should be able to do the job yourself. It is basically just a large piece of solid plastic. The material can be molded into almost any unique, attractive shape, so there is little work to do other than install it over the old kitchen cabinets.

For more complex countertop designs that will require several pieces to be seamed together, seek professional installation. These countertops are beautiful and a poorly formed joint can ruin their overall appearance. Using special chemical adhesives, a professional installer can make a seam you can hardly detect even when you know where it is.

If you have ever worked with wood before, you will find the solid-surface materials are similar to handle. Finishing the edge of the countertop with a decorative treatment to match the kitchen cabinet gives it a professional appearance. Carefully fit the edge pieces together and attach them to the countertop with adhesive.

You mentioned synthetic materials, but you should also consider some of the natural solid-surface countertops. These include slate, granite and marble. Composite materials, made by combing plastic with quartz or marble, are also very attractive. These contain up to 93 percent natural stone particles but are as easy to maintain as all-plastic countertops.

You can request promotional information by calling the following countertop manufacturers:

— Avonite by Avonite Inc., 800-866-8324.

— Corian by Dupont, 800-426-7426,

— Surell by Formica Corp., 800-524-0159.

— Cerata by Hartson-Kennedy, 800-388-8144.

— Gibraltar by Wilson Art International, 800-433-3222.

— Durallure by VT Industries, 800-827-1615.

Send your questions to Here's How, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. To find out more about Pat Logan and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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