FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Crealith is the new trade name of Mineral Products International S.A., a Belgian synthetic stone manufacturer based in Barchon, in the Liège region, just a few kilometres from the Dutch and German borders.
It is at the heart of our own workshops that our team designs, moulds, finishes and ships our entire range: washbasins, vanity tops, shower trays, shelves and shower screens. Our clients include hotels, hospitals, care homes, schools, nurseries, sports centres, public authorities and discerning private individuals across Europe.
We work with synthetic stone: a composite made of 65 to 80% high-quality mineral fillers, bound by a thermosetting resin. Our entire manufacturing process is carried out entirely in Belgium, with rigorous quality control on every single piece.
Cannot find the answer to your question in this FAQ? Do not hesitate to contact our team directly.
Solid Surface
A solid, jointless, fully repairable material.
What is Solid Surface and how does it differ from an ordinary material?
Solid Surface is a synthetic stone cast in mass. The material is homogeneous throughout the full thickness of the piece, from bottom to outer edge. There is no veneer, no applied surface layer, and no different core.
At Crealith, each piece is formulated with 65 to 80% mineral fillers bound by a thermosetting resin, then cast in moulds manufactured in our workshops in Barchon. The result is a single-piece element with no visible joints, whose colour literally runs through the material. Unlike a laminate or a glazed ceramic, there is no decorative layer that could chip or delaminate over time.
Is Solid Surface susceptible to scratches?
Like any noble material, superficial micro-scratches may appear over time, particularly with intensive use. This is precisely where the advantage of Crealith Solid Surface lies.
Since the material is solid and homogeneous throughout its full thickness, a simple light progressive-grit sanding is enough to erase these marks and restore the surface to its original appearance. This operation can be repeated several times on the same piece over the years, without ever reaching a different layer or altering the colour. A damaged laminate, by contrast, is permanently ruined.
Is Solid Surface suitable for hospital standards or professional kitchens?
Yes. The non-porosity of Crealith Solid Surface is the key advantage in these environments. The surface has no micro-pores that could harbour bacteria, mould or chemical residues. It withstands standard cleaning agents used in hospital settings and common disinfectants.
This is why our pieces regularly equip hospitals, care homes, nurseries and high-traffic communal kitchens. For professional kitchens, resistance to moderate thermal shocks (steam, hot water splashes) and to cleaning products is built into our resin formulation. However, we recommend avoiding prolonged direct contact with open flames or pans taken straight from the hob.
Is it possible to create curved or organic shapes in Solid Surface?
Absolutely, and this is one of the design freedoms that Solid Surface offers where ceramic or reconstituted quartz reach their limits.
At Crealith, we create custom moulds in our workshops. This allows us to mould curved, rounded, organic or architectural shapes in a single piece, without assembly or visible joints. Drop-shaped washbasin, wraparound vanity top, shower tray with offset drain and sloped edge: feasibility is studied by our design office before each production run. Our team supports you from sketch to delivery.
Why choose synthetic stone instead of ceramic or quartz?
The choice of material depends on the intended use, but Crealith synthetic stone offers a unique compromise on three key criteria:
-
Hygiene and joints: Unlike ceramic or quartz which require joints (silicone or mortar) often prone to mould, Solid Surface enables monolithic assemblies with no visible joints. This is an unbeatable hygienic advantage in hospital or hotel settings.
-
Impact resistance: Ceramic is hard but brittle; a chip is permanent. Our synthetic stone is more resilient: it absorbs mechanical impacts better and does not chip.
-
Full repairability: This is the fundamental difference. While quartz may yellow from heat or ceramic may crack, Solid Surface is the only material that is fully restorable. A scratch, chip or wear mark can be sanded away to restore the original new appearance.
In summary, where traditional materials must be replaced when damaged, Crealith products can be repaired and last for decades.
Can two Solid Surface pieces be welded together for a seamless worktop?
Yes, and this is one of the most remarkable properties of solid Solid Surface. Two elements can be glued and then sanded to make the joint completely invisible, provided you work with the same shade and a compatible jointing adhesive.
At Crealith, we master this technique in our workshop to assemble large-dimension pieces or custom configurations. This makes it possible to create worktops or shelves several metres long that appear to be cast as a single block.
Marbre Gel Coaté
Waterproofing and hygiene at the heart of the bathroom.
What is Marbre Gel Coaté and how is it manufactured at Crealith?
The body of the material retains our standard formulation: 65 to 80% mineral fillers bound to a thermosetting resin. This structure ensures rigidity and impact resistance, while the gel coat guarantees the aesthetic finish and surface impermeability. This process makes it possible to achieve glossy finishes very close to real marble, in a variety of textures and shades.
Learn more about our technologies →
Is Marbre Gel Coaté truly waterproof? Can it be used in the shower?
Yes. Waterproofing is a fundamental property of Crealith Marbre Gel Coaté. The gel coat layer is non-porous by nature: it does not allow water to penetrate the material structure, with no risk of swelling, degradation or mould development inside the piece.
Our washbasins and shower trays in Marbre Gel Coaté are designed for permanent contact with water. They regularly equip hotel bathrooms and communal sanitary facilities subject to intensive use and frequent cleaning.
How do you maintain a Marbre Gel Coaté washbasin or shower tray on a daily basis?
Maintenance is very simple. Cleaning with lukewarm water and a non-abrasive household product, liquid soap or mild detergent, is sufficient to maintain cleanliness and shine on a daily basis.
Avoid abrasive sponges, scouring creams and products containing solvents or hydrochloric acid, which could gradually dull the gel coat. In case of persistent limescale, a standard diluted descaling product can be used occasionally, followed by thorough rinsing.
For any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Can a Marbre Gel Coaté washbasin be repaired after an impact or scratch?
Yes. Repairability is one of the major advantages of synthetic stone. In case of a localised impact or deep scratch on the gel coat, our team can intervene to fill, sand and polish the damaged area and restore a homogeneous appearance. A chip on ceramic is permanent. On our materials, it is a minor repair.
Crealith offers a responsive after-sales service, as well as repair training for professionals who wish to manage the maintenance of their installed base themselves.
Does Marbre Gel Coaté come in colours other than white?
Our range covers a wide palette of colours. White shades remain the most popular as they are timeless and blend into all environments. We also offer ranges of grey, beige, anthracite and textures imitating natural veined marble.
For projects requiring strict chromatic consistency (hotel branding, interior architecture), we study custom shades on request, guaranteeing colour homogeneity across all pieces within the same order. This is a challenge that natural materials cannot meet.
Spray Granit
Versatility and practicality.
What is Spray Granit and how is it applied?
Spray Granit is our mineral spray finishing technique. A mixture of coloured granular fillers is sprayed onto the surface of a moulded synthetic stone piece, then sealed with a protective resin.
Unlike Solid Surface or Marbre Gel Coaté, Spray Granit is applied as an external finishing layer. It gives the surface a textured matt granite-like appearance, very close to natural granite or raw stone, with the advantages of a non-porous, easy-care surface. On shower trays, the grain texture naturally creates a non-slip surface.
Can a Spray Granit shower tray be installed over existing tiles without demolition?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. Our synthetic stone shower trays are lightweight, dimensionally stable and can be placed directly on a solid existing tiled floor, provided the substrate is flat, well anchored and without significant unevenness. An installation professional will first check the floor flatness and proper water drainage.
This solution avoids heavy demolition work, reduces site timelines and associated costs. For hotel or collective renovation projects where continuity of operations is a concern, this is a particularly suitable option.
What are the slip resistance standards for Crealith products?
Safety is an absolute priority when fitting out a shower area. To guarantee optimal grip and prevent the risk of falls, our coatings meet the requirements of French standards XP P 05–010 and XP P 05–011.
The grip level of a floor can vary greatly depending on the material and its surface treatment. These standards enable an objective assessment of slipperiness by simulating real-use conditions, such as the presence of soapy water or oil. This allows us to guide you towards the product perfectly suited to your project, whether residential or medical.
Understanding the “Bare Feet” (PN) classification: The XP P 05–010 standard classifies surfaces according to their grip. The higher the number, the greater the slip resistance:
-
PN 6: Standard grip for classic shower zones (inclination angle of 6° to 12°).
-
PN 12 and PN 18: Enhanced grip for increased comfort and safety (angle up to 24°).
-
PN 24: Maximum grip level for the most demanding conditions.
According to the XP P 05–011 standard, each environment has its own safety requirements:
-
For private individuals and the hotel industry: A PN 6 level is the recommended reference for private bathrooms.
-
For healthcare facilities (care homes, hospitals): Safety is reinforced with a minimum requirement of PN 12 for shower zones.
As the regulations emphasise, the anti-slip performance of a floor also depends on its maintenance. Regular cleaning, in accordance with Crealith recommendations, is essential. The build-up of limescale or hygiene product residues can create a smooth film that impairs the original anti-slip properties.
Are Spray Granit colours durable over time?
Yes. The pigments used in our spray process are stable, inorganic mineral fillers. They do not discolour under the effect of moisture, UV in indoor use, or common cleaning products. The sealing resin also protects the pigments from mechanical abrasion caused by daily use.
We offer several colours in the standard range: white granite, grey, anthracite, beige. RAL shades are available on request for projects requiring precise chromatic integration.
What shape possibilities are available with the Spray Granit finish?
Thanks to our mastery of custom moulding, Spray Granit can be applied to virtually any geometry, from ultra-flat shower trays to washbasins with precise angles.
Unlike a conventional site coating, our mineral spray process is carried out exclusively in the factory, under controlled conditions. This guarantees perfect adhesion and total grain homogeneity, even on pieces with non-standard dimensions or complex shapes. You thus benefit from the robustness of an industrial product with the flexibility of fully bespoke manufacturing.
Maintenance, durability and technical specifications
Lifecycle, manufacturing warranties and bespoke solutions.
What is the lifespan of a Crealith product?
The longevity of our pieces is one of the strongest arguments we champion, and one that our professional clientele has confirmed for decades. Crealith synthetic stone is a thermosetting material: once polymerised, it does not age, does not deform and does not swell with moisture.
A well-maintained piece can remain in service for 20 to 30 years without loss of waterproofing or structural integrity. The repairability of the surface further extends this useful life. We manufacture pieces that are kept for a long time, not consumables to be replaced.
Which cleaning products are recommended?
For all our products, the rule is simple: favour non-abrasive and non-acidic products. Daily cleaning with lukewarm water and a little mild soap or liquid household detergent is sufficient.
For limescale, a diluted descaling product used occasionally is suitable, followed by thorough rinsing.
To be avoided absolutely: metal sponges, scouring powders, products based on hydrochloric acid, solvents (acetone, white spirit) and undiluted bleach in prolonged contact.
Can synthetic stone develop mould or bacteria?
No. This is precisely what makes synthetic stone a supremely hygienic material. Its structure is completely non-porous: there are no micro-interstices where moisture could accumulate and allow the development of fungi, mould or bacteria.
The black mould observed in bathrooms develops on silicone joints or tile grout, never on the surface of a Crealith piece. This is why our products are preferred in environments with high sanitary requirements: hospitals, nurseries, communal kitchens.
Does Crealith offer a warranty on its products?
Yes. All our products are covered by a warranty on materials and manufacturing. It covers structural or manufacturing defects observed under normal conditions of use. The exact conditions are specified in our contractual documents provided at the time of order.
If you have any questions, contact our team.
How does Crealith handle after-sales service and repairs?
Our after-sales service is handled in-house. The same technicians who manufacture the pieces also handle repairs. Most common damage is resolved by sanding, filling and polishing, without complete replacement.
For professionals managing a large installed base, we offer practical training in our workshops in Barchon. Your maintenance teams become autonomous for routine interventions.
Is Crealith manufacturing truly 100% Belgian?
Yes, entirely. Crealith is the trade name of Mineral Products International S.A., whose workshops are located at Champs de Tignée 1, 4671 Barchon, in the Liège region. All steps are carried out on site: design, mould manufacturing, casting, curing, cutting, drilling, gluing, sanding, quality control and packaging.
In practical terms: controlled lead times, bespoke capacity without subcontractors, full traceability of every piece and a single point of contact from order to delivery.
Are Crealith products customisable in dimensions and colours?
Yes. Customisation is at the heart of our model. We design and produce bespoke pieces in dimensions, shapes, colours and finishes. Our moulds are manufactured or modified in our workshops, allowing us to adapt a catalogue piece or start from a template provided by the architect.
The standard range covers whites, greys and anthracites. Specific shades (RAL or custom) are available with guaranteed homogeneity across all pieces within the same series.
Working on a specific set of specifications?
Prescription assistance and feasibility study
Our design office supports architects and professionals in the technical validation of their plans and the choice of materials.