Choosing between ASA sheets and APT Thermocore for kitchen cabinets starts with the exact product specification, finish and fabrication requirements. ASA is a polymer name; APT means Advanced Polymer Technology in Dexarte’s INNOVA collection. They are different descriptions and should not be treated as interchangeable materials.
For a home, studio or modular furniture project, the useful question is how the selected surface will look, feel and be fitted. This guide explains what to compare before you order, with INNOVA details drawn from Dexarte’s Thermocore APT catalogue.
Before you shortlist
- Compare a specific ASA product with a specific INNOVA finish, using written specifications and physical samples.
- INNOVA includes matte, gloss, metallic and textured design options; the complete colour code matters.
- The INNOVA technical table lists 1.0 mm thickness and 1220 mm width. Confirm the available sheet length for your order.
- Agree on the substrate, adhesive, edges and any curved detail with your fabricator before production.
What are ASA sheets, and what is APT Thermocore?
ASA stands for acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, as identified in SABIC’s polymer information. When buying a decorative ASA sheet, ask the supplier for the construction and performance information for that finished product. A resin name alone does not describe every layer, finish or installation requirement.
INNOVA Thermocore APT is Dexarte’s engineered polymer surface collection. APT stands for Advanced Polymer Technology. Some INNOVA colour references begin with “ASA”; these are catalogue codes and should not be used as evidence that the sheet is an ASA polymer product.
If you arrived here while searching for ASA sheets for a kitchen or wardrobe, you can consider INNOVA alongside your shortlist. Make the decision from the selected finish and its documentation, rather than assuming equivalent chemistry or a universal performance advantage.
Explore INNOVA Thermocore APT finishes and save the complete codes you want to see as samples.
ASA sheets vs APT: what should you compare?
Ask both suppliers the same questions. A consistent comparison is more useful than a list of broad claims such as “premium”, “durable” or “best”.
- Finish: compare the surface in daylight and under the lighting planned for the room. Check reflection, touch and colour beside the flooring and worktop.
- Dimensions: confirm sheet thickness, width and supplied length, then check how these fit the cabinet cutting plan.
- Construction: request the recommended substrate, adhesive and balancing or backing requirements for the proposed assembly.
- Edges and curves: review a finished edge sample. For curved details, ask for written fabrication guidance and a trial piece.
- Care and performance: check product-specific cleaning instructions and the scope of any scratch, stain or moisture claim.
- Warranty: compare the covered issue, period, conditions and remedy. Keep the invoice and product identification with the project records.
The INNOVA catalogue’s technical table states anti-fingerprint performance and pencil hardness of 3–4H under its listed test method. These are catalogue specifications, not a promise that a finished cabinet cannot mark or scratch. Ask for the relevant technical documentation when a project has a formal performance requirement.
Choosing an INNOVA finish for kitchen cabinets
Start with the visual effect you want across the whole elevation. Matte surfaces give a quieter reflection; gloss creates a more reflective composition. Neither finish is automatically the right choice for every room.
For a soft neutral palette, the Thermo Matte collection includes ASA 1002 IVY TUSK and ASA 1003 CREME WHITE. ASA 1011 VERANDA SAP introduces a green option. The Matte Spectra range includes ASA 2004 ARMANI BRONZO and ASA 2005 TURBO SILVER for a different material expression.
There are also gloss options, including ASG 1102 BLANCO and ASG 1103 IVY TUSK, and textured references such as ASA 3001 HERIX IVORY and ASA 3005 STRIA IVORY. Similar shade names can belong to different finishes, so retain the prefix and number when requesting samples.
In an open kitchen facing the living room, view your shortlist from the sofa as well as beside the cabinets. A finish occupies a much larger area after installation than it does on a small sample. Place it next to the proposed worktop, handle and wall colour before approving the combination.
For more collection detail, read the INNOVA finishes and specifications guide.
What should architects and fabricators check?
The INNOVA catalogue lists nominal thickness of 1.0 mm, thickness variation of ±0.02 mm and width of 1220 mm. Its length entry says “according to customer request”. Confirm current supplied dimensions and availability with Dexarte before estimating sheet quantities.
A curved island end or furniture corner needs more information than a front elevation. Share the drawing, proposed radius, substrate and edge detail with the fabricator and Dexarte. Confirm suitability for the exact finish, then approve a sample before repeating the detail across a project. A catalogue description of bendability does not establish one universal temperature, radius or method.
For a wardrobe, examine the finish on a representative shutter sample with its intended core and edge treatment. For a multi-unit project, agree on the approved colour reference and batch requirements before ordering. The catalogue notes that colours can vary between batches and between printed samples and actual material.
Where cabinet fronts meet decorative wall panels, use the INNOVA and MYST coordination guide to explore documented pairings. Approve the two physical samples together.
Compare quotations for the finished result
A sheet quotation and a finished cabinet quotation cover different things. Ask for a breakdown that identifies the surface code and quantity, substrate, adhesive, edge treatment, fabrication, hardware where applicable, and installation. This makes it easier to understand what each proposal includes.
Send Dexarte your city, project type, selected finish codes and approximate requirement. Architects and modular manufacturers can also share drawings and a target installation period. These details help the team respond with relevant product and availability guidance.
Discuss your INNOVA shortlist on WhatsApp.
Questions about ASA sheets and INNOVA APT
Is INNOVA APT the same as an ASA sheet?
No. INNOVA is presented as Thermocore APT, with APT meaning Advanced Polymer Technology. ASA is a separate polymer term. The ASA prefix in some INNOVA colour codes identifies catalogue references; it does not establish the polymer composition. Compare the actual product documentation.
Does INNOVA only come in a matte finish?
No. The catalogue includes matte, gloss, metallic and textured options. Confirm the full reference when selecting a finish: for example, ASA 1002 IVY TUSK and ASG 1103 IVY TUSK belong to different finish entries. Physical samples are the best basis for colour approval.
What warranty should I check?
The supplied INNOVA catalogue advertises seven years of anti-fading and yellowing coverage, alongside a separate lifetime guarantee subject to terms. Ask Dexarte for the current written terms for your purchase, including coverage, exclusions and remedy. Do not treat these statements as one unconditional warranty.
Can INNOVA be used for curved details?
The catalogue describes bendability. Suitability still needs to be confirmed for the selected finish and proposed detail. Share drawings and ask for fabrication guidance, then approve a trial piece. This guide does not prescribe heating temperatures, bend angles or a universal method.
How do I choose a colour or find availability near me?
Shortlist the complete finish codes from the Dexarte catalogues, then share your city and project requirement through the Dexarte contact page. Request physical samples and current availability before finalising quantities.
Product source: Dexarte INNOVA Thermocore APT catalogue, including the technical specification and general conditions. Product suitability depends on the selected finish, application, handling and maintenance. Confirm current specifications and written terms before ordering.