Repair Options for Plastic Laminate Countertops

In the early years of my career in the countertop fabrication business, I sold a large number of plastic laminate countertops. When I went into business for myself 17 years ago, I started out specializing in repairing and modifying solid surface countertops. My thinking at that time was that the potential for repairing plastic laminate countertops was limited, and I wanted to focus totally on my new specialty. Eventually, though, I developed an interest in new business opportunities.

Since glass tiles can withstand harsh conditions, unlike many other surface coverings, it is ideal for a multitude of applications. Fireplaces, wall backsplashes, kitchen and bathroom floors or countertops are just a few examples. Glass is even weather-proof enough for outdoor use. It is very popular as pool tile because of its strength and attractive mosaic design possibilities. From a �green� standpoint, the developing innovations of recycled glass make it healthier for the environment. Recycled glass is in no way inferior to non-recycled glass. It creates a unique and often sought after appearance that can resist the same conditions as any newly-created glass.REPAIR OPTIONSThe company's second product is Giani Granite Paint for Countertops. This product is a complete kit with all of the ingrethents needed to create a faux granite finish on a plastic laminate countertop. Included is a black primer, three complementary colors of mineral paints that are applied in a specific order to produce a granite effect, and a clear protective top coat. The company says that the system is based on automotive grade polymers like those used to manufacture car bumpers, and that the surface is exceptionally durable after two weeks of curing, although the refinished countertops can handle light-duty usage after just 48 hours. Kits in six basic colors are available, but the final look can be customized by varying the proportions of the mineral paints, or by adding other colors of acrylic paints. Visit GianiGranite.com for complete information.I'm rethinking that opinion. Just because many people have failed to do a good job doesn't mean that it's impossible. The key to success is selecting the right products that will bond securely to the laminate, and result in an attractive, durable, sanitary surface.As the years went by, I gradually added more products to the range of countertops my company services. Our first expansion was to begin repairing quartz countertops. Then we added butcher block, granite, marble as well as many other natural stones, in addition to concrete and recycled glass countertops to our product mix.Michaela Harbert has perfected her own successful four-step technique for refinishing plastic laminate countertops, and now provides this service professionally in the Cleveland, OH area. She calls her process Countertop Transfauxmations, and she has produced and sells a DVD and manual that explains the entire process. The process involves faux finishing and is completed with hand tools such as rollers and sponges as opposed to spray guns. With proper preparation, her method can cover areas that have moderate burn damage as well as chips, nicks and gouges. I've ordered the DVD, which is available at ByYouLLC.com, and will report on the results in a future column.Occasionally, we would be asked to repair a plastic laminate countertop, but in most cases, we declined. My perception was that the repair options were limited and the countertops themselves were relatively inexpensive. As a result, most customers would choose to live with minor damage, or they would complete a do-ityourself repair, or replace the countertops with new ones. None of these options involved hiring a professional repair service.Glass has extremely easy maintenance. Everyday glass cleaner will do the trick. Due to its recent increase in recognition and competitive availability, glass is very reasonably priced. Glass tile applications have seen an increase lately due to recent anti-slip products, making it more ideal for floor applications. Though glass is resilient, it can still break due to abuse. Floor-rated tiles are recommended in high-traffic areas. These are more resistant and less likely to crack. Upon deciding glass is for you, remember these specialty tiles require specific installation methods, so be sure to hire a professional. From design to finish, glass tiles make a beautiful addition to any home.Burns from hot pots are a common form of damage to plastic laminate countertops, and this type of damage is usually too extensive to be repaired inconspicuously. Vance Industries in another company that has been offering a repair solution for decades. The Vance Built-in Surface Saver is a tempered glass cutting board with a stainless steel frame. The product is designed to be permanently installed as an insert into the countertop, centered over the damaged area. The product is available in two sizes measuring either 12"xl5" or 16"x20", and a variety of colors of both the glass cutting boards and the steel frames. Visit Vancelnd. com for more information.Accordingly, here's some information about a variety of products and services that allow plastic laminate countertops to be repaired and refinished.Glass tiles come in an array of colors, shapes, sizes and designs. A homeowner can choose from a wide collection of either standard or custom tiles or they can hire a tile artist to create a one of a kind piece for their home. This method has become trendier recently because of the endless custom possibilities and aesthetic appeal. Glass has been used for centuries in every type of constructions because it is resilient. Water-proof and non-porous, glass resists moisture and will never stain or harbor mildew growth, making it a natural non-allergenic material. In addition, they never fade, scratch or decay, which means endless application possibilities without the risk of damage. These facts have been proven through time.Thomas' Kitchen Art is a division of Eagle Specialty Products, a company based in St. Louis that supplies ingrethents for manufacturers of paints, coatings, inks, caulks, adhesives and metal working fluids. Thomas' Kitchen Art has introduced two products that can be used for refinishing plastic laminate countertops. One is called Liquid Stainless Steel, which is a unique paint composed of microscopic particles of stainless steel in a clear, automotive grade acrylic resin. Marketed primarily for appliance refinishing, it can also be used to simulate a stainless steel countertop. Visit LiquidStainlessSteel.com for complete information.One well-known company, Miracle Method, has been successful in refinishing plastic laminate countertops. Miracle Method originated in 1979 as a franchise operation specializing in refinishing items like bathtubs and porcelain sinks. With over 120 locations and an emphasis on quality and customer service, the company may be the best choice nationally for professional refinishing of plastic laminate countertops. Enter your zip code at MiracleMethod.com for a referral to a franchise near you.

These products and services offer the promise that plastic laminate countertops that are moderately damaged or worn, or that no longer match the color scheme of the kitchen or bath, can be refurbished for many additional years of service.

Author: Heaphy, Jim

Brighten Your Home with Glass Tiles

A dark and dull home interior is not usually what homeowners strive for. It still occurs probably because of light-absorbing carpets and hardwood. For this reason, many people are deciding to integrate glass tiles in parts of the house. Glass is reflective, making areas seem brighter and larger. Adding radiance to a home is only one draw of glass tiles. It offers many other beautiful and practical benefits to a home.

These products and services offer the promise that plastic laminate countertops that are moderately damaged or worn, or that no longer match the color scheme of the kitchen or bath, can be refurbished for many additional years of service.I've been frequently asked if it is practical to paint plastic laminate countertops in order to change the color or cover damaged areas. Over the years, I've seen some paint jobs that have held up poorly, and ended up looking worse than the original countertop. I've rarely seen a repainted countertop that looked really good. Consequently, I've tended to recommend against the idea of repainting countertops in the past.

Glass has extremely easy maintenance. Everyday glass cleaner will do the trick. Due to its recent increase in recognition and competitive availability, glass is very reasonably priced. Glass tile applications have seen an increase lately due to recent anti-slip products, making it more ideal for floor applications. Though glass is resilient, it can still break due to abuse. Floor-rated tiles are recommended in high-traffic areas. These are more resistant and less likely to crack. Upon deciding glass is for you, remember these specialty tiles require specific installation methods, so be sure to hire a professional. From design to finish, glass tiles make a beautiful addition to any home.

Author: Bruce Mendes

New digs in the park

Good news at the trusty ol' Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, whose just-okay rooms have always relied on their stone's-throw proximity to Yosemite Falls to draw a crowd. Now, two prototype eco rooms have opened, with all the efficient, organic, high-tech touches you'd expect, plus a serious upgrade in style. Headboards of live-edge hickory are a swirl of a centerpiece, and colorful countertops are made of glass from curbside recycling bins in San Francisco. With luck, the lodge will start converting more rooms by the end of the year. For now there's no guarantee, but it doesn't hurt to request one of the green rooms when you reserve. From $207; yosemite park.com

Coming with the whole gang? Check out the swish new John Muir House at Evergreen Lodge, which blows away the frumpier rentals at Yosemite West. Sleeps 10; $895; evergreenlodge.com

Author: Lisa Trottier

The Value Of Remodeling And Living Smart

Last week was the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Honestly it came and went without much fanfare - and I'm not sure why. The green movement is here to stay and hopefully inspires all of us to realize that the choices we make inside our homes impact everything around us. We have a responsibility to our kids to set the example and encourage them to live a more environmentally responsible and healthful lifestyle.

The stuff: They used beech salvaged from Lake Superior for the formaldehyde-free cabinets. "It's such beautiful wood, and it's so cool that it has that history," she said. The countertops are composed of granite and onyx remnants, and the breakfast bar is made of oak certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. While the Spenglers installed energy-efficient, triple-paned windows, they repaired and refinished their existing hardwood floor.Glass Countertops Provide Custom LookHardware Line Offers Many ChoicesThe stuff: The cabinets are built without formaldehyde, with doors made from sustainably grown poplar wood fabricated into veneers. The recycled paper countertops "feel as hard as stone," Eric said. Multicolored recycled glass covers the center island. Instead of putting in a new floor, the Hattings refinished their existing maple one. All the paints and finishes are low-VOC. While they paid a little more for some of the green materials, Eric said, the end result is a kitchen that "is more visually appealing and re- uses materials."The motivation: Owners Eric and Shelly Hatting designed their new kitchen, then looked for green products. "We've always liked the look of the materials," said Eric. "The fact that they were formaldehyde-free and mostly recycled sealed the deal."www.aristonappliances.us

- Old single pane windows are a portal for allowing cold air in, and warm air out. Replacing leaky windows with double paned ones will instantly improve your insulation and save energy. But keep in mind, replacing the windows on an old historic home would actually decrease its value by changing the integrity of the structure. In that scenario adding storm windows on the outside of those old single pane windows instantly improve your home's insulation value.

Author: Lori Gilder

Eco-friendly kitchens are gaining steam

By Lynn Underwood

A BETTER BUNGALOWLiners Direct has introduced a bench seat that measures 25''x15-3/4'' and is designed for comfort and the transfer of people in need of the resource. The bench fits along the back of the side wall but can be installed along the soap dish wall in larger showers. It is available in four solid colors and side wrap material is available in all of the wall colors the company offers.Circle No. 215 on Product CardCircle No. 208 on Product Card"At the time it was a radical concept, that you could use linoleum and cork and salvaged granite, and it could look high-end and classy," he said.www.niceknobs.comThe CompoKeeper is designed to assist with composting of food scraps in the kitchen. The CompoKeeper works like a huge zip lock bag lining the inside of a waste bin that can be opened and closed using the foot pedal or turning the hand lever. Keeping compost in the CompoKeeper allows recyclers to store food scraps without the unpleasant odors and side effects of indoor compost storage.By David Heide Design Studio; www.dhdstudio.com.www.perlick.comToday's green kitchens have nothing to do with color. They're environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and nontoxic. They boast countertops made of recycled glass or paper, and floors of renewable bamboo or cork. The appliances use less energy, and paint with low volatile organic compounds (low-VOC) keeps the air clean.Laundry Unit Combines Washing & DryingJust a few years ago, calling a kitchen green would have meant the walls were painted sage.www.linersdirect.com- Adding solar panels or geothermal heat pumps are a costlier commitment than a traditional HVAC system - yet add high value to a home. If nothing else schedule regular maintenance at least twice a year to ensure that your current system is operating efficiently."There's no limit to cool products that have green attributes," said Anschel. "Five years ago, it was a struggle to find low-VOC paint. Now it's at big-box stores."BEECH WOOD BEAUTYThe stuff: Dinneen patched and refinished the existing wood floor and restored and reinsulated the kitchen windows. She recycled her old appliances and replaced them with Energy Star appliances. The new formaldehyde-free cabinets are made of wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which means it comes from a well- managed sustainable forest. Other green features include a low-flow faucet, under-cabinet halogen lights and a clay farmhouse sink that can be recycled.Ariston's new ARWDF 129 & 129 S Combination Washer/ Dryer is compact at just 24'' wide. Condensation technology contains and reuses the hot air created by the drying process, allowing excess moisture to leave through the drain hose. The unit can wash and dry loads in less than 60 minutes.www.castlewood.comwww.fourseasonscorp.comMINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNECustom Stainless Hood Vents Multi-Function StoveCircle No. 203 on Product Cardwww.porcher-us.com

Scripps Howard News Service

Author: Lynn Underwood

New Products

Bench Seat Fits Aging-In-Place Set

Circle No. 205 on Product CardMichael Anschel, principal at Otogawa-Anschel, was one of the architects on the front lines of green design in Minnesota. He helped develop the Minnesota GreenStar certification program in 2006, which includes guidelines for green kitchen remodeling projects.The motivation: Owner Molly Dinneen wanted to update her Craftsman-style kitchen, but hoped to incorporate many of the room's existing materials. "There's nothing more green than re-using what you have," said David Heide, her designer.Here are some different ways to the same green end by several Minnesota firms:By Otogawa-Anschel Design Build; www.otogawa-anschel.com.- Bathroom upgrades typically run a close second to kitchen improvements and their return on investment. By repainting with low or zero paints, re-grouting your tiles, or replacing all your old plumbing fixtures that conserve water will not only add value but save money as well.The motivation: Cathy and Mike Spengler's whole-house remodeling included an updated kitchen. "It was such a big project that we wanted it to be the least wasteful and energy-efficient as possible," Cathy said.By Natural Built Home; www.naturalbuilthome.com.Circle No. 204 on Product Card- Old single pane windows are a portal for allowing cold air in, and warm air out. Replacing leaky windows with double paned ones will instantly improve your insulation and save energy. But keep in mind, replacing the windows on an old historic home would actually decrease its value by changing the integrity of the structure. In that scenario adding storm windows on the outside of those old single pane windows instantly improve your home's insulation value.I'm making a concerted effort to live more responsibly and to design my projects more efficiently. Building and designing green is really an exercise in sensibility - where newly built and renovated homes are designed to be more energy and water efficient, durable, longer lasting and healthy to live in due to high indoor air quality - free of radon moisture and mold.Circle No. 210 on Product CardCastlewood by AMS introduces Birch Plywood Drawer Sides made from 1/2''-thick C -2 grade white birch plywood with a protective clear UV finish. The drawer sides feature a tight birch core that is free from voids and core overlaps, and CARB compliant. The drawer side banks come in 96'' lengths with top edge banded and are available in a variety of heights from 2'' to 12''. Drawer blanks are grooved to accept up to a 5mm drawer bottom.GREEN-MINDED MAKEOVERHardware Has Ornate DesignWhirlpool recently introduced the Resource Saver Double Oven Range. The upper oven uses 50 percent less energy and preheats in half the time, compared to a full-size oven. Users can bake at two separate temperatures simultaneously. The electric double oven has a combined 6.7 cu. ft. capacity.Drawer Sides Made from White Birchwww.bellavitatile.comFan/Lights Sense Humidity- Increasing your energy efficiency by improving the R-values in your attic insulation or basement and crawlspaces will help reduce your energy costs - which in turn improves the overall value of your home.ThinkGlass creates an array of custom glass countertops that are made from 100% recyclable glass. Each countertop is unique, with a huge selection of molded textures and hand-painted colors available. Customers can select their glass thickness, edge treatments and even add LED lights. The countertops are naturally resistant to scratches, mold and mildew, and can endure high heat without cracking or scorching, the company notes.Circle No. 211 on Product CardCircle No. 212 on Product CardBorn out of a partnership between Reveal Designs and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the initial series within the Taliesin Design Hardware Collection feature elegant, simple lines. The Series 630 and Series 631 can be mixed for an eclectic look, and feature 4.25'' pulls that may be finished with stainless steel and a choice of beech, walnut, oil rubbed bronze or as solid stainless pieces.Custom Fused Glass Bowl Vessels from Meyda Custom Lighting feature a broad range of colors and designs. The Tropical Fused Glass Bowl Vessel is kilnfired, fused glass in colors of blue, yellow, green and red swirl and stripe motifs. The vessel stands 4.25'' tall and 15'' wide.Circle No. 213 on Product CardCircle No. 209 on Product CardPerlick Corp. has added Refrigerator Drawers to its C -Series product line of refrigeration products. Part of the company's moderately priced series, the 24" Refrigerator Drawers feature 5.3 cu. ft. of capacity, and each drawer is deep enough to accommodate a gallon of milk. The series is powered by a quiet 700 BTU compressor, with the firm's RAPIDcool refrigeration technology allowing for fast temperature pull-down.www.Broan.comwww.whirlpool.comColors Abound in Glass VesselsRange of Options Marks Lav SeriesScripps Howard News ServiceOdor Problems Resolved with Indoor ComposterFour Seasons Metals recently completed the design, production and installation of a custom stainless steel, four-light vent hood for a large multi-function stove that features five cooking elements - an oven, griddle, hibachi/wok, deep fat fryer and rice steamer. The hood features commercial grade lights and a 2500 cfm fan capable of venting all five cooking areas at once, if necessary.- Kitchen remodels traditionally give you the best ROI in your home. Sure you can renovate and repurpose existing space, but just replacing your old laminate countertops with a new recycled glass counter surface, or changing out that old cracked ceramic floor tile with a highly sustainable bamboo material, will instantly add value to your home and improve your air quality at the same time.Refrigerator Drawers Offer Rapid CoolingCircle No. 201 on Product CardCircle No. 214 on Product CardCircle No. 202 on Product Cardwww.thinkglass.com"A bad design filled with lots of green products that end up in a Dumpster five years from now isn't green at all," he said.Now, manufacturers are crowding into what's considered a hot market, offering green building products in a wide range of styles, colors and prices.Circle No. 207 on Product CardMosaic Combines Slate and GlassBellavita Tile's Botswana series of tile mixes slate and glass for a shimmering yet natural look. The Botswana series comes in six colorways: Makgadi White (shown), Chobe Earth, Okavango Savannah, Mashatu Gold, Nxai Sand and Savute Night. The mosaic pattern is fashioned by combining 1''x1'', 1''x2'' and 2''x2'' tiles on a 12''x12'' sheet.Nice Knobs! is a line of wood knobs, cabinet pulls and appliance pulls available in many shapes and sizes, as well as 11 wood species. Shown is a set of cherry knobs and pulls that work with many styles of cabinetry.The Humidity Sensing Recessed Fan/Lights from Broan-NuTone resemble a recessed light but feature a humidity sensing switch that triggers the concealed, quiet ventilation fan. Energy Star-qualified, the fan/light features SensAire technology to help ensure moisture is effectively exhausted at the source.www.meyda.comBut there's more to green than a label on a package, said designer David Heide, owner of David Heide Design Studio in Minneapolis. He considers good design a key green component.Resource Double Oven Saves EnergyThe Marquee Collection of undercounter lavatories from Porcher includes three sizes, four shapes and six different surfaces - creating 96 choices in all with the various options available. Inspired by the faceted beauty of diamonds, the symmetrical, vitreous china sinks are available in round, oval, square and rectangular with chamfered detailing. The three colors -white, biscuit or black - are offered in a fully glazed or matte finish.www.compokeeper.com"A green kitchen makes me feel less guilty about having what feels like a fancy kitchen," Cathy said.The Empire Collection from Richelieu Hardware includes a range of decorative knobs and pulls. The pieces are crafted from cast iron and are available in multiple sizes and finishes.So if you are thinking about renovating, remodeling or retrofitting, which simple "green" improvements would add the most value to your home?Circle No. 206 on Product Cardwww.richelieu.com

Circle No. 215 on Product Card

Turning into THE WORLD'S COOLEST RECYCLER

Managed by co-CEOs, IceStone LLC manufactures ornamental surfaces from recycled glass and cement, finds traders in social enterprise circles and creates markets that attain green builders.

ICESTONE LLC is keeping tons of glass out of landfills and transforming it into high-end countertops and vanities. IceStone* surfaces glimpse like modern-day terrazzo, the faux marble flooring designed from marble chips set in clay. But rather of marble and clay, Ice-Stone is a mosaic combination of recycled glass and cement.

The system for production IceStone surfaces was developed by Tim McCarthy, who opened Ideal Harbor Structure Middle (GHDC) in 1998 in a 55,000 square foot factory in the Brooklyn (NY) Navy Property to commercialize the merchandise. McCarthy died of cancer in 2001 earlier than becoming able to completely start the provider or the item. His spouse, Carol McCarthy, set GHDC's assets and products up for auction in November 2003. Peter Strugatz and Miranda Magagnini ordered them.

Strugatz and Magagnini number one satisfied in 1995 at an Investor's Circle conference. The two ended up traders in social reason organisations (involving them, they have been concerned in fifteen private equity specials.) They formed a minimal liability partnership, Magagnini-Strugatz Ventures, so they could purchase a corporation in Brooklyn where by they each are living. "We understood that we would be working a 70-hour-week and did not want a very long commute from our families," explains Magagnini. They heard about IceStone from two resources, Investor's Circle, who the preceding proprietors had approached for funding, and a colleague who was on the board of the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

"I looked at IceStone from a advertising and marketing standpoint," says Magagnini. "I saw that it could be a marvelous triple bottom line agency that could be beneficial for employees and for the atmosphere and nonetheless return finances to traders." They started off a new organisation, IceStone LLC, renegotiated the lease for the factory put to use by GHDC at the Brooklyn Navy Lawn, and filed for a patent for the IceStone* production method.

Because 2003, Magagnini and Strugatz have raised $six million for their provider from a group of angel traders including Ben Cohen, cofounder of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. Greg Steltenpohl, 1 of the founders of Odwalla juice business and DaI La Magna, founder of Tweezerman Corporation. "Dal is our largest investor and the initial particular person to compose us a verify, for which we're tremendously grateful," states Magagnini. "We haven't accepted any enterprise capital funding so much," she adds. "All the traders have been progressive angel investors who believe that in our social mission."

The angel funding was employed to develop the factory, improve production capacity, commence branding IceStone, and advance the solution. "We built it stronger, much less porous and in a bit more awesome hues," notes Magagnini. "We did a great amount of R &. D with world-class researchers. Producing the world's sexiest concrete is not the least difficult factor to do. You have to maintain the glass and cement from breaking apart."

Investors in IceStone LLC are also partners and obtain quarterly studies on the company's actions. "When Peter and I have been personal traders, we many times didn't get updates on the companies we invested in, so we make positive we permit our traders know what we're doing," says Magagnini. Some of the traders serve on the company's Board of Advisors.

The company has obtained $500,000 in grants from New York State, together with $200,000 in study and advancement funding from the Environmental Financial commitment System (EIP). That cash flow was put into use to streamline the production procedure, decide to buy products, increase production potential and accelerate the revenue cycle. Other grants have been for waste reduction and to train staff members in "lean" manufacturing.

A amount of community organizations also helped kick off IceStone LLC, for example the Brooklyn Economic Advancement Corporation, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. New York Industrial Retention Network and Brooklyn Navy Yard. "These people young and old essentially did want us to be excellent," states Magagnini. "They served us locate resources of grant funding, renegotiate the lease for our facility, and guidance us locate fine staff. It normally requires a lot of people today to get you started in a new company."

SOCIAL Venture BACKGROUNDS

Prior to IceStone LLC, Strugatz was president of Strugatz Ventures, a private equity purchase company that money different transportation, healthy and natural foods enterprises, purchaser items and schooling. The enterprise fund invested in many suppliers among them Stonyfield Farm Yogurt, Hypercar, Wild Planet Toys, Zipcar and Utah Ventures. Strugatz is a former board member of the Social Enterprise Network and the ALS Association. He is an advisory board member of Underdog Ventures, a enterprise money fund that hyperlinks investors with socially responsible corporations, and Verite, a nonprofit corporation that identifies worker exploitation or wellbeing and security violations in the workplace, and develops packages to correct them.

Magagnini is a native of Brooklyn, exactly where she lives with her husband and two youngsters. She is the former chair and a present board member of Verité. She has considerably more than 25 decades of sales and profits, advertising and corporation turnaround practical knowledge. In the course of the 1980s, Magagnini helped develop sales and profits of HäagenDazs Ice Cream and Soho Pure Soda, which led to the acquisition of Häagen-Dazs by the Pillsbury Company and Soho by Seagrams. Considering that then, she has directly invested in a selection of providers like Stonyfield Farm Yogurt and Lipton Corporate Childcare. Strugatz and Magagnini serve as co-CEOs of Ice Stone LLC, and are equivalent partners in the service.

Product or service Specifics, FABRICATION

IceStone® surfaces are a combination of 75 % recycled glass, 17 to 18 % white Portland cement, pigment and proprietary elements. IceStone surfaces are marketed as a sustainable option to mined purely natural stone such as granite and marble, and engineered stone manufactured from quartz and polyester resin. The company's blog, www.icestone.com, states that 85 percent of mined all natural stone is imported from other countries, necessitates substantial quantities of fossil fuel to transport to the U.S., and is typically mined below hazardous functioning problems.

The recycled glass used in IceStone is previously presorted in accordance to shade and size. "The glass has to be tremendously thoroughly clean in buy to adhere strongly and tightly to the cement," says Magagnini. "If there are bits of debris in the glass, we reject it." The business enterprise pays ten instances greater for its glass than glass tile companies who can shop for damaged glass with dirt in it. "They can place it in a glass furnace and melt away off the dirt," she explains. The clean glass essential is not available in New York State, and is sourced from crushing and sorting facilities elsewhere. "More than time, we would like all of the glass to arrive from New York," she adds. At most, 25 % of glass in the United States is recycled, she says, in comparison to ninety to 95 % in Europe. "We're in the dinosaur days the following." The business enterprise bought 385 tons of postconsumer and postindustrial recycled glass in 2004, 750 tons in 2005, and expects to choose 2,000 tons in 2006.

IceStone is produced by an emission-totally free and chemical-absolutely free technique. The glass is very first combined with cement and poured into molds. The molds are then vibrated and place into curing chambers to raise the strength of the slabs and lessen their porosity. When the slabs are cured, they are popped out of the molds and polished on a great Italian stone-polishing device. The finished slabs are 52.five-inches wide by 96-inches lengthy by one and a person-quarter inches thick and weigh 500 kilos. They are polished to a superior gloss previously getting shipped out of the factory. Stone fabricators cut the slabs to the desired sizes working with traditional stone cutting gear and edge, seal and set up the solution for the consumer. The fabricators can also customize the complete of the solution by sandblasting or honing the surface area.

IceStone surfaces come in 24 typical hues together with neutrals, earth tones, pastels and vibrant colors these types of as green, blue, yellow and orange. Ice Stone LLC also results in custom shades for massive business installations, like as the colours (light green tea pearl and cayenne pearl) for the hundreds of tabletops becoming put in in new Starbucks retail suppliers. "We can make Ice Stone surfaces in more or less any coloration by adding pigment to the background combine and then choosing from a wide variety of sizes and hues of glass," states Magagnini.

Writer: Tucker, Molly Farrell