ICPA

Care and Maintenance Tips

Beautiful Cast Polymer Products for a Lifetime

More and more consumers are choosing cast polymer products to beautify the kitchen, bath, and almost every part of their home. Products such as counter tops, lavatories, vanities, shower bases, bathtubs, enclosure sets, fireplace surrounds, window sills, wall panels, floor tiles, whirlpool baths and molding accents come alive with the custom colors, shapes, textures and designs of cast polymer products.

Cast polymer products are man-made, chemically-bonded, mineral-filled, polymeric materials which are molded and hardened to a solid material in a variety of shapes to meet the design needs of today’s homeowner. Cast polymer products are commonly known as cultured marble, cultured onyx, cultured granite and solid surface.

Cultured marble, granite and onyx products are usually manufactured with a high-gloss coating, called a “gel coat”, applied during the manufacturing process, which becomes an integral part of the product. Solid surface products are manufactured in a vacuum system with high performance resin systems such as acrylic and unsaturated polyester. With no surface coat and no internal air voids, solid surface can be easily restored when slight surface scratches appear.

How can owners keep the “good as new” look of these products for a lifetime of beauty and service? Just follow these tips:

For cultured marble, granite or onyx:

  • Use liquid detergent for regular cleaning to remove mineral deposits and soap scum. Restore dull surfaces by using liquid cleaning compound (such as is used for cars), followed by a light application of liquid wax or paste. Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, scouring pads, scrapers, or sandpaper on any part of the surfaces.
  • To remove built up hair spray, paint, tar, and difficult stains from the surface, use turpentine, denatured alcohol, or paint thinner. Be careful not to use turpentine or paint thinner on the hydrojets in a spa or plated components- damage to the plastic coatings may result.
  • To remove plaster or construction residue, scrape the surface slightly with a wooden edge and wash with liquid detergent. Never use wire brushes or metal tools on any part of the cultured marble surfaces.
  • If the stain is from hard water or mineral deposits, try using a cleaner for removing iron, calcium, or other such mineral deposits that are in your water supply. Most cleaning chemicals will not damage the gelcoat as long as label instructions are followed.

For solid surface products:

  • Regular cleaning is easy using a non-abrasive cleaner and a damp cloth or sponge. If the product has a factory matte finish, then abrasive cleaners may be used. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Prompt clean up of spills will minimize even stubborn stains such as food dye, tea, fruit drinks, and some juices. For stubborn stains on polished surfaces, use full strength bleach for two to five minutes followed by a general cleaner, then flushed with water. On a matte finish, follow the same procedure or use a bleaching abrasive cleaner.
  • Cigarette burns on the surface are usually a nicotine stain or scorch that can be easily removed by cleaning with an abrasive cleaner or buffing with a plastic (not metal), abrasive household sponge.
  • Never set hot pans directly on a solid surface. Use a trivet or potholder to protect the top. Using your countertop for a cutting board will result in unnecessary damage that may require professional repair.
  • Repairing superficial scratches is a breeze on solid surface products. Sand lightly with 350 grit sandpaper or buff with a plastic (not metal) household sponge. Deep scratches or chips should always be removed professionally.

Today’s cast polymer products are made with top-notch raw materials and superior quality control standards. The result permits a total kitchen and bath concept with products that last longer, look better – yet still allow freedom of color and design-versatility at an affordable price.

What are Cultured Marble, Cultured Granite and Cultured Onyx?

Cultured Marble, Cultured Granite and Cultured Onyx, as their names imply, have the look of genuine marble, granite or onyx. Cultured marble, granite and onyx products are usually manufactured with a high-gloss coating, called a “gel coat”, applied during the manufacturing process, which becomes an integral part of the cultured marble, granite or onyx product. Colorants may be added to the polymer/filler matrix in a manner which provides a “veining” which mimics the appearance of natural products. The polymer casting process yields a rock hard, durable product which takes on the look and feel of the natural product.

Cultured marble, granite and onyx products easily meet nationally-recognized standards to resist water, heat, stains, burns, chemicals and everyday wear and tear.

Cultured Marble Association of the South (CMAS)

States

Alabama
Arkansas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Tennessee

Upcoming Meetings

ICPA Multi-Regional Conference
GSCMA, CMAS and MACMA
March 13-15, 2008
Aztec Kitchen & Bath
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Officers

 

President
George Roberts, CCT-CP
Barto Marble
7021 Airline Drive
Metairie LA 70003-5901
Vice President
Mike Feltus
Marble Products
9410 Marbella Cove
Cordova, TN 38018

Treasurer
Donna Weaver
Builders Marble, Inc.
121 Riley Drive
Jackson, MS 39209

Secretary
David Gerald
Interplastic Corp.
19615 Atasca Oaks Drive
Humble, TX 77346
P: (cell) 281-687-1923

Newsletter Editor
Jim Leblanc
Barto Marble
25103 Spring Ash Lane
Katy, TX 77494

CMAS Directors on the ICPA Board of Advisors
Travis Johnson
Richard Higgins

NATIONAL MARBLE PRODUCTS

NATIONAL MARBLE PRODUCTS was formed in 1984 to supply Murry Chris Craft and Hatteras Yachts with cast marble products for their very large, luxury yachts.

Since then, NMP has evolved into a full range supplier of cast marble and solid surface products for custom kitchen and bath applications. Our products exceed quality requirements established by ANSI 124.3 standards, and we have been certified by the National Association of Home Builders.

Lotus is our proprietary solid surface product. It has the physical properties necessary to fabricate very high quality counters, sinks and lavs. LOTUS exceeds current ICPA quality requirements and has been proven to match or exceed competitive materials in terms of price and value.

The ICPA Pinnacle Award recognizes excellence for cast marble installations. It is a national competition sponsored by Reichold Chemical and ICPA. National Marble Products won this award for best installation in 1996.

Alantra

Headquartered in the heart of Illinois Amish Country, we at Alantra embrace the long-standing values of uncompromising quality and superb workmanship introduced by early German settlers.
Indent_clr.GIF (49 bytes)We capitalized on that tradition of excellence when we developed Alantra, a solid surface material with the look of stone. We conscientiously apply those same standards — exacting skill, precision detailing, innovative design, and specialized craftsmanship — into each item we produce.
Indent_clr.GIF (49 bytes)This attention to detail has given us an impeccable reputation among dealers and designers throughout the Midwest. We work with our dealers to ensure every installation meets our highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Indent_clr.GIF (49 bytes)While Alantra is ideal for residential kitchens and bathrooms, it also serves a full range of commercial uses, such as hospitals, offices, banks, and restaurants.
Indent_clr.GIF (49 bytes)Alantra is much more than just beautiful — it’s also tough! Unlike ordinary laminate, plastic, or wood products, Alantra was created to withstand the wear and tear of daily life, even in bustling commercial applications, for years to come. Heat, scratch, and stain resistant, its beauty is simple to maintain. Even cuts, scratches and burns can be removed, restoring Alantra’s original beauty.
Indent_clr.GIF (49 bytes)In fact, so confident are we in our product that we extend a full 10-year warranty against manufacturer defects with every installation.
Indent_clr.GIF (49 bytes)Before you solidify your plan and choose your color scheme, first look through our current variety of standard colors. We continually expand our line to accommodate the latest fashion trends, so Alantra is always available in an ever-increasing array of solid and “granite” standard colors.
Indent_clr.GIF (49 bytes)But if you’ve already planned your scheme, and there is that special hue you simply must have, and standard colors just don’t come close enough, we can create a custom color just for you!
Indent_clr.GIF (49 bytes)Hundreds of standard surface applications and colors are available at our plant. We can fulfill unusual requests by creating to exact specifications virtually any size and shape that architects, builders, designers, or remodelers conceive.
Indent_clr.GIF (49 bytes)Our craftsmen then custom install each unit according to our precise criterion, taking pride in efficient, on-time completion.
Indent_clr.GIF (49 bytes)Custom manufacturing and installation from one central location in Arthur, IL, ensures a full range of services with cost-saving efficiency, highest professionalism standards, and a superior product at an extraordinary price.

OUR VISION
Alantra’s vision is to be the premier manufacturer of high quality, thoroughly proven solid surface material and products while leading the way in innovation for solid surface applications.

MISSION STATEMENT
Alantra will meet or exceed our customer’s expectations as a world class full line manufacturer of high quality, solid surface material by offering the most innovative and competitive product available; by delivering that product on a timely basis and defect-free; and by creating an atmosphere of openness and trust between ourselves, our customers, and our suppliers until they become our true partners.

Elegant Marble Products

Providing custom cultured marble, onyx and granite vanity tops, tub and shower walls, table tops, and window sills, at competitive prices, with personal and responsive service to the Central Pennsylvania area since 1984.

Elegant Marble Products distributes to discriminating plumbing supply houses, kitchen and cabinet companies, plumbers and builders, quality products, certified by the NAHB Laboratory to meet all ANSI Z-124.3 standards. Looking for custom colors? We will be happy to color coordinate to almost anything you request. Elegant Marble Products also color coordinates to all Kohler, American Standard, Eljer, and Universal colors.