Cabinet Hardware-What Finishes are Available?

Many styles and finishes for cabinet hardware are available. Each variety is designed to accompany popular styles while maintaining a beautiful look over time. Some of the most popular finishes today will be discussed here.

Some finishes are more commonly used today on cabinet hardware than others. Satin or brushed nickel is one finish known by two names. In modern kitchens, it is popular finish because it mimics steel. Since modern is one of the most common styles right now, this finish used quite often. While it is not too different from stainless steel, it offers more variety of styles because the finish can be achieved on variety of metals. In fact, the most common metals given this finish are brass and zinc. Oil-rubbed bronze is another finish which is implemented mostly on brass or zinc. This finish is used to apply an Old World look or something more contemporary modern. Some of the variations of oil-rubbed bronze seem to have an amber or copper undertone. Others appear dark brown or nearly black.

Polished finishes are used to create a different feel. Polished brass was once, a decade or so ago, one of the most popular finishes. Zinc polished brass is kept from tarnishing by having a lacquer sealant applied to it. Applications include bathroom accessories, faucets, cabinet hardware and door hinges. Polished chrome is used to create an Art Deco appearance. This finish has a silver-polished mirror finish lasts a long time because it hardly ever tarnishes. With this finish, like all polished mirror finishes, finger prints will show easily. Wiping them off is simple, however, and easily returns the metal to looking new.

Antique finishes give cabinet hardware a traditional look. Antiquing brass is quite a process. The hardware is coated black and then brushed, creating the appearance of aged, antique brass. Without a lacquer, the product would tarnish, so after being brushed, a lacquer is applied and then the product is baked. Antique copper is another popular finish. Finishes like antique copper are making it possible to have contemporary designs completed with a traditional finish. It is another finish that is commonly applied to brass or zinc. To create this look, the cabinet hardware is dipped in a copper flash, plated black, and brushed to create the antique look. While countless other styles are popular and available today on cabinet hardware, these options provide a good starting point to look at.

What grout to use with Glass Tiles?

We have been getting a lot of phone calls as to what type of grout you need to use with glass tile. There are 2 different types of cement grout, sanded and unsanded. Which, by their name is self explanatory. Sanded grout has actual sand grains in them which will SCRATCH your glass tile surface. Not saying that it would be totally visible, but when the sunlight or undercounter light shines on the glass tile it will be noticeable. The next type of cement grout is unsanded, which by its name has no sand particles in it and will not scratch the glass tiles.

Also, the specialty grouts like Star Quartz, Trucolor by Bostik, and Laticrete Spectralock PRO are all perfectly OK to use with Glass Tiles. At this point it becomes a cost question, but the benefits of the specialty grouts outway the costs of traditional cement grouts.

New MetalStone Mosaic

We are pleased to introduce a new series from BMKA Stone which is a Stone and metal Mosiac. This mosaic is compromised of both polished and tumble marble and a brushed aluminim tile. It is the latest edition to BMKA Stone line which is absolutley beautiful!

Paper faced Glass Tiles

There have been a lot of questions about paper faced glass tiles. Most glass tile manufacturers that make a transparent glass will build the mosaic on what is called a paper faced kraft paper. When glass became popular about 4-5 years ago the mesh backing is what was used. Mesh backing was fine for the ceramic or stone mosaics, but when applied to the glass tiles and then installed, you still could see the mesh backing through the tile.

Now, like I mentioned a lot of glass tile companies use the kraft paper faced product which is applied to the FRONT of the glass tile. You would install the mosaic with the kraft paper out (facing you) and once the thinset has dried you take a wet sponge and wet the kraft paper.

When you are wetting the paper, it does not have to be soaked, just take the wet sponge and cover the kraft paper with the water and let it set for a few minutes. If the paper seems to dry out, keep getting it wet. Once the glue is deactivated it will peel off with ease. If it is not peeling off with ease, then the paper is not wet enough.

If there are any quetions please feel free to email me.

Choose the Right Kitchen Backsplash

When designing and selecting materials for your new kitchen backsplash, consider functionality along with beauty. Maintenance is a turnoff for many homeowners. Once installed, they want it to take care of themselves. Materials such as ceramic or porcelain tile, stainless steel, glass and stone can be crafted into beautiful backsplashes that require little or no maintenance. Altering how an older backsplash appears or designing one from scratch serves as a quick and efficient method of brightening up your kitchen without extensive work.

When selecting a kitchen backsplash, it is important to consider the kinds of fixtures, not appliances, you have in your kitchen. Since the appliances will be replaced over time, they are less essential to bear in mind. The fixtures, being more permanent items in the kitchen, are important to remember. A tile or tint of glass may match a paint color in the room, but if it clashes with the finish on a light or cabinet door fixture, the work will not look professionally done.

A desirable aspect concerning the use of tile as a backsplash is the large selection of colors, sizes, shapes and textures that are available. You could even request a custom painted tile job to match any design theme you have or want in your kitchen. Also, tile is easy to install and clean. Multiple experts of design suggest that if you have a tiled floor then you should choose the same tile for your kitchen backsplash in a smaller size. This simplifies things if you have trouble making design decisions. Similarly, if you have a natural stone countertop, continuing the counter up the wall makes a simple, consistent backsplash in your kitchen. Stone does require occasional resealing, but the small amount of maintenance is made up for in the beauty of stone. For country kitchen styles, metal backsplashes work very well. Fixtures in the room should be noted when selecting appropriate metal tiles so they do not clash with one another.

Trendy choices are available, as well. Stainless steel backsplashes create a modern, sleek look in your kitchen. This might be one case where considering the appliances could be important. Stainless steel refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers are common and in style. Stainless steel backsplashes act to compliment these appliances. One fresh design trend used everywhere these days, including kitchen backsplashes, is glass. It is often a good decision to install glass tiles to extend all the way up to the cabinets from the counters. Glass is easy to maintain and is scratch resistant. With the numerous choices on the market, you should find no limitations in selecting just the right material and style for your kitchen.