My daughter's high school has an auction every fall to help raise money for the school. Part of the auction is a raffle for a new home. It is a major event to put it mildly. The items that are auctioned are often donated, but some are made by volunteers, like my lovely wife Kathy.

This year Kathy and another woman ran the craft part of the auction. They made all sorts of items like birdhouses that looked like Santa Claus, special holiday aprons and other things that had stencil patterns on them. After several projects, Kathy got really good at the stencil part. It was amazing to watch her use these stubby stencil paint brushes and the small bottles of squeeze paint.

Perhaps the most interesting thing was watching the transformation. In the early stages, as the first colors are being applied, the pattern looks ho-hum. But once you stand back and add the highlight colors, it looks awesome!

Different Types of Stencils

Craft stencils can be simple or complex. If you visit a craft store that sells stencils, you will see this fairly quickly. The simplest stencils are one part and are just a cutout of the shape of the object. Examples of these are sea shells, rabbits, carrots, fruit, flowers, etc.

The more complex stencils create a realistic look or often a 3-D appearance. For example, our neighbor has a multiple overlay stencil of flowers on her kitchen wall. Different flowers overlap and block the colors of flowers farther back in the pattern - just like in a real garden.

You can get ivy overlay stencils that have the ivy wrapping around a trellis. The overlay stencils are easy to work with and create very nice patterns. They simply take a little more time to work with as you need to let the paint dry from overlay #1 before you proceed to overlay #2. An impatient artist or crafter can create smears!

Shading

When you start to practice stenciling, you will probably make the mistake I made. I put on too much paint. By applying paint in different quantities on different parts of the stencil, you actually create shadowing just like in a real scene or photo. Think of it, there are always light and dark areas on a painting or photo. You do the same thing by dabbing paint on a little lighter or heavier depending upon where you are in the pattern.

Most of the stencil guides come with instructions that give you some hints. The trick is to load just a little paint on the stencil brushes and tap the brush lightly and rapidly onto the surface that is being stenciled. You don't paint back and forth like you do woodwork. You tap the brush straight down onto the wood or paper. It is really easy once you get the hang of it.

Endless Possibilities

If you are going to stencil your countertops, I want you to practice first. Visit a local kitchen or bath shop and find out where they buy their plastic laminate tops. You can also look in the Yellow Pages under "Countertops - Fabricators". You want to visit the fabricator and ask for some sink cutouts or other scrap pieces. Practice your painting and stenciling techniques on numerous pieces of scrap before you tackle the actual countertop.

Continue the Design

Do you really want your kitchen or bathroom to look custom? Consider extending the stencil pattern up a wall or onto the backsplash between the countertop and wall cabinets. If the walls are painted and you don't like the look, simply cover up the stencil attempt with a fresh coat of paint. These types of bold decorating ideas are what separate the humdrum kitchens from those that make it into the magazines!

Protecting the Artwork

No matter what you end up stenciling, you need to protect it so it is easy to clean. Clear urethanes work best. If you have stenciled a wall, then use satin urethane. Countertops require high gloss urethane. Multiple coats protect your investment of time and effort. Put a minimum of 3 coats on countertops and 2 on walls.

Stencil Sources

Probably the first place to look for some stencils is at your local craft store. There are two national chains located in my town. They are Michael's and Franks. Both have a good selection of simple stencils and overlay stencils.

I would also consider going on the Web. I went to one Search Engine and found several stencil companies that have a wide assortment of simple and overlay stencils. One of the companies - Priscille's Stencils - had a very cool construction equipment stencil for a young boy's room!

Simply spend some time on the Web and you will undoubtedly find 10 to 15 stencil companies.

Other Stencil Companies

Here is a list of stencil companies that I was able to gather with my wife's help. All of these companies make stencils that are very cool. Many of the stencils also tell you right on the package what colors to use to duplicate the pattern that you actually see. There is virtually no guess work. You simply need to practice yourself.

• Stencil Ease
  This company makes a swell collection of overlay stencils.

• Provo Craft
  They have lots of animal and vegetable stencils.
• Delta Technical Coatings
  These guys have a huge selection of stencils. You will not be disappointed with this company.
• Plaid Enterprises, Inc.
  They make some fine overlay stencils!

Here is a listing of plastic laminate manufacturers you can call for their company information.

Plastic Laminate Manufacturers

• Arborite
• Advanced Technology Incorporated
• Coveright
• Formica Corporation
• Nevamar Decorative Surfaces
• Panolam Industries
• Wilsonart International Inc.
  

Laminate Associations

• Laminating Materials Association
• Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association

A Strange Beginning

Plastic laminate was born in an entirely different industry. With the growth of the electronic industry in the early 1900's, engineers needed an insulating material to mount electrical components.This material needed to be rigid, non-conductive, easy to work, etc. Somehow, somebody soaked some paper in a melamine resin. After heating, the paper became hard. BINGO! Plastic laminate was born. The engineers used this material to make circuit boards and other insulators.

This process was invented by a company called Micarta. Evidently, someone in management had a bright idea one day. They thought, "Why not use a decorative paper as the top layer?" Yes, you guessed it! Plastic laminate for the home was on its way.

Well, the top brass at Micarta, so I'm told, didn't want to get into this market. They wanted to make electronic equipment. Several of the managers decided to leave and start their own company.

They were sitting around trying to come up with a name and not having much luck. The story goes that one of them said, "Well, we are now former employees of Micarta. What are we going to do?" It was that easy! Believe it or not, this is a true story.

Laminate, What is it?

In a nutshell, plastic laminate is simply multiple layers of thin paper which is soaked in a melamine resin. These impregnated layers of paper are subject to high pressure and temperature which hardens the paper and resin.

The colors, patterns, etc. that you see are just the top layer of decorative paper. Beneath the decorative paper layer lie sheets of brown kraft paper. These layers of kraft paper impart resilience or resistance to impact. The more layers of kraft paper, the better the laminate can withstand impact.

That Brown Line

Probably the biggest complaint concerning plastic laminate is the telltale brown line one often sees at the edge of the laminate. This brown line is simply the layers of kraft paper.

Manufacturers responded some time ago and produced laminate that was merely layer upon layer of decorative paper. This produced a solid color throughout the laminate. However, the cost of this laminate was extremely high. In fact, in some marketplaces, the cost was nearly the same as the solid surface countertops.

Selection Extravaganza

The competition in the plastic laminate market is fierce. This competition is healthy. Two by-products of this competition are low prices and incredible selection. One major manufacturer has over 200 different types of laminate to choose from.

Solid colors, imitation stone finishes, wood grains both natural and frosted, imitation marble, and numerous patterns make for a tough time when trying to select a laminate for a countertop or cabinet face.

Decorative Moldings

If you haven't visited a kitchen cabinet showroom lately, you're in for a surprise. Remember those rolled, rounded bullnose countertop edges? Those are history! Now there are new distinctive decorative edge moldings that incorporate different color and textured laminates or actual wood to finish the edges of countertops.

These new edge treatments take care of the brown edge problem. The laminate that is used in these edgings is actually mitred so that the kraft paper is hidden. The added benefit is the ability to mix and match different laminates within these edge treatments. You can create accent stripes within the countertop.

What's more, there are at least nine different edge treatment styles you can choose from. Some are rounded, while others are square or beveled. Some will accept accent strips of a different laminate or other material.

Solid wood moldings are also available which are specifically made for the countertops. Often the manufacturers will offer these in different species to compliment their entire line of laminates.

Good, but...

Plastic laminate is a great material but it is by no means indestructible. The plastic coating which acts as the top layer can be damaged. Hot pots and pans can scorch the material. Cigarettes will easily burn a plastic laminate top. Abrasive cleaners will scratch these materials.

Certain foods, liquids (grape juice, red wine, etc.) can and will stain plastic laminate. Although the clear top layer of laminate looks impervious, it is not in many cases.

Plastic laminate is hard, but not hard enough to use as a cutting surface. A sharp knife will easily scratch plastic laminate. Don't be tempted to use it as a cutting board.

Different Thicknesses

Plastic laminate is usually available in three different thicknesses: general purpose, vertical surface and post forming.

The general purpose laminate is what most of us are familiar with. This product is the thickest laminate measuring out at .050 inches! Yes, that is pretty thin. That's nothing, the vertical grade material is usually only half as thick as that.

The only difference between the two is the amount of brown kraft paper beneath the decorative paper. The general purpose material, because of this added paper, can absorb more shock. As such, it tends to resist chipping.

The vertical grade material is used on cabinet fronts, display cases or any other vertical surface that receives little contact with objects.

The post forming laminate is very flexible. It is used where laminate is applied to curved or rolled substrates.

Soaps

Most cleaning solutions, or soaps, are alkaline. Alkaline substances can etch the plastic top layer of plastic laminate, depending upon how strong they are and how long they are in contact with the laminate.

New laminate countertops can be damaged by residual soap which is not rinsed off a countertop! For example, let's say you inadvertently leave some soap or cleaning solution on a countertop. Then you set a glass or a plate, which is wet, onto the countertop. The moisture on the bottom of the glass and/or plate can reactivate the soap. Hours later you move the glass or plate and see a ring. Try as you may, the ring does not rinse or wipe off. The solution: Always rinse off laminate countertops with clean water after washing.

Difficult Stains

For spots that cannot be removed by a standard mild dishwashing liquid soap, try an all purpose or bathroom cleaner. Be sure that the cleaner is non-abrasive. Abrasive cleaners, like Comet® or Soft Scrub® can easily scratch a plastic laminate surface. If this happens, you will probably be unable to restore the original luster of the laminate.

When using these stronger cleaners, work in small areas. Use good lighting. Monitor the laminate to make sure the cleaner is not etching the surface.

Damaging Household Products!

Certain common household products can really damage or discolor laminate countertops. Common drain cleaners that contain lye will scar plastic laminate. Dyes will discolor and stain plastic laminate. For example, don't use hair, clothing, or food dyes on or near plastic laminate. You may be in for an unpleasant surprise!

Oven cleaners have strong alkaline chemicals in them. Overspray or cleaner which has dripped down the side of a can can scar and etch your new countertop.

Rust removers will cause irreversible damage to your plastic laminate. Keep them away from your countertops! Rust itself will stain your countertop. As such, if you use steel wool for cleaning, don't set it down to dry on your plastic laminate.

Toilet bowl cleaners also contain strong alkaline chemicals. Keep these off your laminate.

Certain foods and liquids are alkaline and acidic: grape juice, citrus drinks (OJ, grapefruit juice,etc.), tomatoes, etc. Be careful - prolonged exposure to these things may stain your new countertop.

Recommended Household Cleaners for most plastic laminates (Be sure to check with your manufacturer!)

All of the following are Trademark or Registered Names

• Clorox
• Formula 409
• Ajax
• Dawn
• Dow Bathroom Cleaner with Scrubbing Bubbles
• Fantastik
• Favor
• Pledge
• Windex
• Lestoil
• Glass Plus
• Grease Relief
• Lysol Brand Disinfectant Basin/Tub/Tile cleaner
• Mr. Clean
• TOP JOB

Solid Surface Countertop Materials

The plastics industry flourished in the 1960's and 70's. It is still a growth industry today. There have been significant advancements in plastics technology which allow plastics to replace more conventional materials.

Certain plastics are extremely durable and have exceptional hardness. These plastics have found their way into the kitchen countertop market within the past twenty years.

Products which are technologically advanced often are very expensive when first introduced into the marketplace. Solid surface countertops were by no means an exception. These materials were very expensive 10 to 15 years ago.

Today, solid surface materials are still somewhat expensive, however, the price continues to drop each year. Even at current price levels, they are a tremendous value. These materials offer many advantages over other countertop materials.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local contractors who can install a new Solid Surface Countertop in your home.

Many solid surface countertops that are currently available are, for the most part, primarily plastic. There are other solid surface materials, such as cultured marble, granite, slate, marble, concrete, etc., however, these materials don't perform like the plastic compounds.

The plastic compounds have superior stain resistance. Many of them have tremendous impact resistance (it's tough to crack them.) Some of them can be seamed together into one solid piece using special compounds. Manyof them can be repaired easily. Certain plastic solid surfacing materials can be bent into curves.

The overall performance characteristics of the solid surface countertop materials made from plastics depend upon the type of plastic from which the countertop is made. There are differences in the chemical makeup of the different plastics. Some of the countertops contain acrylic plastics in varying quantities. While other countertops are a blend of polyester plastic and acrylics.

The 1990 Modern Plastics Encyclopedia states that "Acrylic is selected for many applications because of a unique combination of properties... good surface hardness... exceptional weatherability... chemical and environmental resistance... and excellent mechanical stability..." Based upon this information, one might assume that those materials which have the highest acrylic content quite possibly will outperform the other materials.

My experience with these countertop materials has been extremely favorable. They are very beautiful and easy to care for. Because they are solid, colors and patterns are uniform. Scratches and minor burns can be sanded out.

Virtually any edge treatment is possible, as these materials work just like wood. You can cut any shape you like on the edge. When installed by professionals, it is virtually impossible to determine the location of seams. These characteristics are simply not available in any other countertop material that I am aware of.

Many of my past remodeling jobs included solid surfacing materials. Each and every customer of mine was pleased with the material. Not one customer has ever regretted installing the solid surfacing materials. I suggest that you give them serious consideration as the material for your next kitchen or bath countertop.

Care & Maintenance of Solid Surface Materials

Many of these solid surface materials are unharmed by virtually any liquid you would normally have around your house. However, to be on the safe side, always clean up spills promptly.

These materials clean up with ordinary soap and water very quickly. They never need to be sealed. Do NOT place hot items (pots, pans, pizza pans, cookie sheets, etc.) directly on these tops! Many of them can be permanently discolored and damaged by excessive concentrated heat! Always place hot objects on trivets.

If you've suffered damage to your Solid Surface Countertop CLICK THE IMAGE to get an all inclusive kit to repair the damage.

Minor scratches and burns can often be buffed out using readily available abrasive cleansers, very fine sandpaper, or a 3M Scotch Brite pad. However, do not attempt to buff scratches or gouges unless you receive specific instructions from a local distributor. Each solid surface material has its own distinct method of repairing scratches, burns, gouges, etc.

Most of the solid surface manufacturers provide a very nifty maintenance and repair kit on new installations. If you do not have one, determine who made your countertop and see about getting one.

Check out the manufacturers' web sites for excellent care and maintenance information. As you can imagine, they want the countertops to look brand new at all times. What better selling tool, than your satisfaction! Should you purchase one of these materials, I hope you are as satisfied as my past customers

Solid Surface Countertop Manufacturers

• Aristech Acrylics
  Acrystone Solid Surface.
• Corian
  Corian is a solid, nonporous material which contains a unique blend of natural minerals and 100 percent high-performance acrylic.
• Avonite
  Avonite is a nonporous homogeneous blend of polyester/acrylic alloys and fillers.
• Formica Solid Surfacing
  Solid Surfacing is a fully densified composite material of modified resin and mineral filler.
• Cerata - Hartson Kennedy
  Cerata is an isophthalic/neopentyglycol resin with acrylic modifiers, ATH fillers, pigments, matrix chips and catalysts.
• Florenata
  Non-porous, seamless countertops.
• Wilsonart Gibraltar
  Gibraltar is a homogeneous blend of polyester and acrylic resins, fire-retardant fillers and proprietary coloring agents.
• Swanstone
  Swanstone is a homogeneous, nonporous reinforced, modified acrylic filled with natural minerals.
• Centura
  Centura is a polymerized mixture of polyester resin and hydrated Alumina.
• LG HI-MACS Volcanics
  Acrylic solid surfaces.
• Lippert Corp.
  Solid surface countertops and sinks.
• Meganite
  Non-porous, homogeneous solid surface countertops.
• Samsung
  Staron 100% acrylic solid surface countertops.
• Askilan
  Askilan is a fiber reinforced, temperature resistant composite material, like those developed and used for aircraft and space applications. 

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local contractors who can install a new Solid Surface Countertop in your home.

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