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MICALLINE IS NOW AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OF INVISACOOK. Invisacook is a revolutionary product that allows you to cook directly on your countertops. With Invisacook, invisible induction burners are placed underneath your countertop surface and only get hot when they are turned on. This allows for extra countertop space when they are not in use. With just a simple switch you can transform your counter space into your stovetop. Invisacook allows for a seamless countertop in your kitchen giving a sleek look and providing more space for your family. Invisacook is available for the following non-resin surfaces: Granite Marble Quartzite Kornerstone Porcelain Invisacook is not recommended for Quartz, Cultured Marble, or other solid surfaces. Control your stovetop from your phone. With Invisacook, you can connect to your stovetop through bluetooth on your smartphone. You can start one of the burners, ensure that they are shut off, or start heating before you are going to cook. This extra sense of security is another aspect that makes Invisacook stand out. From any room in the house, you can make sure your family is safe and aware of whether your cooktop is on or off. Visit the Invisacook website at https://invisacook.com/ or stop by our showroom to learn more about how you can integrate Invisacook and the seamless multi use counter space into your kitchen!

Micalline has launched kornerstone, the most durable and stylish manufactured surface on the market. Made by melting stone minerals in a way that is a biomimicry of volcanic rock formations, kornerstone is a strong surface with tons of unique features. Durability Kornerstone is our most durable manufactured surface. Being that it is high density, it is stronger than any other stone surfaces. It is non-porous, heat and abrasion resistant. Kornerstone is also resistant to acid and water and keeps away mold and mildew. It can withstand almost anything it will come in contact within your home and will stay strong for years and years. The surface is made from sustainable materials that are easy to clean without using harsh chemicals and can simply be cleaned with soap and water. Below we have included our Kornerstone stain test video showing how easy it is to rinse away any type of stain that may get on your surface.   One of Kornerstone’s most special features is the abrasion resistant capabilities it holds. In the video below we demonstrated the difference between scratching a key on other stone surfaces versus our Kornerstone and the results prove how durable this surface is. See how Kornerstone lines up among other stone surface products in the chart below. AESTHETIC Our Kornerstone slabs are crafted to meet the modern aesthetic needs that consumers are raving about in the home market currently. Our most popular slab offers a white base with grey veining that mimics the look of a luxurious marbles. Kornerstone is available in a variety of colors as well as different thicknesses and has customizable edges including an artisan option. USAGE Kornerstone can be used in any room of your home. It is perfect for kitchen and bathroom countertops, backsplashes, shower walls, flooring and more! Below are some customer images for inspiration of how you can use Kornerstone in your next improvement. If you believe Kornerstone would be perfect for your project give us a call or visit our showroom to learn more!

Kitchen countertops are judged on several aspects including visual appeal, cost, resistance to spots, effects, and scratches, and their ability to tolerate the heat from hot pots and pans without ruining the surface area. Some products meet all these requirements, while others fail classifications, consisting of heat endurance when heat resistant countertops are wanted. Laminate, Solid-Surface, and Engineered Stone Laminate countertops have such low heat resistance that a cup of hot coffee can make them discolor or break. Solid-surface counter leading products, usually made from layers of merged acrylic, are a bit more heat-resistant but are easily harmed by hot pots and pans and will even break when exposed to incredibly cold things. Engineered-stone quartz countertops, which are made from quartz integrated with other stones, differ in heat resistance by the maker. Granite and Other Natural Stones Granite is one of the most heat-tolerant countertop products, mainly since its natural development depends on extremely high temperatures integrated with extremely high pressure. Pans can be drawn from the hottest oven and placed on granite countertops without leaving any marks or stains. Quartz is highly resistant to sweltering but not as resistant to damage as granite. Other natural stones such as marble, slate, and limestone have moderate resistance to heat, so trivets or hot pads are advised for use under pots just removed from stovetops or ovens. Soapstone Countertops Deal Granite Alternative Soapstone countertops are much softer than granite, so they’ll reveal the wear and tear of scratches quicker. But this natural stone alternative has high heat resistance. Stainless Steel, Copper, and Aluminum Countertops made from these metals can endure a great deal of heat, and they’re easy to clean. Although the heat might cause staining, this can typically be buffed out with moderate abrasives or special metal-cleaning options. Metal countertops likewise retain heat more than other types do, so care must be taken to not put cold foods on them while warm, since this might promote the growth of damaging bacteria. Concrete Countertops are Trending Concrete isn’t just for your driveway anymore. Poured-concrete countertops are highly resistant to high temperatures, so hot pots, and pans can be placed on them without any possibility of damage. However, don’t fret about your counters looking like your driveway; concrete countertops are extremely adjustable with various design and color alternatives. Other Countertop Products Tiles made from ceramic or porcelain generally won’t split from heat but might suffer discoloration. Butcher-block countertops are just slightly resistant to hot pans and will show burn marks if extremely hot pots and pans or bakeware is put on them Countertop Material Comparison Countertop Feature Comparison Material Heat Resistance Scratch Resistance Water Resistance Acid Resistance Stain Resistance Key Note Granite High High Medium* Medium High* Classic natural stone; requires sealing. Marble Medium Low Low* Low (Etches easily) Low* Elegant but high-maintenance. Quartzite (Natural) High High Medium* High High* Very hard, good acid resistance; requires sealing. Quartz (Engineered) Medium** High High High High Non-porous, low-maintenance; caution with high heat. Laminate Low Medium Medium Medium Medium Most budget-friendly; vulnerable to heat and water at seams. Solid Surface (e.g., Corian) Medium** Medium High Medium High Seamless installation; scratches can often be repaired. Kornerstone (Micalline) High High High High High Sintered stone, non-porous; requires no sealing. * Note on Sealing: Granite, Marble, and Quartzite are natural stones and require regular sealing (typically annually) to maintain their water and stain resistance. ** Note on Heat: Engineered materials like Quartz and Solid Surface contain resins which can be damaged, discolored, or warped by prolonged, extreme direct heat. Trivets are always recommended.

While performance might be your No. 1 factor in picking a kitchen countertop, you can bump the term down a couple of notches when it concerns picking countertops for your bathroom. Yes, functionality is very important in the loo, too, but restroom surface areas generally do not take the beating that kitchen countertops do (assuming you’re not using the equivalent of serrated bread knives and marble rolling pins in the restroom). This makes you free to think about appearance above all else. That’s great news because bathroom countertops are usually customized, leaving the design and style choices wide open to individual taste. ” You can have a various attitude in the bathroom,” asserts Myron Ferguson, the author of Better Houses, Better Living (House User Press), of countertop style. “Cooking area countertops need to be a whole lot more functional.” Cultured marble, for instance, is charming in the restroom, but it would not be durable enough for a kitchen area. Restroom countertops can make a declaration and still be practical, supplying extra workspace. Choosing a specific material can set the tone of the space. Stainless-steel countertops are low upkeep and look magnificent in a contemporary bath, says Diane Foreman, a designer with the Neil Kelley Business in Portland, Ore. “If it’s of good quality, it gets more beautiful with time,” she adds. Glass can also stand out and modern-day, however it’s a challenge to keep it free of fingerprints, and solid pieces can be pricey. One option is to use glass tiles. Aside from appearance, one should likewise think about price, upkeep, and compatibility when investing in a bathroom countertop. Below are some of the more popular ideas worth investigating. Granite Long-lasting, stain-resistant, and stunning, granite is the Rolls-Royce of counter tops. Once the surface area of choice for high-end bathrooms, granite is getting in appeal for a broad spectrum of home designs. It is the most long lasting and simplest to care for of any of the natural stone products, Diane says. While reasonably costly, it offers a classy appearance that is incomparable. Tip: Tammy Crosby, CEO of www.thehousedesigners.com, suggests comparing prices at regional stone stores. You’ll save much more if you can utilize leftovers from another property owner’s project. Granite tiles are also more inexpensive. Maintenance: Granite countertops need to be sealed every six months to a year. Tidy countertops with warm water and a liquid detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners; they’ll scratch and dull the surface. Little chips and scratches can be polished down. Produced Quartz Produced quartz imitates the look of limestone, granite or marble, but is much more resistant to scratches and discolorations. Comprised of 90 percent quartz particles, this artificial composite can be found in a wide range of colors and thicknesses. In fact, 4 companies– Silestone, Okite, CaesarStone, and DuPont’s Zodiaq– make more than 130 produced quartz countertops. Tip: Quartz is the product to utilize if you’re thinking about a countertop with a specialized edging, Tammy states. Maintenance: Practical for the restroom, quartz is durable, easy to clean and does not require sealing. Tile Tile has constantly been a popular product for restroom countertops, but house owners frequently grumble about the requirement to clean the grout. These days, however, tiles are coming out in much larger sizes, which remove the need for various grout lines, states Sheila Tilander, a designer with Showplace Design and Remodeling in Redmond, Wash. Through-body (unglazed) porcelain tiles are more powerful than granite and about a 3rd of the price. Plus, the myriad types of ceramic and porcelain tiles, including ones that have a metallic look, enable magnificent styles. Tiles also work well with other materials such as glass or concrete. Tip: Utilize a colored grout that does not reveal dirt as easily and which plays off the color of the tile. For a striking contrast, attempt a terra-cotta tile with dark gray grout. Maintenance: Grout lines require routine upkeep and cleansing. The tiles can be quickly cleaned up with any family cleaning agent. Solid-Surface Materials Designed to appear like natural stone, strong surface is among the most popular countertop options available. Understood by its brand such as Corian, Staron, Gilbraltar, and Avonite, this easy-to-maintain artificial product can be molded to fit any style requirements. Suggestion: Use a solid-surface material if you’re concerned about mold or mildew. The nonporous, hypoallergenic surface discourages the growth of these irritants. Upkeep: Being impermeable, it’s simple to clean.

Replacing a scratched, burnt, stained, or just plain unappealing countertops can transform any kitchen area. Gladly, there are lots of choices in a large range of rates. A brand-new laminate countertop can cost just $5 per square foot. Or you might easily spend 10 times that on quartz, granite, or recycled glass. Customer Reports tested more than a dozen popular kinds of countertops to see how well they resisted discolorations, heat damage, cuts, abrasion, and effect and found 7 that made the cut. Here is the information. In our countertop tests, efficiency differed from one product to the next however there was little difference among contending brands of each type, so be sure to shop around for the very best deal on your countertop material of choice. The rates below are per square foot. For the pros and cons of each type, see the numbered entries listed below. Countertop Intelligence 1.Quartz Pros: It mimics the look of stone yet needs less upkeep. Hot pots, serrated knives, abrasive pads, and most spots were no match for quartz, which is a mix of mineral, color, and resin. It comes in dynamic colors in addition to patterns that appear like granite and marble. Cons: Edges and corners can chip, and you’ll need a professional to fix them. Rounded edges help. 2.Granite Pros: Each slab of this natural material is unique; rare colors and veining expense more. Heat, cuts, and scratches didn’t harm granite in our tests. Refined and matte finishes resisted most spots when correctly sealed, so select the appearance you prefer. Cons: Routine resealing is required to fend off spots. Like quartz, edges and corners can chip and needs to be expertly repaired. 3.Soapstone, Limestone, and Marble Pros: Soapstone isn’t as typical as granite, and it’s outstanding at withstanding heat damage. Little scratches can be repaired by sanding finely and using mineral oil. Limestone (imagined) and marble are classic products. Limestone also has a natural-stone appearance without heavy veining or graining, and it withstands heat. Cons: Soapstone nicks, cuts, and scratches easily, and some discolorations are too difficult to be removed. Limestone and marble likewise have those downsides, and heat damaged our marble. 4.Laminate Pros: Low-cost, simple to install, and so much better-looking than you most likely keep in mind, thanks to brand-new printing technology and ornamental edges. Spots and heat didn’t harm the laminates we checked. Cons: Cutting straight on it easily and permanently harms laminate, so use a cutting board. 5.Solid Surfacing Pros: Offered in a variety of colors and patterns, it can be used for the counters, sink, and backsplash, developing a smooth appearance since joints are practically unnoticeable. And like quartz, its color will not differ much from the shop sample. Solid surfacing is resistant to a lot of stains, and little nicks and scratches can be fixed. Cons: It scratches and cuts easily, so a cutting board is a must. 6.Recycled Glass Pros: Big shards offer it an enjoyable, contemporary look; finely ground glass makes it less busy. A lot of glass counters we tested resisted discolorations, cuts, scratches, and heat. Cons: It’s the only product for which we found a distinction amongst brands. Cosentino’s Eco counters were the only ones that established a thin fracture during our heat tests. 7.Butcher Block Pros: It includes heat and is easy to set up and repair, but the finish makes a distinction. Varnish improved stain resistance; however permeating oils diminished it. Cons: Nicks and scratches can easily happen, though they can be sanded out.

Make cultured marble shine again, Micalline invented cultured marble and perfected cultured marble showers, baths, and vanities. With over 50 years of experience in the production and installation of cultured marble and over 20 years of experience in the fabrication and installation of granite, marble, quartz, and other solid surfaces, we are ready to help you realize your dreams. Let’s renew a Scratched Countertop. INTRODUCTION Renew your bathroom vanity. Make a scratched, dull-looking cultured marble top look shiny again with an auto polisher and special cleaners and polish—and save the cost of replacement. TOOLS REQUIRED Buffer/polisher MATERIALS REQUIRED Cultured marble polish Medium-cut cleaner Sandpaper POLISHING CULTURED MARBLE I was disappointed by how quickly my cultured marble countertop lost its shine, so one day I took out my auto polisher and went at it. What a difference. Cultured tops are made of polyester resin with a clear topcoat (called the gel coat). This is the same material that’s used with fiberglass, and it buffs out beautifully. Removing the faucet makes it easier to buff the top. PROJECT STEP-BY-STEP (3) First, wet-sand with 1,000-grit paper (available at auto parts stores) to remove small, shallow scratches and surface stains. Don’t try to remove deep scratches or deep stains. You’ll risk sanding right through the gel coat. Rinse and dry the top. BUFFING Next, buff with Micalline or similar polishing compound (also available at auto parts stores). Cover the walls and floor before buffing. The buffing can be done by hand, but a small power buffer is much easier. PROTECT NEW FINISH Finally, protect the restored finish with a coat of cultured marble polish (available at home centers and bath specialty stores). Follow the label directions. You may think some home repairs are out of your league, but even beginner DIYers can handle many of these fixes—and save a lot of money in the process! Disclosure: This post is brought to you by The Micalline, who aims to highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether a product is featured or recommended. We welcome your feedback. Have something you think we should know about? Contact us, here.

Feb 28 (Reuters – By Deena Beasley) As a new coronavirus spreads quickly around the world, U.S. health officials say they are “aggressively” assessing how long it can survive on surfaces to better understand the risk of transmission. Based on what is known about similar coronaviruses, disease experts say the new outbreak of the virus, named COVID-19, is mainly spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Contact with fecal matter from an infected person may also transmit the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it may be possible for a person to become infected by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. An analysis of 22 earlier studies of similar coronaviruses, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) published online this month in the Journal of Hospital Infection, concluded that human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces for up to nine days at room temperature. However, they can quickly be rendered inactive using common disinfectants, and may also dissipate at higher temperatures, the authors wrote. It is not yet clear, however, whether the new coronavirus behaves in a similar way. “On copper and steel, it’s pretty typical, it’s pretty much about two hours,” CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield told U.S. lawmakers on Thursday, referring to how long the new coronavirus may be active on those types of materials. “But I will say on other surfaces – cardboard or plastic – it’s longer, and so we are looking at this.” The agency said there is likely a very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. A CDC spokeswoman, in an emailed statement, said the agency is still looking into how contagious the virus can be when deposited on more common, everyday surfaces. The Food and Drug Administration this week said it has no evidence that COVID-19 has been transmitted from imported goods, but the situation remains “dynamic” and the agency said it will assess and update guidance as needed. “The important big take-home message is that this is probably a small proportion of the transmission of respiratory viruses,” said Dr. Timothy Brewer, professor of epidemiology and medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. “Out in the community, these viruses are probably not surviving for a long time on surfaces.” Brewer explained that such viruses tend to survive the longest in low-temperature, low-humidity environments, “that is why you see lots of respiratory viruses during the winter.” (Reporting by Deena Beasley Editing by Leslie Adler)