What makes PaperStone® Countertops so earth-friendly?
PaperStone® is a sustainable composite made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and PetroFree™ non-petroleum based phenolic resins. PaperStone® is VOC-free, including formaldehyde, and emits no radon gases, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It has been certified ‘food safe’ by NSF, the public health and safety company making it perfect for Kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. PaperStone® is extremely rigid and dense. It is the greenest composite material available to designers and architects for many applications including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, conference tabletops, signs and plaques, window sills, cutting boards, furniture, restroom partitions, cabinets, indoor and outdoor wall cladding (RainStone™) and more.
PaperStone® is one of the few architectural solid surface material certified by the Smartwood program of the Rainforest Alliance to FSC standards for using 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Accordingly, PaperStone® plays a role in enabling a building project to acquire LEED points toward certification.
What is LEED?
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System© is a voluntary standard for developing environmentally responsible, low emission, high performance, sustainable buildings. It was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council under contract with the U.S. Department of Energy.
How are PaperStone® Countertops made?
Recycled paper is saturated with our proprietary PetroFree™ phenolic resins and selected natural pigments on our treater lines. Resin-saturated sheets are stacked together and moved into a press where they are consolidated under heat and pressure. The number of paper sheets pressed determines the finished panel thickness.
How do PaperStone® Countertops Compare compare with other solid surface materials?
PaperStone® is the greenest sustainable composite material available on the market today. It is priced to compete with other solid surface products, but the ease of workability can equate to savings on installation. Experienced woodworkers with carbide–tipped woodworking tools may even install PaperStone® themselves. PaperStone® comes in natural earth-tone colors that are soft to the touch and offer a warm, distinctive ambience to any room, unlike the cold feeling of granite, marble or other solid surfaces and laminates. PaperStone’s non-porous surface provides a lifetime of stain resistance and the product absorbs virtually no water. Surface cuts or mars may be sanded or rubbed out with a Scotch-Brite™ pad and treated with PaperStone® Finish or other quality hardwood finish products. PaperStone® contains no petroleum-based chemicals such as Polyester, acrylic or bauxite (coal) fillers. PaperStone’s superior strength allows innovative, cantilevered design capability and up to 18” unsupported overhang with 3/4” material. And, unlike some granites, PaperStone® emits no radon gases. It is heat resistant to 350°F and has been certified ‘food safe’ by NSF, the public health and safety company.
What is the composition of PaperStone?
PaperStone is recycled paper impregnated with natural pigments and petroleum free proprietary phenolic resin. PaperStone becomes a composite when individual sheets of paper are saturated and then pressed under heat and extreme pressure. Depending on the color chosen that paper may be made from 100%recycled office paper, 100% recycled cardboard paper or virgin fiber. Due to its warm, neutral and natural look it is often compared to Soapstone or Honed Granite.
What are the differences between the Certified & Original Series?
a. Certified Series – 100% FSC Post Consumer Recycled Paper: Chocolate,
Grass, Gunmetal, Indigo, Plum
b. Original Series – 100% Post Consumer Recycled Cardboard: Cabernet, Denim, Evergreen, Slate.
c. Virgin – Made from Virgin Fiber Paper: Leather
Does PaperStone off-gas?
PaperStone has been thoroughly tested and is certified in having no-detectable formaldehyde by the most demanding test available, the so-called desiccant method test. Once PaperStone cures there is no emitted off-gassing or VOC’s.
What is PaperStone’s fire rating?
Class A: PaperStone is heat resistant to 350º, a trivet or hot pad is recommended.
Are PaperStone countertops scratch resistant?
PaperStone is extremely scratch resistant. However, similar to most countertops, minor surface wear may occur. These scratches are usually light, superficial and can easily be
removed or repaired. Since the individual sheets of paper are saturated with pigment, The color resides through the entire panel.
How do you eliminate scratches on Paperstone Countertops?
Scratches may be reduced or even eliminated depending on the depth of the scratch. Using a Red Scotch Bite™ pad you may lightly buff area of existing scratch. Follow with PaperStone PaperStone Rejuvenator to entire surface.
Do I have to seal my Paperstone countertops?
We recommend an application of PaperStone finish or similar product. A 12 0z bottle of finish will cover 120-150 sf. It is easy to use: simply apply with a cloth, let stand for a minimum of 20 minutes and then wipe off the excess with a soft clean cloth. For best results allow finish to cure for 12 hours so sealer can harden. Reapply a thin coat as needed to maintain luster. Depending on the wear of the surface you may need to refinish often.
Can PaperStone countertops be resurfaced?
Yes, using an orbital buffer with a red or grey Scotch Brite™ pad buffing entire surfacearea. Wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove dust and loose particles. Follow with PaperStone Cleaner/Rejuvenator, or with your routine maintenance of PaperStone Polish/Sealer. A 12oz. bottle of sealer will cover 120-150 square feet. Let sealer stand for 20 minutes and then wipe off excess with a soft clean cloth. For best results allow finish to cure for 12 hours so sealer can harden.
Is PaperStone stain resistant?
PaperStone surfaces resist most stains. It is impervious to water and liquids creating a stain resistant surface. Since it is similar in nature to most counter top material, there is a remote chance for slight staining. PaperStone will resist most kitchen substances with the exception of high alkaline bases such as beet juice.
How do I eliminate a stain on my Paperstone surfaces?
Most spills and light stains may be cleaned up with a damp sponge. Cleaning up spills Immediately and avoid spills sitting for long periods of time is recommended. To remove a stain use a red Scotch Brite™ pad and buff gently, this will help lift or remove stain. Follow with Cleaner/Rejuvenator or finish if necessary. Feather into surrounding area.
What is PaperStone’s general care and maintence?
Use PaperStone Cleaner/ Rejuvenator or any PH neutral cleaner in substitute to maintain surface. Avoid household cleaners with harsh chemicals. Apply a thin coat of finish as to maintain luster. Frequent resealing may be needed depending on the daily usage of the surface. Please review the Care and Maintenance form for further details.
What is patina?
A gradual surface appearance that changes over time. PaperStone will develop a patina over time similar to wood.
How to remove water spots from Paperstone Countertops?
Make sure all of the finish has been buffed off very well. If you can see fingerprints on it, there is more buffing to be done. Make sure the finish has been allowed to set up overnight. If an excessive amount of finish has accumulated on the surface you will have to clean/buff the surface with a Scotch Brite™ and reapply a new coat of finish.
What types of applications are appropriate with PaperStone?
PaperStone is a unique, innovative panel product. It is used both in the commercial and residential design industry supporting interior and exterior applications. Some of the most common applications are countertops, office/reception desks, wall panels, exterior cladding, toilet partitions and skate board ramps.
What size and thicknesses are available for Paperstone surfaces?
PaperStone is offered 60’ wide, 12’ long and in ¼,” 3/8”, ½”, ¾”, 1”, and 1 ¼”. Please note that the ¼”, 3/8” and ½” are for vertical applications only, warranty will be voided if installed horizontally. Please visit your local dealer for size availabilities.
Does PaperStone have a warranty?
Yes, it has a 15 year Warranty, free from manufacturer defects; warranty does not cover Install or finish. Please read the warranty disclosure on website for detailed information.
Can I have an undermounted sink with PaperStone?
Yes, under mounted sinks are quite popular and suitable with PaperStone products as a design option. Under mounted sinks can easily be attached using mechanical fasteners.
Can PaperStone be cantilevered?
Yes, because of its extreme durability and strength a cantilever will remain stable at:
Thickness Overhang
3/4” 18”
1” 24”
1 ¼” 32”
Is PaperStone UV stable?
PaperStone is relatively UV Stable and can be used outdoors; however, the color will fade overtime due to UV exposure.
How true are PaperStone colors?
Because of the recycled paper each panel is unique. Color and brightness will vary from sheet to sheet even within the same batch. Overtime as the surfaces ages, similar to wood products the material will acquire a deeper, richer tone.
Nut Allergies from Paperstone?
The CNSL product containing the natural phenolics that Paneltech uses is highly processed and goes through various heat treatments. This process leaves no room for any allergens to survive.
Can I fabricate drain boards next to the sink?
Yes, PaperStone has a very low absorption rate and is an excellent choice for cutting boards as well.
Will seams show on my Paperstone surfaces?
Seams will be visible and should be incorporated into the design layout. Review the fabrication manual for further details.
Is there a top or bottom to PaperStone panels?
You can use either side of a panel. When cutting and matching pieces, panels should be evaluated for the best match.
What type of edge do the panels have?
Panels from the factory have an unfinished edge. Capitol Granite is responsible for creating the edge profile and finish you desire.
Can I use PaperStone outside?
PaperStone can be used outside however you will see color changes due to UV exposure.
