Surface Solutions

Products ranging from adhesives to paint and tiles are available for finishing interior surfaces of the home

By Nick Bajzek

July 31, 2006

Suzanne Crane Fine Stoneware

The latest botanical line from Suzanne Crane juxtaposes natural images and geometric lines. The company, headed by husband-and-wife team Suzanne and Matthew Crane, manufactures its tiles with time-tested old-world methods: a slab roller, copper tile cutters, stoneware clay and a reduction kiln. Because the designers take specimens directly from the surrounding creek beds and forests near their studio, no two tiles are ever identical. The company has a variety of 6-inch by 6-inch and 4-inch by 4-inch botanical tiles available and can create custom work as well.

434/973-7943
www.suzannecrane.com

Ann Sacks

"Mesquite" tiles by Ann Sacks are crafted entirely of mesquite wood from Texas. Because the wood is dense, is has a minimum amount of warping and absorption characteristics. The tiles are available in natural finish without UV protection, which will eventually turn reddish in color; natural finish with UV protection that will remain brown; or walnut stain. The tiles are butt-jointed for application with a strong adhesive.

800/278-TILE
www.annsacks.com

Mediterranea

Ceramic and porcelain tile-maker Mediterranea introduces Tantra, it's latest fully rectified glazed porcelain collection. Produced using five-head, jumbo-roll technology, it is offered in five sizes and comes with a matching bullnose and all trim accessories. The tiles are also available in a mesh-backed mosaic sheet. The line is available in four colors: balance (beige), enlightenment (gold), tranquility (bronze) and wisdom (rust).

305/718-5091
www.mediterranea-usa.com

United Gilsonite Laboratories

Zar Ultra Max Floor finish is a waterborne oil modified polyurethane that meets all VOC regulations. Produced by United Gilsonite Laboratories, it is a clear wood finish meant for heavily used floors. The finish is self-leveling with little odor and dries to the touch after 30 minutes. It is available in a 100 oz. and 200 oz. jug in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens.

570/344-1202
www.ugl.com

Birchwood Casey

Brush-on finishing gels from Birchwood Casey are made for antiquing or blackening iron, steel, copper, brass and bronze. The gel clings to vertical surfaces and stays where it's applied without forming runs and drips or bleeding onto adjoining surfaces. After application, reaction time takes about 2–8 minutes depending on the depth of color desired. The resulting finish adheres tightly and can be highlighted or distressed.

800/328-6156
www.birchwoodcasey.com

UltraGlas

Ultralite translucent coloration glass tiles from Ultra Glas feature lead-free pigments fused directly into the glass itself. It comes in thicknesses ranging from 1/8 to ¾ inch and has multiple finishing options. The tiles may be tempered or laminated to meet codes for safety glass. Dozens of colors are available and custom colors may be specified. Samples are available upon request.

800/777-2332
www.ultraglas.com

Henkel Consumer Adhesives

Loctite Sumo Glue from Henkel Consumer Adhesives is a waterproof polyurethane adhesive that sets three times faster than traditional polyurethane glue with less foaming. It dries translucent/white and fully cures in 24 hours, after which the product can be sanded, painted and stained to disguise glue lines.

800/321-0253
www.henkelca.com

Sherwin-Williams

The Builders Solution Interior Coating System and ProMar 200 XP Interior Latex from Sherwin-Williams work in tandem for walls and finishing applications. The coating, which includes a latex surface and latex topcoat, minimizes drywall imperfections and can be used in touch-up jobs. The ProMar 200 XP Flat uses a high-build formula that finishes in one less coat.

800/524-5979
www.sherwin-williams.com

Ceramic Tiles of Italy

Designers Massimiliano Fuksas, Tord Boontje, Carlo Dal Bianco, Marco Braga and Claudio Silvestrin all contributed to Ceramic Tiles of Italy's latest tile offerings. Fuksas' Sculpture is a 10-inch by 16-inch porcelain series that can be laid vertically or horizontally on interior or exterior applications. Other artists' lines have similar properties but each is vastly different in style.

(+39) 536-804585
www.italiatile.com

Liquid Nails

The Ultra duty poly is a moisture-curing, polyurethane-based construction adhesive that will work on a variety of substrates and can be applied in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 300°F. It has a low VOC content for both interior and exterior applications and typically cures within 8 to 12 hours. Each cartridge covers roughly 30 lineal feet and meets ASTM D 3498 for subfloor work.

800/634-0015
www.liquidnails.com

Oceana

Glass tile medallions custom-made by Oceana measure 36×36 inches and are available in three color schemes: earth, shades of gray and crazy. The medallions can be used vertically and horizontally in locations such as shower walls, backsplashes or entryways. Remodelers or homeowners can create a design of their own.

724/523-5567
www.oceanaglassdesigns.com

Swanstone

Decorative wall shower panel kits can be installed on the walls of most standard showers with no trimming required. Panels can be glued over existing walls. The panels are available in 33 solid and granite colors and six designs. Kits include side-wall panels, back-wall panels corner molding strips, corner soap dishes, adhesive tubes, caulk and pressure-sensitive tape.

800/325-7008
www.swanstone.com

Red Devil

King Kaulk is a multi-purpose hybrid polymer caulk, sealant and adhesive from Red Devil. Once cured, it resists UV rays and mildew with low VOC and little odor. It can also be used on concrete and masonry and meets ASTM C920.

800/4A-DEVIL
www.reddevil.com

Crossville

NOW is a double-pressed porcelain tile that is 3/8 of an inch thick and comes in several rectangular shapes and in several sizes. A single bullnose trim piece is available. The cone-shaped edges of the tiles allow for a more sung fit and slip resistance. The line, made by Crossville, is offered in five colors: rust, lead, moss, sand and amber.

931/484-2110
www.crossvilleinc.com

Roman Decorating Products

No Strip wallpaper primer, sold under the Golden Harvest brand by Roman Decorating Products, readies walls for re-painting or wallpapering by covering bold colors, patterns and faux finishes in usually one coat. The primer also features mildew protection.

800/488-6117
www.romandecoratingproducts.com

Kemiko

The Rembrandt polymer stain from Kemiko is an acrylic urethane-based stain low in VOC. It can be applied to prepared concrete, plaster, polymer cement and wood as a stain, wash or faux finish. It dries to the touch in an hour and fully cures within 48 hours. Each gallon covers 150–300 square feet. It can be used on interior and exterior surfaces.

903/587-3708
www.kemiko.com

Bonsal American

Stayflex thin set, designed by Bonsal American, bonds large ceramic tile, marble and natural stone to walls without slippage or sag (up to 11 pounds). While it is designed for walls and ceilings, it is also suitable for floors and meets ANSI A.118.4 and A.118.11 standards and works over drywall, cement backerboard or any other cement substrate.

800/738-1621
www.bonsal.com

OSI Sealants

The 400 heavy duty construction adhesive by PL from parent company OSI Sealants is formulated for both interior and exterior work on wood, metal or concrete. It even allows for extrusion when applied in temperatures below 40 degrees and is waterproof and weatherproof.

800/999-8920
www.osisealants.com

Armstrong

The Miyo residential tile flooring system, from Armstrong is comprised of vinyl tiles that can be mixed and matched. A grid liner helps plan the layout and because the flooring is applied to the grid liner first, the tiles can be removed in time to change to the remodeler's or homeowner's specifications. Several colors are available.

717/397-0611
www.armstrong.com

Euclid Chemical Co.

The Everclear breathable acrylic sealer is designed for decorative concrete. Made by Euclid Chemical Co., it allows moisture inside the concrete to evaporate through the sealer film and doesn't flake or peel. It meets all EPA and COC regulations, and can be used to seal residential concrete pavement.

800/321-7628
www.euclidchemical.com

PPG Industries

The Olympic line from PPG Industries is a zero-VOC, low-odor and color-neutral interior latex paint. The line also has a range of stain, toner and over 1200 paint colors available. It features a limited 15-year warranty and is available at Lowe's, Home Depot and most major retail chains.

412/434-3131
www.ppg.com

Schott North America

Pyran Star Laminated fire-rated glass-ceramic is 5/16 inch thick and UL classified for fire-rated requirements up to 90 minutes. It is impact-resistant and conforms to positive pressure test standards. Its sister line, Narima, (shown) is specially designed for exterior applications for both residential and commercial.

914/831-2200
www.schott.us.com

Kilz

Light to medium water damage on ceilings can be covered with Kilz's latex primer-based Stainblocking Ceiling paint. It is pink when applied and white when dry and can be used as a primer or topcoat. It works well on porous materials, especially in drywall work and on textured or smooth ceiling surfaces.

866/PRIMER-1
www.kilz.com

Saicis

Cut to form by a waterjet process and then mesh-mounted, Saicis' Papalla line of floor and outdoor tile is made with unglazed porcelain in chiaro (light) and scuro (dark) earth tones that mimic the look the Romans used. Though initially designed for outdoor applications, the tiles are 16mm thick and are moisture and stain resistant. Three different module sizes are available.

877/675-3772
www.saicis.it

Windsor Mill

Teaming up with historical millwork expert Brent Hull, Windsor Mill — under its WindsorOne line — released a collection of mouldings and trim patterns typically found in historic American homes. The collaboration produced four lines: The Classic Colonial, Greek Revival (shown), Classical Craftsman and Colonial Revival are in relief from crown to base.

707/838-7101
www.windsorone.com

Outwater LLC

Offered in unfinished maple, oak, cherry, 100% recycled brushed aluminum and black leather finishing, Outwater's Exotic Weave Tiles are available in 8 inches by 8 inches with a 1 5/8 inch slat and 12 inches by 12 inches with a 2 5/8 inch slat formats. The tiles can be used on unadorned walls or ceilings with a minimal amount of ceiling height lost.

888/772-1400
www.outwater.com

Fortifiber Building Systems Group

Designed to repel moisture as a part of Fortifiber's moisture control wall system as well as on any other building products, the Moistop EZ Seal Flashing sealant is made specifically for window and door installations. It has a 48-hour ASTM D-779 water resistance.

800/773-4777
www.fortifiber.com

Hakatai

Designed for kitchens and showers, Hakatai's mesh-backed Ashland series is available in a mosaic glass format. Each tile is handmade with rough-cut edges and shade variances in a variety of colors, including the Classic series in a light blue/ice green blend (shown) and sky blue. The company's custom blending and gradient options are available online.

514/552-0855
www.hakatai.com

DAP

The Sidewinder polymer siding and window sealant from DAP features fully-colored cartridges. It has virtually no VOCs and has a low odor and can be applied in extreme temperatures, even in the rain. The formula cures in 24 hours, is tack-free in 30 minutes and is paintable in two hours. The sealant is available in 12 colors.

410/675-2100
www.dap.com

More like this

Comments on: "Surface Solutions"

See all videos

Search Our Buyer's Guide

Reference Library

Enter the Professional Builder 2013 Design Awards

Be a part of the annual Professional Builder Design Awards and see how well your...

Professional Remodeler's 2013 Market Leaders

Professional Remodeler’s annual Market Leaders list, which identifies the top...

15 design trends for kitchens & baths

With demand for custom design, remodeling, and renovations at its highest level since 2005, ...

Project Spotlight: Kitchen countered

Normandy Remodeling converts confined kitchen into sprawling galley.

5 bathroom design trends for 2013

Each year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association surveys its members to identify the latest...

6 kitchen design trends for 2013

Each year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association surveys its members to identify the latest...

More >

Search