Article Number : 2019 |
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| Date | 5/29/2007 8:50:33 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2019 |
| Abstract | Chicago—At Coverings 2007, thousands of attendees got to see the newest and latest in ceramic tile and natural stone. As always, advances in technology played a major role at the show, as many companies showed off tiles that featured every conceivable texture, color and pattern imaginable... |
| Article | Chicago—At Coverings 2007, thousands of attendees got to see the newest and latest in ceramic tile and natural stone. As always, advances in technology played a major role at the show, as many companies showed off tiles that featured every conceivable texture, color and pattern imaginable. Nowadays, wood looks, metal colors, linen textures, whatever the mind can think of can seemingly become part of ceramic tile. One of those firms using the latest in technology to enhance its products was a small company from Litchfield, Ill., called Diamond Imprints. It introduced a line of made-to-order tile murals using a variety of sizes and materials including marble, ceramic, porcelain and glass. Overall size is limited by the quality of the artwork. “Using the latest software, scanning and eight-color printing technology, masterpieces can be created for the home or business,” said Adrian Baker, president. “The tile murals make great flooring, kitchen backsplashes, countertops, bath and shower surrounds, and bar tops. They can be used to display a corporate logo on a reception desk, as decorations for stores or just as wall art.” Customers can supply their own photograph, graphic or logo, and Diamond will create a masterpiece just for them, he noted. Diamond works with architects, interior designers, retailers, wholesalers and home and business owners, and also offers the choice of more than 350 pieces of artwork ranging from old masters to photographs by Baker himself in a wide range of subjects. “Michaelangelo took four years to paint the masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, we can create yours in five to 10 days,” Baker said. For more information on Diamond Imprints, call 217.246.2043. Another company that impressed many at Coverings with its Gemart brand Porcelain Jade Panels was San Francisco-based Superior Art Building. As a matter of fact, the brilliant, large-format glazed porcelain tiles produced by the company have caught the eye of many the world over. “People exclaimed they had never seen anything so beautiful,” said Josh Bernstein, Gemart’s regional sales manager, upon his recent return from Shanghai’s Expo Build China 2007. “The beauty and versatility of our tiles attracted thousands of buyers, distributors, dealers and agents from all over the world.” The tiles were created by world-renowned artist, Master Wan Ko Yee, together with Jinba Rinpoche and Hang Kung Rinpoche, both recognized as distinguished artists. A painting by Yee was recently auctioned at a price equivalent to $300,000 per square foot. “Bring the beauty to everyone, make them affordable,” was Yee’s instruction when he acceded to Gemart’s request to license his works. Yee later donated the royalties to the United Relief Committee. At Coverings, the line was extended when the company debuted its latest Porcelain Jade Panels in a large 5 x 3 format. The breathtaking, gemlike colors and patterns of these large panels will transform any area into an extraordinary space, noted Bernstein. For more on Gemart, call 415.206.1206. Rotozip by Bosch also created quite a buzz at Coverings, attracting large crowds during its in-booth demonstrations. The company enhanced its current tile system with the unveiling of its diamond floor tile Xbits. At 1/4-inch in cutting diameter, it contains nearly three carats of diamond grit, allowing it to cut through hard surfces such as porcelain and granite up to 1/2-inch thick with ease and efficiency. Perfect for hole cut-outs in a variety of shapes and sizes, the new Xbits demonstrate unrivaled durability and versatility, noted Wendy Bosworth, manager of product marketing for Rotozip. “It is capable of making more than 45 plunges and cutting 13 feet of porcelain tile and eliminates the need for tile installers to use multiple small cut tools such as nibblers and keyhole saws. “Research indicates 83% of tile installers find cutting porcelain and making small curved cuts extremely difficult,” she said. “The diamond floor tile Xbits enable installers to tackle even the toughest cuts with ease, making the Rotozip Spiral Saw system a must-have for anyone working with hard tile.” For more information on Rotozip’s products, call 877.768.6947. |