ALKEMI contributes to MR Credit (s) 4.1 and 4.2 Recycled Content: Post-Industrial.
How much does ALKEMI cost?
Your ALKEMI fabricator will estimate the installed pricing of your project. ALKEMI-acrylic and ALKEMI-polyester pricing should be comparable in pricing to high-end solid surface materials as the fabrication and installation methods are very similar.
What is the difference between ALKEMI-acrylic and ALKEMI-polyester?
ALKEMI-acrylic is similar in appearance to ALKEMI-polyester. While both products incorporate post-industrial aluminum flake waste, ALKEMI-acrylic is made using recycled acrylic and solid surface waste, and is certified to have minimum 91% recycled content. ALKEMI-polyester is made using virgin polyester resin and is certified to have minimum 34% recycled content. The available sheet dimensions, finishes, and some fabrication techniques also differ between the two lines. Please see our product pages for more details.
Can ALKEMI be recycled?
ALKEMI-acrylic can be recycled endlessly after its life cycle, making it the ultimate sustainable surfacing product in the marketplace.
Who is qualified to work with ALKEMI? How is ALKEMI fabricated and installed?
Fabrication methods of ALKEMI are very similar to conventional solid surface materials. Any qualified and certified solid surface fabricator is capable of fabricating and installing ALKEMI. Fabrication manuals are available for download on our product pages.
How much does ALKEMI cost?
Your ALKEMI fabricator will estimate the installed pricing of your project. ALKEMI-acrylic and ALKEMI-polyester pricing should be comparable in pricing to high-end solid surface materials as the fabrication and installation methods are very similar.
I’m looking for an ALKEMI distributor or dealer. Where can I find this information?
ALKEMI-acrylic is offered in sheet sizes of 36"x72” and 48"x96” (914mm x 1828mm and 1219mm x 2438mm). ALKEMI-polyester is available as 36"x120” and 36"x96” sheets (914mm x 3048mm and 914mm x 2438mm). ALKEMI-tabletops are available in several standard sizes.
How thick is ALKEMI?
ALKEMI-acrylic is offered as 1/2" (13 mm) thick. ALKEMI-polyester is available as ½” and ¾” thicknesses (13mm and 19mm). ALKEMI-tabletops are offered with a 1 ¼” waterfall edge height (5/8” material core thickness).
Can I place a hot pot on ALKEMI?
As with all solid surface materials, ALKEMI has a limited heat tolerance. Do not place hot pots directly from the stove on to the surface of ALKEMI. Protective trivets should be used to protect the ALKEMI surface from hot pots.
Can I install a cook-top on to ALKEMI countertop?
Do not recess or install cook-tops or burners directly into ALKEMI surface. A stainless steel insert or transition counter should be used for the installation of burners and cook-tops.
Can acids damage ALKEMI?
ALKEMI should not be used in settings where acids or acidic products are used as such products can dull or dull the finished surface.
Is ALKEMI absorbent?
ALKEMI-acrylic is non-absorbant but ALKEMI-polyester may exhibit some porosity at cut edges. Exposed ALKEMI-polyester edges must be coated and finished using clear resin S-250A sealant, or equal, as instructed by ALKEMI-polyester Fabrication Methods. Further, when ALKEMI-polyester is exposed to heavy wet use areas such as sink cut-outs and over dishwashers, the bottom surfaces of ALKEMI-polyester should be thoroughly coated with clear resin S-250A, or equal, in addition to the exposed edges.
Can ALKEMI stain?
ALKEMI is stain resistant against most common liquids. Acidic liquids, such as lemon juice or red wine, can stain ALKEMI if left standing on the surface for an extended period of time. Should such staining occur, the effected area can be restored by proper sanding and polishing per instruction outlined by ALKEMI Fabrication Manuals.
Can ALKEMI be scratched?
ALKEMI is an extremely durable product; but like most materials, ALKEMI can become scratched if abused. Should scratched occur, the effected area can be restored using proper sanding and polishing methods per ALKEMI Fabrication Manuals.
Can built-up or stacked edges be achieved with ALKEMI?
Yes! Edge build-up treatments such as stacking, layering or mitering can be performed by qualified solid surface fabricators following the ALKEMI fabrication methods. To maintain a consistent flow of surface pattern on front edges of countertops, mitering is recommended.
What applications is ALKEMI recommended for?
ALKEMI is a versatile product. It is recommended for use as both horizontal and vertical decorative surface applications. However, in any installation the material will require full substrate support.
Can ALKEMI be used as flooring?
ALKEMI should not be used for floors.
Can ALKEMI be used in food preparation areas?
Yes. ALKEMI is appropriate for use in food preparation areas.
What is the VOC content in ALKEMI?
The VOC content in both lines of ALKEMI is not detectable. Independent laboratory testing has revealed that the VOC parts of ALKEMI-acrylic were less than 5 parts per Million and ALKEMI-polyester were less than 100 parts per Million.
Does ALKEMI contain fire retardants?
Because of the toxic and environmentally detrimental qualities of fire retardant chemical additives, ALKEMI does not contain retardants. ALKEMI-acrylic should be considered C-2. ALKEMI-polyester Clear should be considered C-3 and ALKEMI-polyester Opaque should be considered C-2.
Can I use ALKEMI in outdoor applications?
ALKEMI is not not recommended for outdoor use.
Is ALKEMI NSF certified?
Although the components of ALKEMI are individually NSF certifiable materials, recycled materials in general do not qualify for NSF certification as the content origin of recycled materials cannot be traced clearly.
Does ALKEMI require surface sealing?
ALKEMI-acrylic and ALKEMI-polyester surfaces are sealed with a 3ml clear coating at the factory and do not require additional surface sealing.
However, the exposed cut edges of only ALKEMI-polyester should be sealed with a clear coat resin (250A), during fabrication as instructed in the ALKEMI-polyester Fabrication Manual , particularly when installed in a wet use areas.
What are the different surface treatment options of ALKEMI-polyester?
ALKEMI-polyester is offered as two distinct visual characteristics, Classic and Honed. The Classic surface option displays whole aluminum flakes. The Honed surface has a slightly different visual quality, displaying cut edge of the aluminum flake, as the material has been sanded through. Both Classic and Honed ALKEMI are offered with a smooth top coat finish and can be seamed, sanded, and polished by the fabricator.
What is the difference between Classic and Honed?
Two different visual characteristic options are available for ALKEMI-polyester ONLY. There is no difference in performance or durability or fabrication methods for either surface options.
Is the ALKEMI-polyester Opaque available with Classic finish?
No. ALKEMI-polyester Opaque is only available in the Honed finish.
Is ALKEMI-acrylic available in Classic or Honed finishes?
No, ALKEMI-acrylic is available only in one standard surface finish or visual characteristic.
Are ALKEMI-tabletops also available in ALKEMI-polyester?
Yes, ALKEMI-tabletops are available in ALKEMI-acrylic and ALKEMI-polyester.
