It’s All Ancient History

Some of the most relevant architectural designs found their conception in ancient Greece, Imperial Rome, the middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance. Each era is significant for their contributions to our modern styles. Many of today’s ornamental details and trim work evolved from these earlier styles. I’d like to explore the earlier eras briefly to uncover what unique styles have been handed down through the ages.

An architectural style is a way to organize architecture relative to form, techniques, materials, time periods and regions, for example. It provides us with a way to distinguish architecture according to particular features of design.

The earliest known architecture dates back to the Neolithic Period, or the New Stone Age. This was basically around the time of the cave dwellers. These ancient peoples began to combine timber with huge stones, called megaliths, erected much like Stonehenge. Neolithic cultures appeared in Asia soon after 10000 BC, spreading out to the east and west from Levant. By 5500 BC, the Neolithic cultures had spread throughout the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The Neolithic people were exceptional builders, using mud-brick to build homes and villages. In other areas, wattle and daub building materials were utilized to build homes.

The Egyptians, from 300 BC-30 BC, gave us what is called the “stepped stone system” or the pyramids and temples built of layered cut stone. Sandstone, limestone and granite were used along with mud brick. Although most of the ancient Egyptian towns have been lost to flooding, many of the temples and tombs survived as they were built of stone in areas not flooded by the Nile. These monumental structures were characterized by thick, sloping walls with few openings. The exterior walls were often covered with hieroglyphic carvings with pictorial motifs such as the scarab, vulture, palm leaves and the papyrus plant.

It was the ancient Greeks, however, who contributed some of the styles which are still copied today. Greek design extends back to about 3000 BC. Greek architecture was characterized by symmetry. The architecture was flanked by columns, capitals, cornices and pediments. The Greeks gave the orders to the simple post-and-lintel (roof support) system in earliest use by the Egyptians.

The Parthenon is the classic example of ancient Greek architecture. The Parthenon was designed in honor of the goddess Athena and is perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It was built of solid marble during the 5th century. The Parthenon is the embodiment of the characteristics of Greek architecture.

The orders of architecture originated with the Greeks as early as the 7th century BC. These ancient organizational systems of architectural design were distinct in their characteristic details as well as by their proportion and detail. The Classical Greek orders were most easily distinguished by the type of column and the type of capital that was utilized. Each of the orders has their own distinct entablature, which consists of an architrave, frieze and a cornice. Greek architects were quite particular with regards to geometric symmetry throughout their designs. Elements that were often included in ancient Greek architecture were fluted columns, pilasters, pediments, decorative friezes and carved statuary.

Theorists recognize five orders. The Greeks, however, were solely responsible for the evolution of the three most commonly recognized. These are the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. These three orders have been regularly employed throughout classical western architecture. The Romans adopted the three Greek orders, in addition to adding the Tuscan and the Composite orders.

Although the Doric order is considered by most to have been the earliest style, research suggests that the Doric and Ionic may actually have emerged at approximately the same time. The Doric order surfaced in mainland Greece, spreading to the Greek colonies in Italy, while the Ionic order appeared in eastern Greece, the west coast of what is now Turkey, and the Aegean Islands.

The Doric order is the simplest, most austere, of the orders. The columns were short and heavy with plain, round capitals. There were no bases. The shaft of the column was fluted with 20 channels. Classic examples of the Greek Doric order are the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, which was built about 449 BC and the contemporary Parthenon, the largest temple in Athens.

Some of the great monuments erected during this era can be found mostly in Sicily and Italy, where it appears to have been the predominant order for 800 years thereafter for grand architecture. The Doric and the Ionic orders probably originated in wood.

The Ionic was a more decorative order, with slender, fluted pillars with a large base. It was often decorated with an egg-and-dart motif. The shaft was fluted with 24 channels. The Ionic order was largely influenced by Asia after power passed from Athens and Sparta to Asia Minor. The style appeared in Greece after 500 BC. The more magnificent Ionic temples were found at Miletus. In Greece, only the Erechtheum at Athens is Ionic in style. Otherwise, the style was restricted to more minor buildings. One interesting note regarding the Ionic order: many Greek states actually resisted the use of the evolutionary style. They regarded its showy, decorative style as representing dominance of Athens. The Ionic column was used frequently throughout the 17th century, as well as the 18th century before it was succeeded by the Corinthian entablature.

The Corinthian order is considered to be the most elegant of the five orders. The column was slender, diminished in stature, with 24 fluted channels. The capital was decorated with two rows of acanthus or olive leaves with four scrolls. The entablature of the Corinthian column was often very elaborate. It was built with a well-formed, decorated architrave, with a continuous frieze that was either plain or it was ornamented with foliage and sculpture. There was a projecting cornice of which the lower member was often composed of dentils. It saw its peak use in the mid-4th century BC. Later, the Romans used the Corinthian order almost exclusively. The oldest known building to be erected according to the Corinthian order is the monument of Lysicrates in Athens, built in 335-334 BC. This Order was especially esteemed at the Renaissance, and has been largely adopted in modern work.

Greek architects produced the majority of their awesome work between 700 BC and the time of the Roman occupation which occurred in 146 BC. The major works of art, such as the Parthenon, were produced between 480 and 323 BC. Most of what we know regarding Greek architecture comes from the late archaic, early classical and Periclean ages. Most of the surviving architecture are temples.

Although the Greeks also understood the principles of arches and domes, they did not utilize either elaboration. As a result, they could not engineer buildings that had large spaces interiorly. Thus, buildings would incorporate rows of columns in order to hold up the roof. They were known to fill their buildings with sculptural decoration, although none of these sculptures have been found intact in the surviving buildings of Greek design. However, the Greeks have used this decorative feature on some of their modern imitations of the ancient Greek buildings. One such example is the Greek National Academy building in Athens.

In addition to utilizing the three Greek orders, the Romans developed two of their own. These were called the Tuscan and the Composite orders. The Tuscan columns were actually plainer than the Doric columns and the Composite, which were much more ornamental than the Corinthian, were generally a combination of the Ionic with the Corinthian. Neither order is considered distinct or original.

The Romans are credited with other significant developments to architecture. The Romans combined the columns of Greece with the arches of Asia to erect a vast array of impressive buildings throughout their domain. The Roman’s invention of concrete enabled them to cover huge areas of floor space as well as construct magnificent vaults and domes as can be seen in the rebuilding of the Pantheon in the 2nd century AD.

The Romans used their new invention to enhance design elements borrowed from the Greeks and Etruscans and formal engineering to invent an age of architecture which utilized both negative and positive space. They used rounded arches, arcades (series of supported arches), vaults (elongated arch) and domes to create large unbroken spaces, effectively removing the need for the columnar supported designs of the past.

It was during the period from 100 BC to AD 300 that the Romans built their prominent master works. Besides the Pantheon, the Coliseum (AD 70-82) and the Baths of Caracalla (circa AD 215) belong to this period of time in Roman architecture. The Roman Empire, rapidly expanding, began to build towns that were laid out to specific plans with forums, or open public squares, surrounding temples as the town’s focal point. The use of columns was widely employed as well. Roman architecture thus influenced many other styles throughout the ages, as we will see in succeeding articles discussing the large numbers of architectural styles throughout the ages.

Although most would consider concrete the Roman Empire’s greatest contribution to the modern world, their style of architecture is still evident throughout Europe as well as North America in the arches and the domes found in many governmental and religious buildings.

Visit GoCeilingMedallion.com to see the design elements discussed in this article. We have all the architectural elements you need to decorate your home in the style of the greatest empires throughout history.

References:

Wikipedia.com
Factmonster.com
Seemydesign.com

May 14, 2007. Blogroll, Home, Home Decorating, Home interior, Uncategorized. 4 comments.

FAQ’s and Answers About Polyurethane Products

Our goal at Goceilingmedallion is to provide you with the best selection of high quality decorative ceiling products so that you can create the perfect ceiling for the room you want to live in.

We only sell products from reputable manufacturers at the high end of the quality range. Our manufacturers are dedicated to providing only quality product. We are all dedicated to excellence and to our customers.

To that end, I wanted to take a few moments to address some of our customer’s most frequent product questions.

What are the benefits of using polyurethane molding and decorative accents over other materials such as wood, plaster or gypsum?

Polyurethane products are engineered and manufactured to fit well against your walls and ceilings easily. Polyurethane products eliminate splintering, cracking, warping, rotting and finish sanding that are more common with wood products.

Plaster and gypsum products are heavy, creating problems with shipping and installation. Our polyurethane products are water and heat resistant, impervious to insects, and will not rot, crack, shrink, splinter, or warp.

Can I paint or finish my polyurethane product?

All of our products can be painted with any high quality latex or oil based paint. You can add a gold, silver or copper leaf finish for a more majestic appearance. Faux finish your ceiling medallion or crown molding in a marble, granite or gemstone surface. Experiment with one of the newer decorative finishes, like suede, leather, sponging or stippling.

Lacquer based paints or finishes are not recommended, however. Otherwise, the decorative possibilities are limitless.

Is it beneficial to use fiberglass products?

Fiberglass products have been used for automobile and boating manufacture because of their resistant qualities. Fiberglass also has characteristics which allow for large product construction. Our manufacturers carry ceiling domes and niches made of fiberglass with these same impact resistant properties while retaining the beauty and elegance of handcrafted ceiling products. Domes and wall niches manufactured from fiberglass can be molded into one single piece. Each of our products is factory-primed and ready for your finishing ideas.

Are polyurethane products as easy to maintain when placed outdoors?

Definitely! All products from our manufacturers are factory-primed and essentially maintenance free. Our products take nails without splitting, saw like wood; they are lightweight and durable. Polyurethane resists water, heat and insect infestation.

Are polyurethane and fiberglass architectural accents easy to install?

Complete and illustrated instructions for installation are provided with each of our products. Some are more difficult to install, such as our ceiling domes and wall niches, and may require good carpentry skills. Overall, polyurethane and fiberglass products are easier to install than wood, plaster and gypsum products due to their weight and size, as well as dimensional stability, precise tolerances and flexibility.

Do your products meet all applicable building codes?

Our products have undergone rigorous testing and meet or exceed all industry standards. All regional building codes and requirements should be reviewed prior to installation.

What is your return Policy?

I would like to take just a moment to address another issue: that of returned products. We will happily refund your order amount, less shipping, for any reason, no questions asked, provided you follow the proper procedure as outlined on our site at : http://goceilingmedallion.com/FAQ.html.

Do not return the product!!! Returning items without authorization may cause them to not be properly credited to your account.

If you are not completely satisfied with a product, contact us within 5 days to arrange for a refund or exchange. We will issue you a RMA number to return the merchandise. For your protection, returned merchandise must be insured for the value of the merchandise. Repack items carefully in the original packing material and prepay and insure the shipping. (Please note you are responsible for the safe return of the merchandise and all shipping costs.) No refunds will be made on any merchandise that has been used or altered in any way.
I don’t mean to sound like I’m lecturing, but that is why we ask our customers to become familiar with our policies. We want to provide excellent customer service, but we do require your patience and understanding if we ask for your help.

We offer a large catalog of polyurethane and fiberglass ceiling medallions, crown molding, and accents of only the finest quality from only the most reputable manufacturers. Please visit our website at GoCeilingMedallion today to see our latest additions and specials. As always, we welcome your ideas for improving our website.

April 9, 2007. Blogroll, Home, Home Decorating, Home interior, Uncategorized. Leave a comment.

How To Install Crown Molding Painlessly

Crown molding, or cornice, is probably the most important architectural accent used to detail any interior space. Most interior designers today would agree that every room can be improved with the use of crown molding. Crown molding smoothes the transition from the wall to the ceiling and does a wonderful job of defining the architectural style of a room. Crown molding is also used to finish cabinets, built-ins, and fireplaces.

Crown moldings have been around as long as the use of plastered ceilings has been. They usually reflected the type or intended use of the room. For example, reception rooms were often decorated with more ornate moldings, while plainer crown molding was often installed in the more functional areas of the home, such as the kitchen. The size and style of crown molding used may vary widely, from a simple cove in a farmhouse kitchen to a large built-up cornice in a grand entry.

Crown molding will enhance the look of any room and is not that difficult to install. Installing larger, more complex moldings will require a little extra care to match the pattern at joints and corners. You can also build up larger crown moldings by using a number of smaller moldings. Used this way, custom crown molding profiles can be created to suit your tastes. Built up crown molding can also be used to help hide some of the variations in the ceiling and walls.

Follow these simple and easy to understand instructions to enhance the look and feel of any room in your home. Remember, safety is so important when attempting any project. Always follow approved safety practices. Use hearing and eye protection. When you need to use a dust mask or respirator, be sure to use the right one for the job.

Planning

Planning is probably the most commonly neglected part of any job. This is too bad because proper planning is what makes the difference between a quick and efficient installation or massive frustration and numerous interruptions to run to the hardware store. Planning is especially important when installing crown molding.

If your decorative project will include several types of molding, it is recommended that you choose the style and size of crown molding first, as it is the most prominently displayed. Then select the rest of the moldings to match.

Regarding the proper sizing of the crown molding, advice is abundant and many guidelines have been written. Most often the advice directs you to select the size of the crown molding based on the height of your ceiling. However, larger crown moldings have often been used to impressively decorate rooms of more modest proportions. What IS important is to properly scale the casings and other moldings to the size of the crown molding that you wish to use. When choosing crown molding for your interior, feel free to select the size and style that YOU like.

After you have decided on a size and a pattern of crown molding to use, your next step is to determine how much crown molding to purchase. You will need to allow for cutting waste at each joint. One way to do this is to simply measure the perimeter of the room and add a waste factor (usually 10%). The problem with this, however, is that it’s not really accurate and it doesn’t take into account one very important factor, namely, repeating patterns.

What I like to use is a cut list showing each piece of crown molding for the entire room. This lets me optimize my use of the stock lengths. I also use this information to allow for cutting waste from corners and for pattern repeat. A cut list is also useful to eliminate unnecessary joints by planning all of the joints before ordering the material. Some crown molding is available in more than one length. This can help to eliminate joints and waste. This is also the time to calculate how much adhesive and how many fasteners you will need.

Order Materials

Now that you have completed your planning it’s time to order your crown molding. Order your adhesive, fasteners, caulk and any other tools or supplies you might need. Order everything at the same time and save yourself extra trips to the store.

Assemble Materials

Set up a work area as close as possible to the room you are working in and assemble all of your materials. Now is a good time to make sure that you have everything that you will need. If something is missing, stop and go get it now, before you start. Check over the crown molding one last time to ensure that it has not been damaged on the job. If your crown molding has been stored at a temperature significantly different from the room’s normal temperature, then allow 24 hours for the temperatures to equalize (72 hours if you are using wood).

Pre-finishing

If the finish you are going to use is more involved than a coat of flat white paint, you might want to pre-finish your crown molding before installation and then touch it up after it is installed. This is also a good idea if there is any danger of damaging the existing walls during the finishing process.

Layout

Draw a solid line all the way around the room showing the bottom edge of the crown molding. The distance from the ceiling to this line is the height of the crown molding. All ceilings have some unevenness along the joint of the ceiling and the wall. The joint where the crown molding meets the wall is normally more noticeable than the joint at the ceiling, so try to keep this line as straight as possible. Make a second line on the ceiling to mark the projection of the crown molding onto it. Now mark the wall studs and the ceiling joists. Make sure that all of your marks will be visible with the crown molding in place.

Start Installing

Decide which inside corner is going to be the least noticeable in the finished room. This is where you want to start since it is not always possible to get a good match on the pattern with the last piece. Wood moldings are normally coped at inside corners and lapped at straight joints. DO NOT COPE OR LAP POLYURETHANE MOLDINGS.

When installing polyurethane crown molding, miter cut both the inside and the outside corners. Use straight butt joints to join polyurethane molding. Double check the lengths and use your cut list to make sure that you cut the moldings the same way as planned. Otherwise you might run out of material or be forced to make an extra joint.

What you need to remember when cutting crown molding is that it is turned upside down on the saw or miter box. To ensure a tight inside corner, cut the molding a little long and spring it into place (add 1/8 to 1/4 inch for polyurethane or 1/16 inch for wood). Before you apply any adhesive, you should dry fit each piece of crown molding to be sure of a proper fit. If necessary, you can trim any extra with a razor knife, rasp, block plane or sandpaper. Once you are satisfied with the fit, attach the crown molding using coated trim screws or finish nail. Install fasteners into studs where possible.

Polyurethane crown molding with a face measurement over 8 inches will require a 1/4 inch bead of adhesive at the top and bottom in addition to mechanical fasteners. Although it is not required, we recommend the use of adhesive with all polyurethane molding installations. Adhesive is also required at all joints.

Finish up

After the adhesive has dried for 24 hours; fill in all the holes made from the fasteners, caulk the top and the bottom, and then either touch it up or paint it.

Last step: show it off!! Have fun with your project.

Copyright 2007 goceilingmedallion.com

GoCeilingMedallion.com has the best selection of high quality ceiling products, featuring a full line of over 100 patterns of crown molding and 18K Gold leaf crown moldings. If we don’t have it, we’ll find it for you. We are your GO TO people for all your decorative ceiling needs.

February 22, 2007. Blogroll, Home, Home Decorating, Home interior, Uncategorized. 1 comment.

Check out the Decorative Architecture in Silver City, New Mexico

Forgive my lack of posts lately. We have been out to New Mexico for the past week or so. We visited Santa Fe and Silver City. We were able to do a little sightseeing in the Santa Fe area. If you are ever out that way, you absolutely must see the Tent Rocks in the Cochiti Pueblo. They are so awe-inspiring and it is such a spiritual place as well as a nice hike.

We like to visit Silver City as often as we can. Silver City is actually the oldest incorporated town in New Mexico and it still operates under a Territorial charter. It also claims to have the oldest public school system in the state. Here is a very brief history of Silver City.

Prospectors of silver developed a small town called Silver City in 1870. Over a period of about 10 months, the small town grew from one cabin to more than 80 buildings. By 1875, Silver City mills were producing $16,000 worth of bullion weekly. They soon became the center of the booming silver industry.

Although the silver boom ended in 1893 and many mines were closed, Silver City surged ahead. Some believe that it was the brick architecture which saved it from the fate of a ghost town. Others believe it was the population of Native Americans, Hispanics and Anglos who were determined to make Silver City their home. It could have been the cattle industry or the dry climate which made it an ideal environment for tubercular patients.

Whatever it was that helped Silver City to continue as a thriving community, today it is a great place to visit. With so many wonderful attractions nearby and the awesome Gila National Forest, hot springs and scenic drives, Silver City is a favorite of ours to visit and enjoy two of our favorite pastimes: hiking and decorative architecture.

We found a variety of decorative architectural styles in Silver City, but none as much as the Victorian architecture of the late 1800’s that prevails even today. Other styles that can be seen throughout the area include Mediterranean and Spanish style homes. We saw columns, corbels, brackets, rosettes, medallions and arches used throughout town in abundance.

I wanted to share some of the photos of the decorative architectural accents that we saw all through the town of Silver City. The buildings in town are breathtaking and inviting, blending the nostalgia of yesteryear with modern Southwest architecture. Adobe homes and large ranches are also seen throughout. Southwest New Mexico has a variety of communities from farming, ranching and mining to the historic, artistic or upscale.

So if you ever get the opportunity to visit New Mexico, go for it. They say there is still gold and silver in the mountains and you get to keep whatever you find. Enjoy the photos and visit GoCeilingMedallion.com for all of your decorative ceiling needs.

February 3, 2007. Blogroll, Home, Home Decorating, Home interior, Uncategorized. Leave a comment.

How to Properly Size a Ceiling Medallion

One of the easiest and least time-consuming projects that anyone can undertake is the installation of a ceiling medallion. Although in the past they were made from plaster, today these decorative ornaments are made of lightweight polyurethane foam. This makes them much easier to handle. Ceiling medallions are used to draw attention to chandeliers and light fixtures, or to enhance crown molding. They are also used to create a special charm and ambiance reminiscent of an era where comfort, warmth and elegance flourished.

Our goal at GoCeilingMedallion.com is to provide you with the best selection of high quality decorative ceiling products, tools and supplies, along with ideas and assistance to help you create that special atmosphere unique to you. We want you to have the perfect ceiling for the rooms that you want to live in. To that end, our full catalog features over 150 ceiling medallion styles, including a new Elegant Series.

One question that we get asked quite often: What is the best way to size your ceiling medallion? We want to answer that question for all of our readers and customers with this blog post.

There are essentially three factors to keep in mind when you are choosing and sizing a ceiling medallion:

1. Size of the fixture. The ceiling medallion you choose should be one that is either larger or smaller than the diameter of the actual fixture, not the base of the fixture. However, when combining it with a ceiling fan, medallions are usually those with a smaller diameter. You can combine the ceiling medallion with a ceiling rim to further enhance a larger fixture, too.

2. Size of the room. You want to make sure that the medallion you choose is proportional to the room in which you plan to use it. In other words, if you will be placing it in a grand entryway, you will want to use a larger size, for the best effects. Use a smaller ceiling medallion in cozier rooms or in narrower spaces.

3. Height of the ceiling. If your ceilings are 8’ high, the ceiling medallion that looks best will be one that is smaller. Too large and it could overpower your room rather than enhance it. Use a larger medallion if your ceilings are at least 10’ or higher. Again, you can utilize a ceiling rim with your medallion to have the effect of a larger medallion.

If you still aren’t sure, try one or both of these methods to help you pick the right size. Cut out a paper or cardboard cutout of the ceiling medallion that you like and affix it to the ceiling to get a better idea of how your medallion will look with your fixtures. You can also try varying sizes and compare them.

If you want the mathematical formula: Take the length of your room and multiply that by the width of your room. Divide that number by 7 to get the diameter of the ceiling medallion. For example: You have a room that is 12’ x 12’. That’s 144 square feet. Divide by 7 and you get a diameter of 21” for your ceiling medallion.

One final consideration to keep in mind is the style of your room. You may wish to complement the room with your ceiling medallion, in which case you should look for something that matches the pattern or style of your molding.

Ceiling medallions can also be combined with a rosette and used to decorate an otherwise plain ceiling. You can use these architectural ornaments as wall decorations. Use several small ones in the hallway. Ceiling medallions are versatile and come in many styles and sizes. They can be painted to match any room. They are frequently manufactured from high-density furniture grade polyurethane. This makes them lightweight, durable and easy to use. They are less expensive than molded plaster or carved wood, yet indistinguishable from those products. Ceiling medallions are one of the most popular architectural details utilized to enhance your home.

When all is said and done, however, there are no hard and fast rules. It is your home and you cannot go wrong when you are comfortable and happy. Like the Australians say: No Rules, Just Right.

So get started today with a ceiling medallion from GoCeilingMedallion.com. If we don’t have it, we’ll find it because we are the GO TO people for all of your decorative ceiling products.

Copyright 2007. Patricia Tomaskovic

January 15, 2007. Blogroll, Home, Home Decorating, Home interior, Uncategorized. 5 comments.

Polymer or Polyurethane? What’s the Difference?

We talk about our products being manufactured from polymers or fiberglass or polyurethanes. Builders, designers and manufacturers bandy these words about easily. But what exactly do these terms mean? What is the difference between a polymer and a polyurethane? Or between polyurethane and fiberglass?

I decided to do a little research on Wikipedia.com and Artlex.com to help distinguish the similarities and differences between the three terms for all of our readers and customers. This is what I have come up with.

A polymer is a chemical compound that is formed of large connecting molecules. These molecules, when arranged together, make up natural or synthetic (man-made) resins. Resins are sticky substances used to create paints, plastics and nylon. Polyurethane is one type of material made of polymers.

Polyurethanes, then are any of a variety of polymers which contain urethane. A urethane is a “crystalline compound that is used as a solvent and as the basis for polyurethanes” (Artlex.com). Urethane and polyurethane are used interchangeably to refer to the same type of substance. Polyurethanes are actually chains of organic polymers that are joined together by urethane links. These can vary in characteristics such as flexibility and rigidity.

Polyurethanes are found in many items. They are used in resins, adhesives, fibers, foam padding and insulation. They come in several forms, such as rods, sheets and liquids.

Polyurethanes are frequently used as an alternative to such materials as wood, plastics, metal and rubber. And for good reason. Polyurethanes are resistant to wear and tear, weather, impact, scratching and erosion. They are also more cost-effective as an alternative as well.

Other uses for poyurethanes, in addition to those mentioned above, include: fibers, seals, gaskets, condoms, hard plastic parts, carpet underlay and sealants. Items such as domed ceilings, moldings and ceiling medallions are easier to construct of polyurethane foam rather than wood.

In its most flexible form, polyurethanes are found in upholstery fabrics, while the more rigid foams are used inside the metal and plastic walls of most refrigerators and freezers. They are commonly utilized to make up paints, varnishes and glue. Your computer mouse-pad bottom is most likely made of polyurethane foam.

Variants are also used in tires, roller blades, skateboards, wheelchair tires, bicycle tires and auto parts like steering wheels and bumpers. Tennis grips, electronic parts, some surfboards and the foam used in chairs, couches and mattresses is of polyurethane foam. Polyurethane is also used in furniture, school tables, furniture found in hospitals and banks and shop counters and displays.

Wow!! Quite a versatile substance. It’s low cost, lightweight and anything you can do to wood, you can do to polyurethane. Sounds like the greatest invention since sliced bread.

Finally, we come to fiberglass. Fiberglass is sometimes referred to as spun glass. It is also a light and durable product. Fiberglass is composed of a plastic resin fortified with glass fiber. These glass fibers are very minute and they are used to reinforce polymer products. Then we call them fiber-reinforced polymer or glass-reinforced plastic, both of which are commonly referred to as fiberglass.

Fiberglass is found in mats, insulation and fabrics that are heat resistant, corrosive resistant and high strength. Ceiling medallions, ceiling domes and moldings can also be constructed of fiberglass.

Fiberglass products are often as economical as polyurethanes. They are light weight and resist erosion, wear and tear and weather. They can be sanded, nailed, planed and painted, just as polyurethane products can be. Fiberglass products provide yet another alternative to more costly products as wood, ceramic or plaster, which are also more difficult to work with.

So there we have the nitty-gritty behind polymers, polyurethanes and fiberglass. I know I learned a bit more about each and I hope that you also found this to be an informative resource.

Visit GoCeilingMedallion.com to see the decorative ceiling products offered that are constructed of these amazing substances.

January 8, 2007. Blogroll, Home, Home Decorating, Home interior, Uncategorized. 2 comments.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

We Wish You and Yours a Very Merry Christmas!!

From GoCeilingMedallion.com

December 25, 2006. Blogroll, Home, Home Decorating, Home interior, Uncategorized. Leave a comment.

18K Gold Leaf Crown Molding Here

GoCeilingMedallion recently attained dealer status with RoJico Trading Company. RoJico is the exclusive impoter of an elegant new line of ceiling medallions offered by GoCeilingMedallion. We also have access to twenty unique designs of 18K Gold Leaf crown molding like that pictured above. Because we will be working directly with the manufacturer/importer, we can purchase a wide selection of high caliber products at reduced prices that we have passed on to our customer.

The crown moldings are manufactured from MDF and plaster, over which an 18K gold foil is applied. These crown moldings are installed just as any other type would be installed. They can be cut, sanded and nailed. They also come with a sheet of 18K gold foil for touching up.

Use these crown coldings to create dramatic and elegant effects in your home. Click here for more examples of our new line of 18K Gold Leaf crown molding and to place your order today.

December 18, 2006. Blogroll, Home, Home Decorating, Home interior, Uncategorized. 1 comment.