Does ALKEMI qualify for LEED credits?
ALKEMI contributes to MR Credit (s) 4.1 and 4.2 Recycled Content: Post-Industrial. More on LEED…

What certifications has ALKEMI received?
ALKEMI-acrylic is certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a leading organization in the evaluation of sustainable materials. This certification confirms that ALKEMI - acrylic contains 91% post-industrial recycled material. ALKEMI-polyester is also certified by SCS, and contains a minimum of 34% post-industrial recycled material. More on Certifications…

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 of the 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?
Renewed Materials, LLC sells and distributes ALKEMI to solid surface fabricators. Search for fabricators in your area…

What sized sheets does ALKEMI come in?
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. However, sanding and polishing again by qualified fabricator can correct such surface problems.

Is ALKEMI absorbent?
ALKEMI is non-absorbant but ALKEMI-polyester may exhibit porosity at cut edges. All exposed ALKEMI-polyester edges, most importantly at wet areas such as sink cut-outs, must be coated and finished using clear resin 250A sealant as instructed by ALKEMI-polyester Fabrication Methods. 250A may be obtained through http://surfsource.net. Please refer to ALKEMI-polyester fabrication manual for more information.

Can ALKEMI stain?
ALKEMI is stain resistant against most common liquids. Lemon juice or other acidic liquids, including red wine, if left to remain on the surface for extended period of time can stain ALKEMI. However, such stains can be sanded and polished off to restore the surface by qualified fabricators.

Can ALKEMI be scratched?
ALKEMI is an extremely durable product, but like most materials ALKEMI can become scratched if abused. However, surface scratches occurring on Honed and Classic ALKEMI-polyester and ALKEMI-acrylic can be sanded and polished off by qualified fabricators.

Can built-up or stacked edges be achieved with ALKEMI?
Yes! Edge build-up treatments such as stacking or layering, including mitering, can be performed by qualified solid surface fabricators, following the ALKEMI fabrication methods.

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. As such, ALKEMI is not NSF certified. However, both lines of ALKEMI are guaranteed to be food safe by Renewed Materials, Inc.

Does ALKEMI require surface sealing?
No, ALKEMI does not require surface sealing. ALKEMI-acrylic does not need to be sealed on the edges – please see the ALKEMI-acrylic Fabrication Manual for sanding and finishing details. However, during fabrication, only the exposed cut edges of ALKEMI-polyester should be sealed with a clear coat resin (250A), as instructed in the ALKEMI-polyester Fabrication Manual.

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 trough. 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?
No, ALKEMI-tabletops are available in ALKEMI-acrylic only.

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