Environmental Home Store

Warm, smooth to touch, natural, solid, timeless, durable, with a matte finish and sustainable.
PaperStone™: a unique countertop material that is environmentally friendly as well. Used originally for the
outdoor skateboard and marine industries, PaperStone™ is made using 50% (Original series) to 100%
(Certified series) post consumer recycled paper and a unique and proprietary phenolic based resin blend
which provides an extremely durable and waterproof countertop option.

Since it is over 60% paper, it has a much more natural look and feel than other solid-surface countertops.
It also offers ease of workmanship and much more strength than most other counter top options. During
the manufacturing process, paper is impregnated with resin; the paper is then stacked to the desired
thickness and pressed under high pressure with heat. The heat turns the resin to liquid and the pressure
pushes the resin through the paper to form a solid, uniform and extremely durable sheet that is
permanently bonded.

PaperStone™ has hundreds of layers that are the same color throughout the sheet. People looking for a
sustainable countertop product that has the look of soapstone with a warm soft feel rather than cold
stone or concrete have a new option - PaperStone™.

How heat resistant?
These countertops are heat resistant to 350 degrees, a higher rating than most countertops. The material does not
need any special protection near stoves. Although a pot of boiling water does not present a problem, it’s always
wise to use a trivet or a hot pad between the countertop and hot pots.
Does the color change?
With the lighter color options, the countertop will have a slight mottled appearance. Although the countertop does
contain UV inhibitors, the color will patina into a darker look which gives it a rich, warm appearance.
How scratch resistant is PaperStone ™ ?
PaperStone™ is significantly harder than wood, but like most countertops, it can be scratched. These countertops
should be viewed similarly to wood and should not be used as a cutting surface. If the countertop is scratched, since
the color is uniform throughout, no substrate material will show. A light sanding can remove minor scratches and
cuts.
Is the counter food grade safe?
Yes, PaperStone™ provides a bacterial and food safe environment when used with sustainable finishes.
How do I maintain the look of the countertops?
PaperStone™ recommends using PaperStone Sealer which comes in a squeezable bottle. Just put on small amount
on cloth and rub into surface which helps the countertops develop a warm, slightly mottled patina. Repeat several
times the first month. After that, the number of reapplications depends on the look you want.
How stain resistant is it?
PaperStone™ countertops are quite stain-resistant, and they withstand harsh chemicals so well that they are often
used in laboratories. But the materials are not stain-proof. Beet juice has been known to discolor counters. If
discoloration does appear, try repeated applications of standing water and vinegar for approximately 15 minutes.
With stubborn stains sand with a square scotch brite brush using a circular sander. This sanding spot treatment can
be done anytime to remove stain. After sanding, dust off excess dust and apply PaperStone Sealer and buff out with
a circular buffer. Wipe evenly with a clean dry cloth.

Cutting methods
Work in a well-ventilated area to protect yourself from any fumes that could result when the friction of tools
heats the plastic. Wear eye protection and a mask to protect against dust. Like wood, PaperStone ™ should
be cut dry. Speed up the cutting rate if you detect excess heat. Fully support PaperStone™ before you
begin cutting since the blade could bind when the slab’s weight shifts as the cut proceeds. PaperStone ™
recommends using a carbidetipped blade in a circular saw. Use a triple-chip blade if possible. To shape
PaperStone™ with a router, use a carbide cutter. Plan ahead so that you do not have to slow down as you
go through tight spots, such as an inside corner. We suggest a few practice runs on a scrap piece. Coarse
shavings indicate the proper feed rate. Holes and screws Wood screws work well, but drilling pilot holes is
absolutely essential. Size the holes so they are just slightly bigger than the shaft (but less than the outside
edge of the thread). Insert screws slowly so they don’t snap or overheat. Be careful about touching screw
heads immediately after they are inserted; the metal may be hot. PaperStone™ can also be tapped to
accommodate threaded fasteners or threaded inserts. Fasteners can be press-fit or cast in place
with an epoxy compound.
Seaming and bonding. Unlike other solid-surface countertops, seams in our composite countertops may
show and should be incorporated into the design. Because seams show, built-up edges are not
appropriate. Plan seams so that they are not next to sinks. To join countertop sections, use this process:
1. On a sturdy, level surface set out spacer bars of uniform thickness and place the countertop sections on
them. Between the slabs, leave a gap slightly less than the width of a straight-edge router bit.
2. Clamp on a sturdy straightedge to use as a fence and run the router down the opening, so that the bit
shaves off a thin section of both edges at once. This will create edges that mate perfectly.
3. Then set up for mechanical strengthening and aligning of the joint. There are two options:
Cut slots for standard wooden "biscuits," using a biscuit jointer, or rout out the necessary holes for the type
of tight-joint fasteners typically used to connect sections of laminate countertop.
4. Glue the joint using a slow-drying, two-part epoxy. Tint the epoxy by mixing in some of the
sanding dust from the countertop. Once the joint has cured, lightly sand it to blend the seam with
the surrounding area. It is also possible to seal joints with standard caulking sealants. Typical
areas for this treatment are the underside of the backsplash and around under-mounted sinks.
Use a moderate amount of caulk in a color compatible with the countertop.
Sanding and Finishing
Unlike other solid surface counter tops which are machined to very high tolerances, PaperStone, should be
expected to have a surface quality that may include small imperfections such as low and high areas.
Keeping this in mind, it is recommended that sanding and finishing be kept to a minimum. We have found that
a satin sheen provides the most beauty and least day to day care. To achieve this, sanding should start
with an abrasive no coarser than 180 grit. Sand using a random orbit sander until an even sheen is
achieved across the entire surface. Paperstone should then be wiped clean with a damp cloth to remove
sanding dust and loose abrasive particles remaining from the initial sanding procedure. The next step is to
use a fiber abrasive pad such as 3m scotch brite no coarser than red or grey. (red = fine and grey = super
fine) Place the pad abrasive on the surface and place the random orbit sander pad in the center and
proceed to buff the entire surface until a uniform sheen is again achieved. This procedure should also be
followed by a thorough wiping with a damp cloth. We recommend a final treatment and or maintenance
using PaperStone Sealer. Apply following instructions. Surface may then be buffed by hand or a car
polishing bonnet to achieve a deep satin luster.