The Comprehensive Guide to Balloons|Balloons Balloons|All You Need to Know About Balloons| What More do You Need to Know About Balloons?|The World of Balloons|My Lovely Balloons}
Introduction to Balloons
The word ‘Balloons' conjures up pictures in your mind of simple balloons you blow up for kid's parties, or balloons that fly off on their own, or the special balloons for big events like the ones produced for the wedding of Charles and Diana? There are so many different types of balloons available that you can get almost anything for any event you need.
When you think about it, a balloon is a very strange item. It is something that stretches when filled with air or some other type of gas, such as Helium or hydrogen and is very fragile so that it can easily burst. The very early balloons would have been made with non-elastic material but modern balloons have great elasticity because they are made of Latex and can be pumped up to create much larger sizes than earlier ones. Balloons come in many different sizes and colours and can brighten up any event and promote a festive atmosphere.
Balloon History
The earliest known balloons were very simple in that they were made out of the bowels of animals. The Aztec Indians in Central and Southern America carefully cleaned out the cat gut, turned it inside out and sewed it with special vegetable thread that stuck to itself when dried in the sun creating an almost airtight seal. The balloons were shaped into model animals and then filled with air to be burnt on the top of the Aztec pyramid as an offering to the sun god. This is the first recorded history of balloon modelling.
The first public showing of a balloon was at the Portuguese Court in Lisbon in 1809 by a Portuguese priest, Bartolomeu de Gusmao, and was most likely to be made from an animal bladder that stretched when filled with air. The modern rubber balloon was invented in eighteen twenty four by Michael Faraday the renowned English chemist and physicist who invented, amongst other many other things, the Faraday cage and he also made huge contributions to the fields electromagnetism and electrochemistry. The balloons Faraday used were filled with hydrogen for his science experiments with Hydrogen, but the more common Latex balloon did not appear until 1847. Although the Latex balloon was manufactured in London in the mid eighteen hundreds and early rubber balloons were sold in America in parks and circuses for a penny each; the mass production of them did not happen until a hundred years later in 1931.
The balloon industry became more advanced as they developed in line with technology. Now balloons are made from rubber Latex, polychloroprene or nylon and may be filled with air, Helium, hydrogen or water. Filling the balloon with air can be done with the mouth, a manual hand pump, electric inflator, foot pump or with compressed gas. Balloons are used for many differing purposes, and decorated in numerous ways to suit the circumstance.
Some balloons are purely for decorative reasons, others are ideal for individual uses because of their low density and are relatively cheap to procure. The balloon's properties have led to them being used in a wide range of other applications in the areas of meteorology, military defence, medical treatment, and transportation.
Different Balloon Types
Balloons used at Parties
The most widely recognised types of balloons are the ones we are used to seeing at parties, generally a child's party. These are often bought in small packets and blown up by volunteers or with a pump to create a festive scene for children's parties and other kinds of celebratory events. These days you often see a balloon cluster at the entrance to a house or hall to indicate where the party is being held, it has almost become a universal indicator of a party in progress! The balloons come in many different sizes and colours and can have printing on the face which expands as the balloon is blown up. Party balloons are almost always made of natural Latex tapped from rubber trees. The rubber's elasticity makes the size variable. Balloons filled with air usually hold their size and shape much longer than those filled with Helium.This is because Helium particles are so small they can escape between the Latex molecules, apparently!
There is a great range of colours for balloons and many different sizes due to the flexibility of the material from which they are made. Printed balloons are an excellent way to advertise a company or fund raising event.
Balloons made of Foil
The foil balloon or Mylar balloons first appeared during the late 1970s. They are much more expensive than Latex balloons and are made of thin non-stretch metalized plastic film or Mylar. The first time I remember them being used a major event was when they made an appearance at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and they caused quite a stir. Foil balloons have beautiful shiny reflective texture and can be finished with colour pictures, branding and patterns to customise them. The most important aspect of metalized nylon for balloons is its capability to prevent the Helium gas from leaking for several weeks because it is less porus. Foil balloons also have the advantage of being light weight, longer-lasting with greater buoyancy. They are perfect for extraordinary celebrations, in-store displays, parties and for gifts. At our granny's 90'th birthday celebration a few weeks ago my brother brought along a foil balloon with 90 printed on it to add to the occasion .Mylar balloons or foil balloons can also be created into interesting shapes and can be printed with designs to advertise a brand.
Balloons in Animal Shapes
Balloons in animal shapes are ade from metalized nylon which can easily be cut into pieces so that when sewn together they make the three dimensional shapes of animals. Screen printing the appropriate design on the model, makes the chosen animal come realistically alive. Once inflated, these pretty balloons make a very bright decorative impact for that special event. Balloons in animal shapes may be used as gifts or as a talking point at your special event. Animal shaped balloons can make a great birthday gift for a child as an extra indulgence.
Balloon Rockets
Inflating a balloon and letting it go before tying it is as game most youngsters enjoy at some time or another (and adults too)! The rude noise it makes always has all but the really stone faced falling about laughing as it zooms all over the place. This demonstration is an experiment in how a rocket works and they are called balloon rockets. As a child I can remember being intrigued as I learned how they worked.
When the mouth of the balloon is released, the balloon contracts so that the greater pressure of air inside is forced out causing the balloon to be propelled forward. This is in effect how a rocket works. The balloon can also be inflated with different gases other than air, resulting inthe same effect. Balloon rockets are a widely used a teaching device to demonstrate the principles in science of the operation of a rocket. The balloon rocket is also frequently used to demonstrate Newton's third law in physics. Children can have hours of fun playing with balloons as a balloon rocket. The unpredictability of where they will go adds much laughter to the fun.
Balloons Filled With Water
The water balloons are obviously filled with water and are intended for kids to fling at each other as a game or practical joke with the aim of getting each other soaked. They are quite often not as big as normal balloons and made from thin rubber so that they can be easily broken. Water balloons are often used in competitions or games.
Helium Balloons
The reason Helium balloons float up is because they are filled with Helium gas which is lighter than air. So for an event where balloons are set off into the air, they will all be Helium filled balloons. If the Helium balloons are rubber balloons they will only retain their buoyancy for a few days. This is because the Latex has pores that are bigger than the enclosed Helium atoms so the Helium gradually leaks out. To increase the buoyancy period of a Helium balloon the inside of the balloons can be coated with a special polymer solution which lessens the leakage of the Helium for a week or more. Having even just one foil Helium filled balloon at a small party can create a special effect to enhance the occasion.The advantage of choosing Helium balloons during your product launch or event is that they are a relatively cost effective way of creating a wonderful splash.
Balloon Sculpting
Balloon Sculptures are made from hundreds of balloons to create a solid structure such as a balloon arch, wall or statute. Other shapes are more difficult, but on occasion more ambitious sculptures have been constructed so they are possible. These works of art are usually made and designed by professional party decorators as it is a very skilled job. Balloon sculptures are really quite constrained because of the round shape of the balloons but with clever colour choice simple arches or walls can make an impressive feature at your gathering. The balloons need to be precision filled with exactly the same amount of gas and to do this professional balloon party decorators use electronic equipment to deliver the exact amount of Helium into the balloon. For non-floating balloons air inflators are used. Industrial grade balloons differ from most retail packet balloons as they are larger in size, stronger and made from one hundred percent biodegradable Latex. Sometimes Helium balloons are used as table decorations for special events which may have three or 5 balloons with an arrangement of flowers. The decoration will generally include curled ribbon with an added weight to keep the balloons on the table.
Balloon Modelling and Balloons in Art
Balloon modelling is a fascinating entertainment for children and adults alike and should be confused with balloon sculptures discussed above. The Latex used for balloon modelling is made of extra-stretchy rubber so that it can be twisted and shaped and tied without bursting when making the balloon model. A Balloon modelling artist twists and ties the inflated modelling balloons into shapes resembling animals, people or hats. When you watch a balloon modeller at work you half expect that the balloons will pop when they are twisting and tying their handy work. These tiny modelling balloons are extremely difficult to inflate and often need a pump to get them started, until you have developed the lungs for it.
Balloon Drops
I am sure you will have been to a party or dance where at the end of the event a load of balloons are dropped from the ceiling to create excitement and fun amongst the audience. This is a balloon drop and is often performed at events such as New Year's Eve celebrations or at political rallies and conventions. It is a relatively low budget way of creating a festive atmosphere at the party climax, so everyone goes away feeling they have had a really great evening. By printing messages or logos on the balloons they can also be an advertising item at the event.
It is easy enough to create your own balloon drop for that special event providing you have a room with high enough ceilings. Firstly you will need to set up a large plastic bag or net overhead, which is suspended at the required height. Get your assistants to help with inflating balloons as it can take a long time to do the number needed. Then pile the inflated balloons into the net and make sure the opening is central so that the balloons will drop onto the target area below when they are released. You will also need to develop a mechanism for releasing the balloons, and make sure you have thoroughly tested it so everything goes to plan at the big moment. Balloon drops Can also be performed at many other celebrations, such as graduations and weddings.
Balloon releases are an environmentally friendly use for advertising balloons by releasing hundreds or even thousands of balloons printed with your marketing message.
Releasing Balloons on Mass
Because of concerns about the effect on the environment of a large number of balloons being released, the NABAS - The Balloon Association have produced a code of conduct which can be found on their website at www.nabas.co.uk
If you are planning a balloon race of more than 5,000 balloons, it is a necessity that you apply in writing for permission to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at least 28 days in advance. The CAA also like to be informed of balloon races of less than 5,000. An application form can be requested by calling either the NABAS office on 01989 762 204 or the Airspace Utilisation Section of the CAA on 020 7453 6599
Environmental Concerns and Balloon Safety
Latex is a natural product from rubber trees that are grown in certain regions of the tropics, so balloons are completely environmentally friendly being manufactured from natural rubber Latex (NRL). These trees are not harvested to extract the NRL. The NRL is obtained by tapping older plants and is an vital sustainable crop providing employment for many agricultural labourers in some of the poorest areas of the world. Latex is a sustainable harvest that is good for the environment and the economy of the country in which the rubber trees grow.
The planting and maintenance of rubber tree plantations contributes towards the prevention of tropical rainforest deforestation. Without the cultivation and the consumption of Latex products the plantations might easily become just another sufferer of the clearance of land for farming. One of the great benefits of NRL cultivation is the noticeable contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere that is produced by industrialised nations and is a major source of global warming.
Printed Latex balloons are an absolutely fantastic, low-cost and environmentally friendly way of advertising your promotion or event.
Conclusion
The toy balloon has been a source of delight and excitement for many years at celebratory events such as parties, product launches and conferences throughout the world. They have been an educational resource as well as providing hours of fun and interest for children and adults alike. Non toy balloons are used for experiments in science, as an aid for heart repair in medicine and even as a form of travel as in the hydrogen air ship idea. Balloons are invaluable in helping us to learn about our world and some of the properties of physics.
When you think about it balloons are a major part of modern day life, did you realise?
Cheetah Design? Agreed!: Settling Upon Leopard Infant Crib Bedding Sets For Your Newborn Boy’s Arbor
Experienced parents agree that it is extremely difficult to prepare the baby room for newborn to be. The arrival of a baby requires much preparation, such as choosing a theme for the nursery, and buying sheets and blankets.
Baby crib bedding is an important part of your baby boy's nursery -- not just because it contributes to an attractive decor, but also because the quality of the bedding you choose can have important consequences for your young son's future health and well-being. At the beginning of your search, narrow your choice of baby bedding to those that you know are safe and then you can think about colors and themes.
Boy crib bedding can be purchased to include all the sheets and blankets as well as with room accents like curtains so that your nursery can really look put together. These sheets fit all the basic safety criteria, but these bedding collections are a very attractive choice for any nursery.
Most crib bedding sets contain linens which are standardized to properly fit cribs or toddler beds, thus providing protection from harm for a baby. Most legitimate manufacturers use hypoallergenic materials in their bedding that's free of harmful toxic residues that sometimes cause respiratory problems in newborns. Even the price-conscious, old-fashioned and bargain-hunting consumers find these safe crib bedding quite affordable and surprisingly cheap.
Having narrowed down your search to bedding which meet all safety standards, you may then begin to think about how best to decorate the nursery. The past few years have seen the popularity of rain forest and safari themed nurseries grow as imaginative parents realize that this theme is easily adaptable and therefore can compliment almost any home surroundings.
Leopard crib bedding or any animal print can be part of a jungle themed nursery full of adventure. Materials from light and airy cotton to magnificently textured micro-suede are available for this cat-themed nursery bedding. After equipping your son's nursery with the jungle-themed Safe Crib Bedding which promotes imaginative play along with a secure slumber, you feel quite overwhelmed with the satisfaction of the creation.
Benefits of Wedding Directory
As weddings require a lot of preparation, you can first search online using a wedding directory so that you will know what to plan for. Say goodbye to the endless driving and walking around finding and talking to people.
Wedding directory is a great resource when come to wedding planning. It contain website urls and contacts of various wedding service providers. Most people use wedding directory to get information on sources of wedding requirements and essentials. Wedding directory are usually organized according to the services and under a category like the wedding planners; all the wedding planners are listed. Other wedding services include the wedding videographers, buffet caterers, wedding flowers, wedding banquet, etc. The contacts are the most important pieces of information that wedding couple are looking for. This includes the address of the wedding service provider. One can contact or visit the selected service provider using the information provided by the wedding directory.
By consulting your local wedding directory you will find a shop near you from where you can buy a wedding gown. The internet is one of the most convenient tools to do your search. There are numerous services that one needs to have to ensure that the ceremony turns out as planned. Such services are like photography, wedding venues, buffet catering, wedding decorations and so on. Wedding directories consists of information regarding how one can get these services and how much they charge for their services. One only needs to consult wedding directories to could find some of the best service providers. It is so convenient.
The wedding directory, connect wedding couple with the wedding service providers. A comprehensive wedding planning resource with information of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice and checklists to provide guidance through every step of the planning process.
Save Time and Machinery by Doing Regular Heat Exchanger Tube Cleaning
When considering heat exchanger unit cleaning, it is not what one would consider a glamorous job. In fact, nothing about it could ever be further away from glamorous than this form of industrial cleaning. However, be that as it may, jobs like these must be done. Keeping machinery cool and running at top efficiency is the job of heat exchangers and failure in this area can be costly, to say the least.
When you have important machinery that needs to be cooled in order to run at peak efficiency, thermal heat exchangers are the best way to do this. Since it is cheaper and less complicated than mechanical refrigerants, many businesses with heavy industrial equipment that needs to be cooled will often use these systems. The downside is that these systems can become dirty rather quickly and regular heat exchanger tube cleaning must be performed. Ignoring this system and not performing the exchanger tube cleaning when needed will result in a heat exchanger system that does not work efficiently.
Over time, the efficiency of the system could become so compromised that it would almost be like not having a cooling system at all. In this event, your business could experience costly damage to the equipment the heater exchange systems were put there to cool. The reality is that heat exchanger tube cleaning is not terribly complicated. In many cases, this will entail simply flushing the tubes with water to blow out any debris that can hinder the system from working properly.
The cost that would potentially be incurred if the heat transfer systems were to be compromised could be significant and it is a chance any good businessperson will not be willing to take. While it may seem difficult to imagine that so much rides on something as small as heat exchanger tube cleaning, it is the truth. Paying attention to the cleanliness of your heat exchanger system could save you big headaches and big money in the end.
Does wine need to ‘breathe’?
Wine which has been allowed to breathe tastes better. That's what wine experts will tell you. But what exactly does it mean to allow wine to breathe and what,exactly, are the benefits you will enjoy if you do allow it to breathe?
Well, you'll probably notice a better bouquet with enhanced flavors and a smoother "finish". As wine breathes it releases its aromas and flavours. Of course decanters were and still are used to aerate wine - we've seen it done in movies all the time, in some cases taken to ridiculous lengths holding the bottle over a candle flame to check for sediment.
But for most of us decanting is too time consuming, too hard and let's face it, inconvenient. But we still want the benefit of the enhanced flavours of the wine. So is there an easy way to do anything about it?
Turns out modern science can provide the quick way. There's always some gadget out there that will help you with everyday tasks, whether it's an easy garlic peeler or, as in this case, a Vinturi essential wine aerator. That's right, they have a gadget to help you aerate your wine easily and that's what allowing the wine to breathe actually means.
Some modern wine aerators actually aerate the wine glass by the glass! That means you can pur yourself a single glass and know that it's 'breathed' sufficiently to enhance it - but you don't have to aerate the entire bottle. That helps to keep the wine in good condition for later because, ironically, once a wine is aerated the process of deterioration begins.
If you drink wine occasionally a wine aerator device can even help you save money by not wasting your wine - and it certainly can help you appreciate the full quality of whatever wine you do buy.
The Perfect Kitchen Made with Kitchen Island Lighting
If you and your family think going on a complete kitchen remodeling, it would be a lovely idea to know how much work this assignment would have. Your contractor may be too keen to be appointed and just promised you the best kitchen you can have. However, few things that may not be as simple as you first considered it, there will surely be some problems coming at every change that you want done. In order to support others we created kitchen lighting designs and furnish kitchen pendant lights material for our visitors.
After finally dealing with everything you want accomplished with your kitchen, one main thing that you have to think of is how to choose perfect kitchen island lighting on your newly remodeled kitchen. There might have been a lot of fuzz with selecting the best granite top, cabinets or extra kitchen sinks on your new kitchen island. It would be such waste having a beautifully done kitchen island if you are not to be able to use it.
This is the reason why it is imperative to carefully select the right sort of lighting for your kitchen island lighting. One of the most typical choices for this type of lighting are the pendant ones which drops down from the ceiling. They come in varied shapes, styles and sizes. You may opt for huge single light designs or take one with several smaller lights.
pan shaped glass lampshade kitchen island lighting is one famous design that you may want to seek out. These types comes with hardware that comes in brass to bronze or iron to pewter. You could also try multiple pendant kitchen islands lighting to turn this part of your kitchen well lit. Having a proper lighting can help you with your dinner preparations or reading while enjoying a quick bite.
How to achieve effective retail signage?
Looking for ways to make your retail shopstand out from the rest? Retail signage is a key aspect of conveying your image to customers. Effectively displaying your identity, brand, promotions, services, message and company name can be achieved with quality retail display stands. So are you getting the right image across to your customers?
Professional retail displays stands can be achieved effectively with a few basic display products. Basic principles apply to getting retail signage just right.
These include:
- Keep it simple and don’t overcrowd with too much information
- Don’t confuse your marketing message and focus on the important message.
- Use quality images and graphics
- Make sure written text is easy to read
But how can you display your merchandising display units effectively? What products can you use to enhance your retail systems?
Window Displays
What are the benefits?
These can be achieved using cable and rod mounted displays that can be attached either wall to wall or floor to ceiling. poster holders placed in cable displays can create a powerful retail display that will attract customers to your shop window. They are a versatile means of displaying your retail signage. Display cabinets are also a cost effective solution
How can they be used?
Window displays are regularly used by opticians. The versatility of these display systems means that that they can be configured to include poster pockets, graphic panels and multimedia screens. A key to effective retail signage is to keep your information fresh and up to date. Frequently changing your displays is simple and easy to use with cable mounted window displays.
Light Boxes
What are the benefits?
Just as colour posters stand out more to the eye than black and white posters, the combination of light and colour has the power to grab the attention of potential customers, and are proven to be more effective than traditional posters. Illuminating your retail signage with display light boxes is a highly effective method of making your information stand out from the crowd.
How can they be used?
In places where you would normally have a traditional poster, use a light box display. Wall mounted light boxes are ideally placed behind the till point for point of purchase displays. Freestanding illuminated signs can display your brand or new product and be located throughout your shop so they are visible from all angles.
Pavement Displays
What are the benefits?
Effective retail signage can be achieved even before the customers are through the door. Sandwich boards, A boards and swing signs can attract passing customers when they don’t look up at the sign above your shop or products in your window.
How can they be used?
Ideal to display your opening hours, promotions and sales offers, pavement signs can displays your posters and graphics. Place them outside your door or in location so that they can direct attention to your shop. This carefully placed signage can be placed to catch potential customers.
There are a host of other products that can be used to achieve effective quality retail displays. POD Retail Displays have a range of products to enhance your signage displays and make your shop stand out from the rest.
Veggies Take Life Insurance carrot
Summary
An interesting new insurance policy has been introduced by Animal Friends Insurance. The insurance plan offers cheap premiums to vegetarians, based on evidence that they are at a reduced risk than their carnivorous counterparts of developing certain health conditions. It remains to be seen whether other insurance organisations will follow AFI’s lead .
A not for profit insurance firm has introducd a scheme which offers egg eaters and vegetarians a reduced price life insurance quote .
The deal, thought to be the first of its type, is being introduced by Animal Friends Insurance (AFI). The organisation is offering vegetarians a 6 per cent discounton life assurance premiums
The firm claimed that veggies ought to pay a lesser sum for the insurance cover, which pays out if the customer were to die, because they were less likely to suffer from a range of very serious illnesses, including cancers.
Sheils Hatline, a director at AFI, said that the risk of veggies being diagnosed with certain cancers is lowered by up to forty two per cent and the risk of them suffering from heart disease is cut by up to 32 per cent, but despite this they have, until now, had to pay broadly the same insurance costs as customers who eat meat.
She says that Animal Friends Insurance think that this is unfair and says the life industry should recognise the concept that being a veggie can impose a very positive impact on life expectancy and cut its premiums accordingly.
A normal arrangement is also on the market for non-vegetarians. Both policies are sold by LV=, which used to be known as Liverpool Victoria.
In common with standard life cover, a range of things contribute to the cost of the premium including whether the applicant smokes, their sex, weight and age.
Currently, Animal Friends Insurance is making the 6% lower price itself from the payment it gets from LV=. In the future, however, the company’s objective was to offer lower costs on specialist insurance cover. In offering the price reduction the organisation is hoping to sign up enough vegetarians to make it cost effective for LV= to underwrite yet another insurance policy that takes the vegetarian’s diet into account.
Indeed there are worthwhile savings to be had, a 38 year oldnon-smoker purchasing £300,000 worth of life insurance cover might potentially save £393.60 over a 20-year term.
Where life insurance is concerned, AFI believes that life insurers should begin to treat those that like meat and people that don’t eat meat in approaches matching the way they approach smokers and non-smokers. It is to be hoped that other companies in the insurance industry will do something similar.
Some senior executivesin the insurance industry doubt whether there is any proof that vegetarians live longer, and how any insurance company would know that people who had certified that they are veggies did not eat the odd spare rib.
It’s true that when it comes to smoking there are GP records - if you now don’t smoke it's possible that your GP is likely to be aware. But this does not apply when it comes to eating meat, an insurance executive said.
But many veggies argue that they are not worried about people falling off the vegetarian wagon and suggested that once a vegetarian has become a veggie, they don’t go back to meat-eating, that is unlike applicants who smoke who tend to drift out and back again into their habit.
Cut Debt to Get On With Life
Our lives aren't all fun and silliness, is it? After my wife and I spent a full week away from the real world on vacation, it was time for us to face the music. From exorbitant interest on our credit cards and our auto loan to home projects left unfinished, she and I had our work cut out for us. And I'm tenacious old dog, so I wasn't quitting on my GPS plan, either.
First we tackled the credit cards. Gratefully, even in this time of tough credit, credit card companies and auto loan bureaus seem anxious to please individuals with good credit. My wife did a great job isolating the best deal on zero percent credit cards.
I'm thankful somebody in the house has some responsible sense of our financial situation... and it sure as heck is not me. But the lower interest rate and smaller monthly bills should really supply us a little extra breathing room.
Then we had to handle a number of household improvements we had been designing for quite some time. Some may say we have no business investing in betterments at this time, but what can I say? We prefer to stubbornly push onward.
My wife has been looking over the different available steam showers and we both agree on the bathroom lights and bathroom sinks we want for our bathroom remodel, but after looking over some discount bedding materials, we're no longer on the same page for the new bedding.
Thankfully, she's being either encouraging or tolerant of my trivial gadget fixation. I'm not too bad about it, but I have my weakness. Presently I have narrowed it down to a handheld tv, DVD projector or a Garmin Golflogix GPS. Speaking of GPS, we both agree it is time to invest in a dog gps unit for our dog's safety.
I believe gps tech has evolved enough and become cheap enough that we need to integrate it into our life.
I'm just allayed my wife and I are on the same page for most of this material. People's lives can be so much more difficult when the individuals around you use your problems as launching places for their pride instead of opportunities to unite and mature.
Questech Sandgate and Dorset Collection
Leading backsplash tile supplier My Tile Backsplash is pleased to announce the addition of both the Sandgate and Dorset Collection from Questech to there vast selection of backsplash material.
The Sandgate and Dorset Collection offers an array of decorative accents in both a natural stone and a metal look. Each Series has three different categories within each of the Sandgate and Dorset lines.
Questech Metals - Questech invented a breakthrough technology, a process for casting beautiful metal objects at a fraction of the weight and cost of solid metals. This discovery led to the launch of the industry's first mass produced metal tiles, creating an important new category in the tile and home improvement markets. The difference between the two series of Sandgate and Dorset Collections is the style offerings between them. The colors that are offered are the same, just different designs between the two series.
Questech Cast Stone - Questech broke the mold again, with their revolutionary product of the cast stone series. These decorative pieces have a resemblance of natural stone with the look of travertine and marble. The product offering in this category is phenomenal. The selection includes everything from a 2" x 2" to a large 16" x 24" mural. Again, the color offering between the Sandgate and the Dorset collection are the same, just the different designs associated with each series.
Questech Natural Stone - This includes a factory-sealed tumbled marble collection offered in both Castle Wheat and Casa Emperador. Tumbled marble tiles have better wear properties, warmer feels, softer appearance and a matte finish. Tumbled Marble with Q-Seal provides a built-in anti-bacterial protection. Ultra-Fresh inhibits the growth of stain and odor causing mold and mildew. It is factory applied and will not lose its effectiveness over time. The added anti-bacterial protection makes the tiles ideal for showers, tub surrounds and kitchen backsplashes. They will never be the worry of having to reseal the tiles or worry about special stone cleaners.
As with all the products from Questech, each and every one of the products is sealed with their Q-Seal. The fear of sealing or water-damaged products does not exist with the Questech product line.