Monthly Archives: August 2012

Luxury Countertop Materials: How Do Zinc and Pewter Compare?

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At Bastille Metal Works, we always thoroughly explain the difference between cast zinc and cast pewter, because aesthetically they have very different looks. Zinc is more matte with blue and brown hues, meanwhile pewter has more distinctive polished look with silver hues. But how do these alloy metals compare to other luxury kitchen countertop materials?

Steel Applications

Stainless steel is a popular choice because it is durable, heat resistant, and relatively easy to maintain. Unfortunately steel can get scratched and blemished fairly easily. And unlike zinc and pewter, it doesn’t develop a patina which gives the metal an appearance of warmth. As a patina develops on zinc and pewter it blends any imperfections and forms a protective carbonate layer over time, which is one of the reasons alloy metals lasts centuries and become even more beautiful with age.

Marble Applications

Marble is a popular choice because of the variety of color selections. The marble surface is relatively chip resistant and smooth in appearance. It’s important to note that marble can be easily stained without a sealant, particularly with red wine, and it doesn’t have a protective layer like a patina. This means chemicals are needed to protect the material, making it not nearly as organic as zinc and pewter.

Granite Applications

Granite is significantly more durable than marble, which is why it’s such a popular choice in kitchens. It is also fairly versatile, with a large variety of colors available to match a kitchen’s decor. Unfortunately granite is not as low maintenance as other materials, because you have to reseal it every year, so again, you have to use chemicals to keep the material looking good year after year and protect the surface. It has also become a very mainstream choice and is not as commonly used in high-end settings.

Onyx Applications

Onyx is a beautiful and unique choice for countertops, because of its dramatic character and translucent qualities, which sometimes gives it a glowing appearance. Unfortunately, onyx doesn’t become more beautiful with age and can quickly look worn down. The stone itself is very fragile, making it easy to scratch and very brittle. Fiberglass is often used to hold the onyx together, so for the price, onyx is a very high maintenance material.

Glass Applications

Glass countertops are a beautifully artistic and durable choice. They retain their look over time and are waterproof and relatively easy to maintain. They are great, particularly for commercial and specialty projects because they are environmentally friendly and use no sealants. Unfortunately they don’t have the versatility of zinc and pewter, because glass is strikingly modern in appearance. The material is rarely used in traditional kitchens and is not as adaptable as the other choices.

Zinc and Pewter Applications

Cast zinc and pewter are a truly unique choice for countertops that have a warmth, beauty, and history. The two alloy metals naturally retain their look and don’t fade over time thanks to their natural patina, and can last decades or even centuries with proper care. At Bastille Metal Works we use high quality zinc and pewter that is 100% food-safe, non-toxic, naturally anti-microbial, and VOC/chemical free. Our metals are also chip free, stain resistant, and very low maintenance. Both alloy’s sustainability make them an environmentally friendly choice and a superior investment in comparison to other materials because they become more beautiful and develop their look with time. Both cast zinc and pewter are highly versatile and can be used in traditional, transitional, contemporary, and modern aesthetics. The materials can be completely transformed to a specific decor based on the edge profile, finish, and patina choices.

If you are ready to take your kitchen or restaurant to the next level with a custom piece of artwork, contact us today to learn about zinc and pewter. We will send samples upon request and are certain you will be enthralled by the quality and aesthetic of this stunning material.

A Visitor’s Guide to Savannah: Historic Beauty and Architecture

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Our main offices are located in the heart of the historic district of Savannah, GA. We derive a lot of inspiration from the beautiful historic details and natural light that flows through our picturesque brick office, built in the mid-1800s. Savannah’s history and beauty inspire many of our visitors to want to explore the Savannah landmarks. When we had visitors from Japan they wanted to know about the best antique shops in our city. We are happy to accommodate any of our visitor’s specific interests, so if you don’t see something on this list that interests you, please ask us!

A Brief History and Architectural Significance
Founded in 1733, Savannah has always been an important seaport and industrial city in the South. It was originally named the first state capitol of Georgia and has many claims to fame, including being the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, the birthplace of famed National Book Award winner, Flannery O’Connor, home to one of South’s first public art museums, and is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States.

The architecture and history of the city is a main draw for tourists and visitors each year. Savannah is one of the only Georgia cities with many antebellum structures preserved, due to General Sherman’s march to the sea during the Civil War. The city was not destroyed and presented to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift, stating: “I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the City of Savannah, with one hundred and fifty guns and plenty of ammunition, also about twenty-five thousand bales of cotton.” Some of the notable historic homes include the Sorrel Weed House, the Green-Meldrim House, the Owens Thomas Houses (part of the Telfair Museum and one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture), and the Mercer Williams House, which played an important role in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Food and Hospitality: A Savannah Tradition
While in town, trying some delicious Southern fare is also a must. Mrs. Wilkes has some of the best Southern food in the country, in a family style atmosphere. Barack Obama even stopped by here on his visit to Georgia. There is also Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons Restaurant, which grew from humble beginnings in the city to the national success it is known for today. The Olde Pink House is an excellent choice for Southern charm mixed with history. Named for the old 18th Century mansion it is located in, The Olde Pink House has some of the most delicious Southern favorites the city is known for, including low country shrimp and grits. And for a more cost efficient option, the Pink House is always open for lunch. Finally, for great views of the river and a great dining experience, there is Vic’s on the River. The structure was built in 1858 by famed New York architect John Stoddard and was housed by General Sherman’s troops. During a renovation to the building in 1901, a hand drawn map by Union soldiers was discovered under the wall surface showing the march from Tennessee into Georgia. It can still be viewed in the restaurant today. After dinner there is also the option of visiting Vic’s Coffee House, located directly below on Historic River Street below or getting some exercise and walking a few blocks over to Leopold’s Ice Cream on Broughton Street. Leopold’s Ice Cream has been a Savannah staple since 1919. It was a favorite place of famed lyricist Johnny Mercer and has also been rated one of the top ten ice cream places in the world by the Toronto Sun.

As you can see, there is no shortage of places to visit and things to see in Savannah, GA. Please contact us to plan a visit. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your design ideas and inspirations!

What Is A Patina?

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One quality of metal that is absolutely necessary to understand is the patina process. A patina is the oxidation or accumulated changes that occur with age to the surface of metals. Cast zinc develops a distinct patina organically over time with deep grays and browns blending into the metal, which can darken the appearance of a design or furnishing. The wonderful thing about a patina, however, is it can easily hide any imperfections and discolorations as they blend into the surface over time. Cast pewter has a less distinctive patina. While it may slightly darken over time, the metal has a much brighter and more silver quality and can be polished indefinitely. Cast zinc’s more matte and grainy surface isn’t as conducive to polishing.

We can create a custom patina design initially for our clients, based on any desired look, through our refined chemical processes. This look can range from a very light patina which retains a lot of the natural silvers and blues to a heavy, darkened brown or gray finish. Many customers and designers appreciate the darkened antique look, because it is reminiscent of the historic bars of Paris, which beautifully reflects the culture, artistry, and luxury of that romantic city.

We at Bastille Metal Works have the versatility and imagination to accommodate any potential aesthetic to fit our client’s design sensibility. Unique and challenging ideas are always welcomed. Contact us today to discuss your original concept and we will transform your vision into a personalized piece of art.

Are Zinc Countertops Safe?

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After doing some research, we discovered that there is some conflicting information on the Internet about the safety of using zinc in indoor applications and furnishings. We found this inaccurate information to be very alarming, because our client’s safety is our number one priority. After years of researching and designing in metal, we use only the highest quality materials and both our zinc and pewter are food-grade safe, 100% toxin free, and environmentally friendly because of their long lifespan.

To get a more accurate view of zinc’s properties and safety, we spoke with Derek Tarrant, our in-house metallurgist, national expert, and a leading authority on zinc. “Zinc is extremely safe and people come into contact with it everyday without realizing it. It’s used in door knobs, the handles of kitchen utensils, and is a major component in brass piping, which our water supply travels through. We slather it on our skin as sunblock in zinc oxide and and put it on our babies in diaper rash creams. To say it is unsafe to humans is highly inaccurate.” Tarrant said.

When questioned on if there were any health benefits, Tarrant said “In the human biochemistry, zinc is an essential nutrient. It’s added to all sorts of multivitamins, helps fight colds, and without it, humans become vulnerable to a number cancers and sicknesses. There are many benefits to zinc.”

The only threat zinc causes is to aquatic plants, as they have a certain sensitivity to the metal in large quantities. But to humans zinc is entirely harmless, and if absorbed, does so in the form of zinc oxide, found in many common hygiene items and ointments.

We hope this clears up any misunderstandings about zinc usage, because at Bastille Metal Works we always put our customers first. For more information about zinc and pewter, please visit our FAQs section, or feel free to reach out to us with any further questions.

Designing for Lure: Blending Classic Coastal Heritage With Upscale Fine Dining

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Lure is a unique Atlanta eatery which strives to provide the freshest seafood dining experience paired with high quality, delicious ingredients. The Executive Chef, David Bradley, believes sustainable seafood and seasonal produce are the keys to creating a memorable menu for city dwellers.

The restaurant is based out of a midtown 1920′s bungalow, that has been renovated to suit the aesthetic of a well-worn seaside restaurant turned modern, with unique pieces of artwork featuring an abstractly nautical theme. Bastille Metal Works was selected to create a bar that would help accent the history of the building while providing the sleek qualities of contemporary dining.

We designed a slip-cast zinc bar top with a simple rounded edge which sits atop a natural darkened wood base. The exposed wood beams with hanging exposed light bulbs strongly contrasts the strikingly modern cream colored chairs. The use of wood appears as a stylish take on mid-century wood paneling, out lined with clean geometric lines.

We are so grateful to have been a part of this exciting project, working with a team of individuals interested in providing a wonderful setting for traditionalists and adventurers alike. As their tagline perfectly describes, it’s easy to get hooked on Lure and return again and again for the delicious culinary creations and stunning oceanic ambiance of this restaurant.