Curious about recycled glass? Read on.
Q: Where does the glass come from? How much is recycled?
A:100% of the glass used in Vetrazzo is recycled and comprises 85% of the material. The largest source of glass is the neighborhood curbside recycling programs.
Other glass comes from post-industrial usage, windows, drinking glasses, stemware, automotive glass, reclaimed glass from building demolition and other unusual sources such as decommissioned traffic light lenses.
Q: Will it stain?
A:Vetrazzo is less porous than marble and concrete and equivalent to some granite. You do have to care for it.
85% of the surface is glass, which is impervious to stain. However, acids (like red wine, lemon juice and vinegar) will etch the matrix of the surface ( the concrete area between the glass) if not cleaned up right away. And staining agents (like coffee and tea) will leave a trace if allowed to remain on the surface.
Luckily, like aged butcher block, marble and concrete, signs of living can actually enhance the character of the surface. If you clean messes up quickly, your Vetrazzo will remain unchanged. If you are more carefree, you may appreciate the natural patina that develops as you live with and enjoy your countertop. Also, dark mixes and those with patina hide the signs of a carefree lifestyle remarkably well.
Q: Can you cut on it? Can you put a hot pot on it? Is it durable?
A: Yes, yes and yes. However...it will dull your knives...and leaving hot pots on it for long periods of time may damage the sealer.
Q: How do you take care of Vetrazzo?
A: Sealant should be reapplied every year or two. It's as easy as waxing your car. Wipe it on, let it sit for 20 minutes and wipe it off.
To keep the "just like new" finish, apply a wax ( like Goddard's Marble Wax) and then reapply twice a year or so. The wax barrier provides additional time for wiping up spills before they break through the sealer.
Stains that refuse to wipe up can be repaired by your fabricator or if you're a true do-it-yourselfer, you can try the poultice recipe at the Vetrazzo website.
Q: How do I buy Vetrazzo?
Q: Does it have a warranty?
A: Yes...10 years! Vetrazzo will supply the material if there is a manufacturing defect and your fabricator will supply the installation.(hint: be sure to select a reputable fabricator) You will need to pay any additional fees...such as labor to reinstall plumbing.
Vetrazzo recently announced four new stunning red glass mixes.These are limited edition colors and won't last long. Red glass is a rare find for these folks! Ruby Red is made from gorgeous misshaped red goblets.Also available with a patina finish.Firehouse red has brighter, more "fiery" shades of red and dark orange. It is made from wing tip light covers, warning beacons and runway lights. Also available with a patina finish.
Another limited edition available in small quantities every month is Millefiori. It is made from waste generated in the manufacturing of art glass. 
