Industrial News

Cheng’s company, Cheng Concrete Exchange (a division of Cheng Design Products), has partnered with Canadian-based Interstar Corporation, a recognized innovator in the manufacture of pigments, admixtures and fibers for the concrete industry.

This partnership will help to expand the CHENG Concrete Countertop Product line, improve the performance and ease-of-use of all these proprietary products, and make the products more accessible at the Cheng Concrete Exchange online store and select concrete and building supply retailers throughout the U.S.

"We're excited to be working with Zachary Gillman, the president of Interstar, and his highly capable team," said Cheng. "Together we'll introduce an entire range of products for professionals and do-it-yourselfers (DIYs) to address the increasing demand for concrete countertops."

In 2003, Cheng, who has been designing with concrete for over 25 years, began teaching workshops in Berkeley, CA, on the design and crafting of concrete countertops.

"Concrete allows for highly sculptural designs in countertops, something not really possible with two-dimensional materials like granite or stone," said Cheng. "But there’s a shortage of craftsmen able to design and build them. We hope to address this shortage with our training programs and full line of specialty products."

IMPROVED PROFESSIONAL PEREFORMANCE

Cheng’s next generation of concrete countertop products has been dramatically improved and re-branded under the CHENG Concrete Countertop Products line (manufactured by Interstar) to provide the industry’s first comprehensive, high-performance line of concrete countertop products that will yield consistent, professional results. A few of the marquee products in this line include:

1. CHENG Pro-Formula Mix

CHENG Pro-Formula Mix is designed for precast concrete countertops. This superior formulation combines rich color, strength and workability into an all-in-one concrete countertop mix, ideal for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers. CHENG Pro-Formula Mix is:

- Radically improved with premium-quality pigments that deliver vibrant, stable, long-lasting color, improving the appearance of concrete countertops —including outdoor projects;

- Manufactured with special admixture modifiers that ensure stronger, smoother countertop surfaces;

- Reformulated with water requirements that increase ease of use and yield more consistent results;

- Enhanced with new designer colors that expand creativity and color palette

2. CHENG Pro-Formula Slurry

Ideal for back-filling voids that appear after grinding or releasing the countertop from the mold, CHENG Pro-Formula Slurry is available in the same CHENG Pro-Formula Mix palette of colors for a seamless, monochromatic look, or various, contrasting colors to create a unique, "veined" effect."

3. CHENG Sealer

Long-awaited, the high-performance CHENG Sealer provides a streak-free finish and maintains the natural luster of concrete through a proprietary formula unparalleled in the industry. CHENG Sealer credits its high-performance to:
- A non-toxic, non-yellowing, water-based formula;
- Exceptional adhesion and durability that
- Dramatically improves stain- and abrasion-resistance.

4. CHENG Wax

CHENG Wax has been specially blended for use on concrete countertops to provide a lustrous shine and polish in one or more coats for added protection and depth. Cheng Wax is:
- A water-based (not VOC), food-safe product and
- Made from the finest Brazilian yellow carnauba, which helps prevent stains by forming a non-abrasive, durable protective layer.

5. CHENG Polish

The spray-and-wipe CHENG Polish forms an additional protective layer on concrete countertops, helping to prevent stains on the concrete surface. CHENG Polish is:
- Easy-to-apply with its spray-on bottle;
- Ideal for homeowners’ use and
- Maintains the beauty and "feel" of concrete countertops.

Cheng advises first-time users to read "Concrete Countertops" and review the "Concrete Countertops DIY" Instructional DVD before starting any concrete countertop project.

PRODUCTS SHOWTIME

Cheng’s launch of this next generation of professional-grade concrete countertop product line will be made official at the World of Concrete tradeshow in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 23-26, 2007. Leveraging 20 years’ experience fabricating high-end countertops, Cheng will unveil the complete line of professional-grade products at the concrete industry’s largest, professional tradeshow venue. Cheng Concrete Exchange will showcase Cheng in focused presentations and live product demonstrations throughout the tradeshow week at Booth #S-10907 (indoors, South Hall) and Booth #40851 (outdoors, near Artistry in Decorative Concrete area), respectively.

ABOUT CHENG CONCRETE EXCHANGE

Cheng Design Products, Inc. was launched in 1998 to bring Cheng’s aesthetic embodied in concrete countertops and unique kitchen hoods to homeowners, designers and architects. In 2003, Cheng Concrete Exchange, a division of Cheng Design Products, was developed as a comprehensive online resource center for professionals, DIYs, designers, and homeowners interested in designing with concrete. The website, www.concreteexchange.com, offers information about and imagery of Cheng’s design projects as well as concrete countertop products and workshops. For information on Cheng Design Products, please call (510) 849-3272 x213 or visit www.chengdesign.com.