Comments on: COUNTERTOPS: First there was PaperStone, now there is EcoTop

By: Reed Holmes

Reed Holmes — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:04:08 +0000

California shopper,
What did you attempt to clean it with? My experience is that it does show some signs of staining with a hard enough substance, but can be cleaned with bleach. Goof b gone will also work on anything, i had Sharpe marker all over my counter after my kids homework, and was difficult to wipe off with standard cleaners but couldn’t stand up to goof off. The biggest concept i really like is that it can be sanded to get rid of things such as beet juice and Sharpe marker, and will not change color like my old PaperStone. With sanding, there is no way it can be permanently stained. Love it

By: California Shopper

California Shopper — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:35:55 +0000

I got some EcoTop samples and worked on trying to stain them before I committed to using them for my kitchen counter. I succeeded in getting some stains using beet juice. They weren’t very noticeable on the darker colors, but they didn’t completely clean off of the lighter colors. I admit that I left the beet juice on them overnight, but still that could happen if I didn’t notice a stain right away. I originally wanted to use a lighter color, but now I have to decide if I want to use a dark color of EcoTop or something else.

By: Mrs. G.

Mrs. G. — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:32:33 +0000

Mr. McGovern,
Thank you for your comment. I am glad there are some negatives on this list, because I am always weary of companies that only list positive feedback. Now I know what could happen.

By: Mrs. G.

Mrs. G. — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:22:14 +0000

Wow, never knew Starbucks used it. Where is this product manufactured? This sounds good, but waht about stains? How s it sealed?

By: Jonie Psyerbylski

Jonie Psyerbylski — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:02:13 +0000

We put in Espesso Brown EcoTop last year after looking at every recycled product on the market. We love it! We had one of the other paper products before we liked it but it changed color in spots especially where the sun came in the window. We were happy to see that after a year we have seen no color change with EcoTop. This product wears very well & doesn’t scratch as easy. We would recommend this product to anyone.

By: Roman Scott- Tacoma, WA

Roman Scott- Tacoma, WA — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:53:23 +0000

The differences between these products are very significant. The Resins, the fiber sources, and the pigmentation process is what differentiates these products. Those all also happen to be very significant with regards to UV stability, toughness, and the LEED rating system. EcoTop is bullet proof with regards to stain resistance, UV exposure, and water absorption. It will also obtain more points toward any level of LEED project than any other counter top product as it meets more of the criteria.

The EcoTop product has the best durability rating comparing all three MSDS’s, as EcoTop is a bamboo/recycled paper fiber source with a VOC free 100% water based resin. Sure these products seem similar that they are in the paper based category, but the ideas that come with them can certainly be tracked with one individual. Joel Klippert introduced paper based products into the counter top category, created PaperStone shortly after, and eventually enabling himself to create EcoTop. Like any line that is created, the next product in the same category is obviously made to be better and can be backed by multiple third party certifications, MDSD’s, and its performance in the field.

By: Robert McGovern

Robert McGovern — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:36:50 +0000

I have fabricated and installed eight kitchens, three bathrooms, and a coffee house worth of Paperstone. Two of the installations are now exhibiting spontaneous delamination (one set of panels was beginning to split while still on the delivery pallet.) You can pull te material apart with your fingers, like a deck of cards. Both the customer service and the resin infusion QA have declined since Paneltech took over.

So hoping to move away from PStone, I spoke with Joel, obtained a set of Ecotop samples… and guess what? Some of the sample chips are showing the same incipient delamination that Paperstone exhibits. Watch out! I’m on the hook for over $30k in installed Paperstone; hate to see anyone get burned like that. I’ll be presing the Paneltech folks tomorrow, but without much expectation they will make things right.

By: David Putnam

David Putnam — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:03:01 +0000

Hi Susan,

David with GetWithGreen here. Joel Klippert who was one of the founders of Paperstone, started EcoTop. His formula is a new formula, and has an exciting Eco-friendly story, that exists in our countertop section of this site. Just go to the countertop section and you can read all about it.

You can get sample of EcoTop. The product is really cool, and very affordable compared to other eco-friendly alternatives.

David

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:03:30 +0000

Can you explain the exact difference between Richlite, Paperstone, and EcoTop?
It seems the ideas have all been copied from each other. I have ordered samples from Richlite and Paperstone but havent recieved any from EcoTop, but have seen the product. It seems EcoTop’s idea came from Paperstone, and their idea came from Richlite.
How are seems with EcoTop? Do they show?
I had met Joel at a home show a couple years back..he reminded me of a car salesman! But the customer service women at Paneltech are just absolutely horrible to deal with so I decided to hold off on them.

By: Joan Hamilton

Joan Hamilton — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:38:42 +0000

Hi Amber -
I have just had the EcoTop installed in my kitchen. I am now trying to find out the best way to clean the product. So, I was pleased to read your comment about how easy it is to clean.

Can you please tell me what you use to clean your EcoTop? Also, do you use the PaperStone Finish Natural Wax?

Thanks for your recommendations!

Joan