Posted on December 20, 2023 by Katie Shaw This year has been an exciting year for DFMK. We’ve been involved with some exciting projects, consistently raised the bar for excellence when it comes to our customers, and also appointed a new Sales Director, Stuart Daniels. With a career spanning over 30 years and a strong background in the surface industry, Stuart brings an incredible wealth of experience to the business. To round off the year, we chatted to Stuart about the standout projects of 2023, and the expertise and commitment to customers that define DFMK’s approach. Hi Stuart. Firstly, can you tell us a little about your role at DFMK. This year, I was appointed as Sales Director of DFMK. I’ve been in the worksurface business for over 30 years after selling my first set of Corian worktops in 1989. My role is to implement the company’s Sales and Marketing strategy and to increase turnover profitably. Were there any standout projects for DFMK in 2023? There are many projects we completed in 2023 below are three of the highlights: DFMK were part of an exciting project at Wembley Stadium where we installed the reception counters in the prestigious Bobby Moore suite. We also created press box counters which are used for analysing the matches being played. We completed a job for Watches of Switzerland, the UK’s largest luxury watch retailer. The project was for shop front cladding at the showroom store in Westfield Stratford City, London. Westfield is one of the largest shopping centres in the UK with a huge amount of footfall, so the shop front needed to be eye-catching and reflect the premium nature of the brand – the perfect fit for our surfaces. We carried out another large exterior wall cladding project, using 120 sheets for a cantilever canopy in Cambridge. Cladding projects are an important part of the work we carry out at DFMK, and the acrylic solid surfaces we offer guarantee fantastic flexibility and durability. In a competitive market, what do you think makes DFMK stand out? At DFMK, we’re committed to customer satisfaction, and that’s at the forefront of everything we do. We supply and install a variety of high-quality solid surface materials, and always offer the most competitive solutions possible to the enquiries we are asked to price. We always return quotations in a time-efficient manner so that we don’t keep potential customers waiting. Finally, our installations are consistently right first time, which helps ensure confidence for repeat business. Ultimately, we’re passionate about what we do, and with 40 years of combined experience in fabricating and fitting across the business, we ensure both quality and accuracy on every project – from design to delivery. What is coming up for DFMK in 2024? Throughout 2024 DFMK will continue to promote the business in the market segments that were defined and agreed upon in our business marketing strategy. These include washrooms, healthcare, kitchens and bespoke commercial applications. We’re looking forward to letting more people know about the innovative surface solutions available in these markets. Ultimately, our aim for 2024 is to increase turnover for the business and work closer with our strategic partners in each segment. As a business, we’re looking forward to more successes over the year ahead. We’d like to thank all of our valued customers for your support over the past year. We hope everyone has a relaxed festive break and is looking forward to everything that 2024 has to offer. At DFMK, we work with trade, commercial clients and domestic customers to create practical, beautiful solutions using acrylic solid surfaces. Request a quote today to get started, or if you have any queries, please reach out to our friendly team
Posted on October 16, 2023 by Katie Shaw Find out more about the versatility, durability and stunning aesthetics of HIMACS acrylic solid surfaces in this guide from the experts at DFMK. ©Luc Frey – HIMACS At DFMK, we have dedicated over 40 years to the craft of transforming spaces. We’re approved experts in fabricating the leading solid surface brands, and our technical knowledge ensures we can turn your vision into a reality – adding an undeniable ‘wow factor’ to your projects through clean and modern lines. Today, we’re looking a little closer into the world of innovative surface materials with a comprehensive guide to HIMACS – a quality range of acrylic solid surfaces that offers a whole range of fantastic benefits. If you’re interested in using HIMACS in your next project and want to learn more, we’ve answered the most common questions you might have. Read on for everything you need to know about HIMACS. What is HIMACS? HIMACS is a ‘new generation’ acrylic solid surface material made of natural minerals blended with acrylic polymer and pigments. Since it was first introduced to the market in 1995, HIMACS has captured the imaginations of those in the industry thanks to its incredible design and functionality possibilities. © HIMACS HIMACS was developed by LG Hausys (today known as LX Hausys), a subsidiary of the LG Group, to compete with popular solid surfaces like Corian. It was created as a response to the growing demand for solid surfaces that were both practical and visually appealing. Since then, HIMACS has gained popularity throughout the international market thanks to its ability to meet the diverse needs of designers, architects and homeowners alike. Here at DFMK, we’ve worked with HIMACS for a long time and have a huge appreciation for the material. It’s perfect for delivering a smooth, seamless surface that not only looks great, it’s also long-lasting. Available in a vibrant range of beautiful colours and finishes, it has been designed with flexibility in mind – making it perfect for standing out in the world of design. What are the benefits of HIMACS? HIMACS offers a range of benefits that make it a great choice for interior spaces, as well as various design and construction projects. Here are some key benefits: It’s versatile HIMACS can be thermoformed (heated and shaped) into a variety of different shapes and designs. This makes it an ideal choice for creative projects, whether in a residential or commercial. Seamless joints A stand-out feature of HIMACS is that it offers a completely seamless finish, with no visible joins or seams. This makes the surface not only visually appealing but also enhances hygiene. Non-porous and hygienic HIMACS is non-porous, easy to clean and resistant to staining. Spills can easily be wiped away, making it a great choice for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, as well as use in healthcare environments. ©Luc Frey – HIMACS Design flexibility HIMACS is known for boasting an extensive and vibrant range of colours, patterns and finishes. Whether you’re looking for something classic or need a surface to stand out, there’s an option for every design aesthetic. Easy maintenance HIMACS is straightforward to clean and maintain, with no special maintenance or sealing required. As it is non-porous, many everyday spills sit on the surface and can be easily wiped away. In most cases, warm soapy water is all that’s needed to maintain HIMACS’ pristine look. Warranty for full peace of mind As an authorised HIMACS Quality Club Member, when you come to us for your HIMACS surfaces you’ll not only get the best quality installation, you’ll also get an industry-leading 15-year guarantee on the installation. Diverse applications HIMACS can be used on a wide range of applications and projects, including kitchen countertops (as well as integrated sinks and backsplashes), bathrooms, wall cladding and architectural façades, reception desks, retail displays, healthcare and medical settings, and more. What is HIMACS made of? HIMACS is made using a combination of acrylic polymer resins, natural minerals and pigments. Acrylic polymer is a hybrid acrylic-based material known for its durability and easy maintenance, as well as its ability to be moulded into different shapes using thermoforming. Natural minerals are used to enhance the surface’s appearance and performance. They give HIMACS its solid, stone-like feel. Pigments are added to the blend to create different colour and pattern options. The pigments are blended in thoroughly with the acrylic and minerals to ensure a natural-looking, consistent appearance. These key components come together to create a surface that not only looks the part but is also durable, hygienic and suitable for a range of different projects. © HIMACS How much do HIMACS worktops cost? The cost of a HIMACS worktop can vary widely depending on several factors like the type of product, colour and pattern, size and the complexity of the installation. It’s always best to reach out to your chosen supplier or fabricator for an up-to-date and accurate price. You can request a quote from us here. How to clean HIMACS worktops Cleaning a HIMACS worktop is a simple process thanks to its durability and non-porous finish. Most spills can be wiped straight up, and soapy water is all that’s usually needed for routine cleaning. More stubborn marks or dried-on stains can usually be removed using a mild detergent and soft cloth. This should not be left in contact with the surface for more than five minutes and should always be thoroughly rinsed and dried. Find out more: HIMACS care and maintenance Is HIMACS recyclable? Yes, HIMACS is considered a recyclable material. When a HIMACS product reaches the end of its life cycle, the material can be recycled and repurposed, helping to reduce waste. While there are always nuances to consider when it comes to acrylic surfaces and sustainability, LX Hausys, the manufacturer of HIMACS, is committed to environmentally responsible practices. You can read more in their Sustainability Report. © HIMACS How many colour options are there? HIMACS offers a wide range of colour options, with a diverse selection of different shades, patterns and finishes to choose from. This makes it great for a wide range of applications as it can be customised to meet most styles and design tastes. HIMACS add new colours and finishes to the range regularly to meet ever-changing design trends and consumer preferences. If there’s something specific that you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re confident we can help. Corian vs HIMACS: Is HIMACS the same as Corian? Both Corian and HIMACS are great solid surface options with very similar benefits. They’re both made from acrylic polymers blended with natural materials and are known for being versatile and durable while offering a seamless appearance. The main difference between Corian and HIMACS comes down to the manufacturers. Corian is made by DuPont while HIMACS is produced by LX Hausys. Corian has been in the market for longer than HIMACS (it was first sold in 1971), so has established slightly stronger brand recognition, although the newer HIMACS is still extremely well-regarded. Ultimately, the choice between Corian and HIMACS will often come down to personal preference, specific project requirements and the availability of materials. Both materials offer superb quality and a wide range of design possibilities, making them perfect for bringing your projects to life. © HIMACS Discover the possibilities Getting the materials right is an essential part of any design project, and with its versatility, durability and stunning aesthetics, HIMACS is a fantastic option. Whether you’re envisaging a sleek kitchen, a cutting-edge reception area or something more unique, we can help you bring your vision to life with HIMACS. At DFMK, we work with trade, commercial clients and domestic customers to create practical, beautiful solutions using acrylic solid surfaces. As a HIMACS Quality Club Member, we’ve been trained by HIMACS specialists and technicians in the fabrication and installation of HIMACS. Are you interested in HIMACS for your next project? Request a quote today to get started. If you have any queries, please reach out to our friendly team.
Posted on September 2, 2015 by The future is wireless. We know our customers are forward thinking and value innovative design; so we’re always looking for smart and efficient ways to fuse technology and lifestyle whilst maintaining convenience, quality and aesthetics. That’s why we know you’re going be as excited about the Corian Charging Surface as we are. Simply put, the Corian Charging Surface is an area on your counter top that allows you to wirelessly power up your smart device by simply placing it within a specified area. No need for wires, no need to search for a charger or a power socket. Whether it’s integrated into your home, office or a retail environment, the Corian Charging Surface is leading the way in wireless charging solutions. Here’s how it works. For those of you already familiar with Qi cordless charging for android phones or the Duracell powermats for iPhone; both these devices enable phones to wirelessly guzzle power when in contact with either the Qi station or charging mat. Dupont have taken this technology one step further and have teamed up with PMA (Power Matters Alliance)to innovatively integrating a charging unit, seamlessly, into a Corian solid surface to enable a charging ‘hotspot’. Phones such as Samsung Galaxy S6, HTC One M9, LG (G3, G4, Optimus, Spectrum, Lucid) and Google Nexus 6 have wireless charging technology built in. For devices that don’t already have wireless charging functions built in, a stylish looking ring plug-in can be used to activate charging. “In an age where social connectivity dominates our lives – powering up your device just got easier” That’s not all, the design possibilities using Corian acrylic solid surface are limitless and the colour options, extensive. Add to that its high quality, durability and resistance to stains, this is yet another reason this adaptable material is an ideal surface for wireless charging integration. The Corian Charging Surface can be featured into any design. Take a look at some of our work here www.dfmk.co.uk Send me more information Want to find out more? Drop us a line at here to discuss your design brief or for a free quote, or simply for more infomation.
Posted on April 28, 2015 by We’re passionate about what we do here at DFMK and refuse to settle for anything other than excellence on every project from design to delivery. As you’d expect, we’re a Corian® Quality Network partner, which means we’ve been trained by DuPont specialists and technicians in the fabrication and installation of this high-tech material. Our skills are checked, certified and monitored by DuPont to enforce the “par excellence” standard of the brand. This means that any project we undertake, no matter how big or small, you can be assured you’re getting state-of-the art expertise and knowledge along with a 10 year warranty. At DFMK, we’re used to working with a range of teams from project managers, architects, developers, designers and builders, on complex projects and to tight deadlines. We relish the challenge and love the transformation from initial concept and design to reality, creating visually appealing and practical solutions. The design possibilities using acrylic solid surface are endless, combined with functionality and durability making solid surface fabrication the superior choice for interior design and also exterior design. So, why not take a look at some of our projects from retail installations for The Royal Quarter Café to the Crystal Palace football club. If you have a project or design brief you’d like to discuss with us using acrylic solid surface, we’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line or pop into our friendly offices and we’ll give you a free quote for your commercial, trade or domestic project. Visit us at www.dfmk.co.uk Image: www.dupont.com
Posted on April 14, 2015 by Everyday cleaning Although liquids cannot penetrate Corian®, it is best to wipe up spills as they occur. Generally, a damp microfiber cloth used with a standard household kitchen spray, such as Cif or Mr. Muscle should remove most stains. Always clean using a circular motion. Sinks Once or twice a week, give your sink a beauty treatment: Remove all the fat and oil residues of normal food preparation from the sink, using a detergent or a hard-surface cleaner. Use a spray with 3/4 of liquid household bleach and 1/4 water to spray the sink and leave a few hours or overnight. The exposure time should be limited to 16hrs. In the morning, rinse or clean with a damp cloth. The sink should then be beautifully clean, with very little effort. Worktops and sinks Generally, a damp microfiber cloth used with a standard household kitchen spray should remove most stains. Dealing with resistant stains Common household spills, such as vinegar, coffee, tea, lemon juice, dyes, ketchup, red wine or vegetable spills: Refer to the table in our use and care guidelines on specific stains. Hard water can be a problem in many areas, and can build up over time. If you live in a hard water area, and are experiencing problems with stain removal, apply “Viakal” gel over the area, leave for 2-4 minutes, then remove with a damp microfiber cloth. Using a second clean microfiber cloth, rinse the area thoroughly with water. Use a damp microfiber cloth and a mild abrasive cleaning product (e.g. Barkeeper’s Friend…). If the problem persists, please contact our Corian® Warranty centre, who will be able to refer you to a local Corian® Quality Network Fabricator or Service Centre for professional advice. Watch out for: Heat marks & scorching Always use a heat protection pad, trivet (with rubber feet) or protective sink mat for hot cookware, or leave cookware to cool on the hob first. Never put hot pans, particularly cast iron, directly on a Corian® top or in a sink. Such heat can damage any surface Pouring boiling liquids directly into sinks without turning on the cold tap may damage your Corian®. Always use the correct size pan on the burner and place it centrally. An overhanging pan scorches surrounding surfaces. Scratches Like all materials DuPont™ Corian® will develop slight abrasion marks in normal daily use: Never cut or chop on Corian®– it will score the work surface! Use a chopping board instead. Dark, heavily pigmented colours will show scratches, dust and ordinary wear and tear more readily than lighter, textured colours. (For more details, refer to our colour brochure). Chemical Spillage Accidental spills of strong chemicals (e.g. paint stripper, brush cleaners, metal cleaners, oven cleaners, cleaners containing methylene chloride, acid drain cleaners, acetone based nail varnish removers etc.) should be flushed promptly with plenty of soapy water to avoid damaging worktops! For nail varnish spills, non-acetone based remover can be used, and then flushed with water. Undetected or prolonged exposure to chemicals may damage the surface. Instant Boiling Water Taps A container should be used to collect boiling water at all times as boiling water from this type of tap may cause surface damage in and around Corian® sinks and otherwise discolouration, light cracking or ‘crazing’ may occur. This type of damage is not covered by the DuPont 10 Year Warranty. Whatever happens, do not despair! DuPont™ Corian ® is inherently “renewable” because it is solid and homogeneous all the way through. Most damage, including severe impact, heat or chemical damage, can usually be repaired on site to restore the original, smooth, hygienic solid surface integrity. For information on professional re-sanding or repairing of your Corian® work surface contact Deeley Fabrication www.dfmk.co.uk Original article written and sourced from www.dupont.co.uk
Posted on March 17, 2015 by No room for a dresser in your compact kitchen? Magnet‘s showcase drawers are a contemporary new way of putting your colourful collection of mismatched crockery, or quirky kitchen paraphernalia on display. The Showcase Feature Drawer (above) has a glass lid and the Illuminated Feature Drawer, (below) has a glass front and features a remote controlled dimmer light. So, don’t hide your favourite objects away in the back of a cupboard, let them take centre stage in one of these beautifully crafted wooden, handleless drawers.
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