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Need some opinions on what to do with a vintage countertop, circa 1916, that seems to be in pretty good shape. The countertops are in the Butlers pantry of a home designed by a well known (at least here in town – San Diego) architect named Irving Gill. In a reference to these that I found in an article from ‘The Craftsman’ also circa 1916 is what is called ‘magnesite drainboards’.
These counters appear to be some formed in place from some kind of concrete material (the magnesite?), about 2″ thick, that form the countertop, backsplash, and curve up under the uppercabinets. There are no sharp corners as everthing is coved. Many layers of paint, but no cracks! I originally thought that tile could be a way to update – but now don’t want to cover this original feature. Anyone ever come across this material before or know what the original look/finish would have been?
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here in nw ohio I have a friend that lives in his late grandmother's house which has the same shape counter that you speak off. House is same vintage. The difference in this counter is it is a small exposed aggregate in what appears to be concrete. Darker grey that what concrete is now. No cracks at all and just beautiful. Never had paint on it. Aggregate is smaller slightly that what is in today's sidewalks and just breaks the surface. Many diff. colored stone. He def. will not think of changing this creampuff. If you by any chance have a pebbled finish on your top, maybe it's the same and then i would think about getting the paint off. Let me know what you do, as I'm interested. Best of luck.
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Dan,
Here are a couple of books I know of that discuss the work of Irving Gill. He was one of the major figures in Modern Architecture, and was particularly interested in concrete (poured in place and tilt slab).There are still a number of his buildings extant in your area, and I suggest you get in touch with the San Diego Historical Museum for additional information.
MCCOY, ESTHER; Five California Architects; Reinhold, 1960.
KAMERLING, BRUCE; Irving Gill Architect; San Diego Historical Museum, 1993
I agree with Calvin that you should do everything possible to return the surface to its original finish. Good Luck, and keep us posted on your progess.
Apprentice
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Need some opinions on what to do with a vintage countertop, circa 1916, that seems to be in pretty good shape. The countertops are in the Butlers pantry of a home designed by a well known (at least here in town - San Diego) architect named Irving Gill. In a reference to these that I found in an article from 'The Craftsman' also circa 1916 is what is called 'magnesite drainboards'.
These counters appear to be some formed in place from some kind of concrete material (the magnesite?), about 2" thick, that form the countertop, backsplash, and curve up under the uppercabinets. There are no sharp corners as everthing is coved. Many layers of paint, but no cracks! I originally thought that tile could be a way to update - but now don't want to cover this original feature. Anyone ever come across this material before or know what the original look/finish would have been?
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Dan:
Great post. You should applauded for trying to restore rather than destoy.
What, you didn't like the look of lime green formica on that 80 year old countertop? Home Depot subs could do a great job! :-)