Jeff Dross from Kichler Lighting is a consummate professional and industry knowledge juggernaut when it comes to lighting.  I have had the opportunity to witness his webinars and personal seminars over the last several years.  As an independent sales representative for Kichler Lighting in Northern California, I am always seeking out more knowledge about the products I represent and sell to my customers.  Jeff Dross’ seminars have been invaluable.   I do receive important product knowledge facts directly from Kichler Lighting all the time.  Jeff Dross’ presentations take it to a whole new level when he is conducting a public seminar at our Dallas showroom during the International Lighting Show or conducting a webinar on Kichler’s behalf to the sales force.  
 

 

Jeff recently held a webinar on the importance of LED lighting and Kichler’s continued role and innovation with regards to LED.  The seminar outlined the technology of LED and the practical uses of it as it relates to lighting and energy consumption.  During the Dallas International Lighting Show, Jeff gave a presentation on trends in lighting designs and what will be coming in the new few months and years.  This knowledge is not only important to have as a sales rep for Kichler, but also important if you are a lighting designer or interior designer in general.
 
I highly recommend attending this webinar that 1Stop Lighting is sponsoring.  Not only will you come away with a greater understanding of industry trends, I am sure you come away many new ideas to help you in your next project and find it a valuable use of your time.

 

Ever wonder how your alabaster glass gets discolored? If you own genuine alabaster lighting fixtures, this is one thing you definitely want to prevent. Discoloration occurs when you use a bulb with a higher wattage than the one recommended by the manufacturer. The excess heat, over time, can cook the moisture right out of the alabaster, causing the stain. Randall Whitehead, the professional lighting designer featured in various home decorating magazines and shows, recommends using a dimmable CFL bulb that doesn't exceed the alabaster's heat threshold.

JH lighting and The Basic Source's usage of the new GU24 technology directly prevents staining from the start. They offer alabaster fixtures with CFL's that take take less wattage to light and won't overheat. Whitehead points out in Residential Lighting magazine's January edition, "Maxlite [another manufacturer] even offers a screw-in socket, called the MLGSM, that instantly and permanently changes an incandescent fixture into a GU24 fluorescent fixture without rewiring." Another thing you can do is never remove the heat shields provided by your fixture's manufacturer. The shields are  there to protect your glassware so you won't have to replace the glass. 

A Residential Lighting reader said they used a soft sanding sponge. Be wary of sanding your alabaster to remove the stain. Along with the stain, you may sand away the protective sealant layer that normally acts as a dirt-repellant. Even though you may salvage the alabaster right now, over time, the spot can attract more dirt resulting in further discoloration. 

 

 About the Author: Akemi Hong is a writer and graphic designer. You"ll find Akemi occupied indoors as a marketing and design associate for 1STOPlighting.