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.   

Here's an interesting article about the Smart Grid industry by Greentech Media. The Smart Grid emerged from the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Title 13) which provided incestives and reimbursements for protecting consumers, improving the energy performance of the Federal Government and the development of various energy solutions. Title 13 recognizes that energy indepedence and security are complimentary halves of the same stone.

One of these goals included the modernization of the power grid. At this time, our electricity grid is largely unprepared to manage the high-load demands of a rapidly digitizing economy. The smart grid is its evolving form. It consists of smart sensors, computers, and intelligent communications software that help manage the efficiency, delivery and use of electricity. Smart grid companies provide these management software and services to industrials clients. Right now, players in that industry are starting to consolidate. Even though we don't hear about them in the mainstream media, these smart grid players and their services are in the forefront of an emerging energy-efficient future. 

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.