Backlighting Countertops: Techniques to Light Drop Edges
December 11, 2018
Evo-Lite, a leader in backlighting education, solutions and support, offers their knowledge on techniques that ensure that countertop front edges match in brightness to the top surface.
Block & Float Technique 
This Block and Float technique called “Spine and Ribs” floats the countertop above the light source. In this case, the light panel is sized to fit the top of the substrate. Then strips of a clear material, such as ¾” clear acrylic are assembled to create a support system. This framework evenly distributes the weight of the countertop without blocking the light from the panel below.
Nesting Technique

The nesting technique utilizes slender light panels running horizontally to illuminate the drop aprons. Correctly sizing the light panels becomes paramount. This technique requires several panels, each with their own power input, and possibly with light balancing needs, complicating the install.
When using
foldable and cuttable light sheets, one needs to consider which fold line on the light sheet will best suit the height of the apron and ensure that the additional area that’s needed for that height is included in the total square footage.
Diffusion Layer Technique

Adding a clear diffusion layer allows light to transmit through to the top surface, while also horizontally channeling light to the drop apron surfaces. The clear layer also supports the weight of the countertop. This method ensures a very stable system and is simpler than the previous two since there is only one sheet of additional material and it’s easy to size.
Whether a countertop is in a hospitality, retail, or residential environment, these three techniques apply, and sometimes are used in combination.
Tags: Backlighting, Block & Float Technique, countertops, Diffusion Layer Technique, Evo-Lite, Nesting Technique
O’Blaney Rinker is Pleased to Announce Representation for Evo-Lite
October 1, 2018

Established in 2005, Evo-Lite is a leader in advanced light system integration for use in backlighting translucent surfaces for architectural, healthcare, hospitality, residential, luxury, retail, kiosks, signage and display applications.
Integration specialties include static and dynamic LED Light Panels in White, RGB and CCT, LED Component fixtures, and Programmable Dynamic Digital Displays.
At the Country Club Towers in Denver, this reception desk features tunable white light panels backlighting honey onyx. CCT adjustable, Tunable White LED light panels provide light between 2700K and 6500K.
The Cedar Rapids Public Library includes multiple LumiSheet™ installations combined with DMX and motion controls to create dynamic displays. The building achieved LEED Platinum certification and in 2014 won an IES Merit Award, AIA Merit Award and ASHRAE’s 1st Place Technology Award (Midwest region).
LumiSheet™ panels were used to backlight colored glass panels creating this stunning mosaic and eye-catching entrance to Lago, a Milanese-inspired restaurant situated inside the Bellagio in Las Vegas
At KPMG in Chicago, LumiSheet with its very slim profile illuminated strips on the walls of the lobby casting enough even light and devoid of hot spots.
The high LED density (330 LEDs per square foot) combined with decreased individual LED brightness, eliminates hot spots and “dotting,” and allows for as little as 3/8″ of clearance between the Light Sheet and the translucent material.
Its unique power distribution grid allows you to cut groups, or even single LEDs, from the flexible sheet while maintaining a resilient circuit to the remaining diodes. Cut lines-diagonally and along both axes-maximize on-site customization. Light Sheets can be folded over countertop edges and other multi-plane elements, and wrapped around columns and other curved surfaces. They are UL Listed and suitable for dry, damp, and wet location use. Download specs >
Tags: Auragami™ Flexible LED Light Sheet, Evo-Lite, LumiSheet