ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Hi Anna,

Great question!  I think the flooring of Bubble Galleries is as, if not
more, important than the bubble stations themselves (I've seen/made
effective and long-lasting bubbles stations of fiberglas, Corian, and
stainless steel) but poor flooring really detracts from most Bubbles
exhibitions.

Whenever I've had the opportunity to start Bubble Galleries from scratch,
I've gone for a raised drainage floor with a non-skid surface (hexagonal
asphaltic pavers work surprisingly well) on top that eliminates standing
puddles of bubble soap solution. (Any spilled solution goes right through to
the drain below.)

If you can't start your flooring solution from scratch, you're faced with
two types of options:

1) "Drainage" mats (like you see at the entrance of shopping malls --- or
museums) with a "fuzzy" surface and a plastic backing that are designed to
absorb a certain amount of liquid.  Honestly, these mats quickly become
sodden, stinky, and slippery and are a real sanitation and maintenance
hassle to keep switching out.  If you don't switch them out regularly and
consistantly, a layer of grimy soap film will start to migrate to floor
areas in adjoining exhibit galleries.  Also the mats still get a bit
slippery when they get soaked.

2) Raised drainage tiles (like Dri-Dek) these tiles look like knobbly
waffles with holes that allow liquid to drain through.  They really work
better for Water Areas, but they are better than just plain cement/tile
floors. You'll need to mop or wet-dry vac trapped underneath.  I've also
combined Dri-Dek on top of drainage mats in severe cases.

Whatever you do, don't waste time/money on installing "airport-type tiles"
with the raised half-dollar sized "dots" on them.  They might work for water
in an airport, but they are essentially useless, if not downright dangerous,
for Bubbles Exhibit flooring.

Good luck and happy bubbling!


--------------------------------------------------

Paul Orselli, President and Chief Instigator

Paul Orselli Workshop (POW!)
World Headquarters
1684 Victoria Street
Baldwin, NY  11510

(516) 223-1043

POW! website
<http://www.orselli.net>

Exhibit tips + tricks at the ExhibiTricks blog:
<http://blog.orselli.net>


On Thu, Jul 29, 2010 at 5:58 PM, Anna Grace at Explorit <
[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> To piggy-back on Jeff's question, I'd like to know what you all use for
> flooring that is non-slip when covered with bubble solution.
>
> Thanks,
> Anna
>
> On Jul 29, 2010, at 1:00 PM, Jeff Rosenblatt wrote:
>
>  ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
>> institutions.
>>
>> *****************************************************************************
>>
>> We are planning to create a bubble wand making station.  Are there any
>> recommendations for materials and/or designs to utilize?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for sharing your expertise.
>>
>>
>>
>> --Jeff--
>>
>>
>>
>> Jeff Rosenblatt
>>
>> Director, Science City
>> Union Station Kansas City, Inc.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>

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