Have Questions About Floors, Countertops and Other Surface Restoration Jobs?

Should I use the enhancing sealer followed by regular water based sealer?

Fri, Mar 2, 2007 sealer, enhancing, water-based 0 0 338 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q. Should I use the enhancing sealer followed by regular water based sealer? A. No. You will want to use one or the other. If you want to enhance the colors, use an enhancing sealer. Fred M. Hueston Chief Technical Director www.stoneandtilepros... Read More

Impregnators Can Be Over-applied

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 723 0/5 (0 Vote)

To properly apply an impregnator it is important that the stone is thoroughly saturated with sealer. If too much sealer is applied it will puddle on the surface. This excess should be removed, otherwise it will dry and form a sticky residue. If this... Read More

Silicone Impregnator on the Back of a Tile

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 680 0/5 (0 Vote)

If you apply a silicone impregnator to the back of a tile before setting, this may cause a bonding problem. Since most setting mortars are water based they will want to repel the water. Use an epoxy-type setting material. TIP: Before setting any... Read More

Impregnators and Stone Slip Resistance

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 699 0/5 (0 Vote)

If the product you are using is a true impregnator it will not add or subtract from the slip-resistance of the stone. The impregnator is designed to penetrate below the surface of the stone. Check the product label carefully.CAUTION If an impregnator... Read More

What’s the best way to remove a polyurethane finish that was placed on my slate floor?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 750 0/5 (0 Vote)

Unfortunately, most polyurethane finishes require strong solvent-based chemicals for removal. Methylene-chloride strippers as well as a number of safe strippers are available, but be forewarned: removing polyurethane is a messy job. I know several... Read More

We just installed a new green marble foyer. The problem we are having is that the tiles are 1. curling up on the corners. Why is this occurring, and can it be corrected?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 580 0/5 (0 Vote)

Curling in green marble can be a serious problem when the marble is set in a wet mud or thin-set. The Marble Institute of America recommends that green marble be set with an epoxy-based compound. Check with the installer and see what has been used to... Read More

The Mexican tile floor on my back porch is turning yellow. Help?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 681 0/5 (0 Vote)

First, has the tile been sealed? There are several urethane coatings on the market that are used to coat Mexican tile. These urethanes are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light and will turn yellow. Strip the floor and apply a Mexican tile sealer.... Read More

Here is a question my customer is asking: “We installed a stone floor in my son’s nursery. Because of his allergies, we have been told to clean the floor with a disinfectant. What can we use that will disinfect without ruining the high polish o

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 611 0/5 (0 Vote)

I suggest you contact a local janitorial supply house and tell them you need a disinfectant with a neutral pH. There are several dozen on the market that will do an excellent job. It will be very important to dust mop the floor as much as possible.... Read More

Can slate be polished like marble?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 718 0/5 (0 Vote)

No, slate does not polish very well. The only way to put any kind of shine on slate is to apply a coating. There are several brands of acrylic coatings designed for slate and other stone. Check with your local janitorial supply or one of the stone... Read More

What’s the difference between a neutral cleaner and a stone soap?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 808 0/5 (0 Vote)

A neutral cleaner is a water based cleaner that contains surfactant (detergents) and wetting agents. They are called neutral because they have a pH of 7 which is neutral. It is beyond the scope of this book to explain pH but for further info on pH... Read More

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