Stone Restoration and Maintenance Corner: Year-End Review
Bob Murrell
M3 Technologies
Photos by Bob Murrell
As we wind down the year 2022, I would like to reflect on a few topics. This year we’ve covered issues from Product Use to Restoration Training, and plenty in between. I will discuss a few important and updated topics in this article.
Regarding product use, at M3 Technologies we do have some recent product additions that warrant discussion. The Quartz Renew system we recently brought in is quite popular with restoration professionals. It is a multi-step system so I would advise following instructions from the manufacturer. Until now, the options were to use products that were designed for granite, and they will work in some situations, but the Quartz Renew products are specifically designed for quartz (engineered) materials. Dr Fred told me that Quartz Renew should definitely be included in the restoration professional’s toolbox. I agree, having the right tool/product for a specific project is definitely a plus.
Another M3 product that I have personally reviewed are the new Claw pad drivers. These multipurpose weighted pad drivers are ideal for using metal bond diamonds. They have magnets in recessed diamond placement areas and hold these securely in place, even over tough lippage. They will also run any resin abrasive that is 3 inches diameter, and QRS (Velcro-type). The Claw drivers also increase your machine’s weight by up to 39 pounds and will also hold trapezoidal metal bond diamonds, in addition to the 3-inch metals. They are available for most swing machine sizes.
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Left: Quartz Renew Pro Kit includes polishes and pads to restore the shine to quartz (engineered) products. Some diamond honing may be required in certain cases before using Quartz Renew.
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In past articles I’ve discussed temperature requirements for exterior cleaning and more importantly, impregnating or sealing. The perfect temperature periods for exterior impregnating or sealing, here in East Tennessee, are typically fall or spring. The mild days and nights are usually somewhat dry, and the sun is lower in the sky, which means less UV. The material being sealed should be above 50° F, but not hot to the touch.
The reason I bring this topic up is that I recently assisted on an exterior clean and color enhance project for a travertine porch and patio area. This project was originally scheduled back in early September and now, at the time of this writing, it is mid-October, and the mild temperature, dry days are perfect for this project.
Majestic Stone & Grout Intensive Cleaner was used, followed with a light pressure washing. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) was used on any stubborn environmental staining. Then a PLP 100 grit diamond impregnated pad was used to smooth out any surface irregularities. Finally, after a thorough drying out, the patio was sealed using Akemi Color Intensifier. The project turned out fantastic! With all of the environmental staining, it was somewhat reminiscent of the historic picnic table project, presented in the July Slippery Rock. Pro-tip: always bring a blower with you to remove any accumulated debris from the surface. There will always be a need to remove leaves and other such stuff when working on an exterior surface.
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Left: Before cleaning and restoration: exterior travertine porch/balcony with years of organic growth and dirt.
Right: Sealing and enhancing a travertine porch with Akemi Color Intensifier. September and October are typically a perfect time for these kinds of exterior restoration projects. |
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Bob and granddaughter Bobby Grace. |
In the May Slippery Rock, we discussed supply chain delays and increased prices on most items used in our, and most everyone else’s, industry. Inflation is still rampant while supply chain issues have eased somewhat since the pandemic. However, shipping and freight charges have continued to rise even more than the average rate of inflation, in case you hadn’t noticed.
Last month we discussed getting additional training, like the master courses available for stone restoration professionals. I would advise anyone in this business to check out the course schedule (learning.surphaces.com), and to attend classes to help expand your knowledge and expand your capabilities with certifications like the Master Course, and Inspection & Troubleshooting – Stone, Tile, and Masonry.
The last couple of years have been a trying time for most everyone, I’m sure. What with the pandemic and all of the related issues, we had to make do, the best we could. This year, however, has been especially good to me. I had my first grandchild (Bobby Grace), my youngest daughter is a freshman attending school at Western Kentucky University, and Julie and I are now officially “empty nesters.” Thank goodness my two daughters and granddaughter both live only 3.5 hours away. We go to see them as often as possible and of course, they come home to see us, too. Naturally, we are anxiously awaiting the Holidays, and I hope you are too.
Most of us have a lot to be thankful for this year, despite some of the current issues of today. So as the Holiday season approaches, I feel extremely blessed, and hope that you are as well. I have my family, health, and the desire to see what the next year will bring!
As always and before beginning any new project, I recommend submitting a test area to confirm the results and the procedure, prior to starting a stone or hard surface restoration/maintenance project. Also, the best way to help ensure success is by partnering with a good distributor, like the customer service folks at BB Industries, who know the business.
They can help with technical support, product purchase decisions, logistics, and other pertinent project information.
So from my family to yours: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays.
Bob Murrell has worked in the natural stone industry for over 40 years and is well known for his expertise in natural stone, tile, and decorative concrete restoration and maintenance. He helped develop some of the main products and processes which revolutionized the industry, and is currently the Director of Operations for M3 Technologies.
Send your comments and questions to Bob at attn:publisher@slipperyrockgazette.net .