Page 18 - Demo

18 | August 2024
Slippery Rock Gazette
Stone Restoration Corner
Ah yes, refinishing residential marble countertops... The sweet life. LOL!
®
Makita VC4210L 11 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Includes:
•Main Flat Nano Filters (Pair)
•Fleece Nano Filter Bag •Disposal Bag •1-3/8” x 16’ Anti-Static Hose •Crevice Nozzle
• Cuff Adapter
Item# 5146
Take Control with Makita
Makita Vacs and Shrouds for Dust Management on the Job Site
Far left: OK – even driveway sealing can
be on the list, if you’re prepared with the right equipment to do-it-all.
Left: If you’re prepared to work on darker marble – know that it can be less forgiving, so your refinishing must be close to perfect!
Continued from page 15
Many different scenarios can be similar to an easy and common marble hone and polish job (other than lippage removal). Terrazzo is a perfect example. It is basi- cally marble with no lippage or at least very little, except for settling cracks with upheavals. Of course, travertine is another common calcium-based stone that needs restoration periodically. These materials usually involve cut and dried procedures. They are the bread and butter of most res- toration professionals. And, depending on the complexity of the specific project, are an “easy” way to make a dollar.
However, if you want to start doing granite, slate, Crab Orchard sandstone, ceramic tile, decorative concrete, Corian, engineered stones like quartz, and others, you will have to invest in the equipment, tools, chemicals, and training or learning time necessary to complete these projects. I don’t think any experienced restoration contractor should be intimidated by these surfaces. However, I also wouldn’t recom- mend learning how to do Absolute Black granite on someone’s countertop, either. Just sayin’...
So maybe you want to specialize in coun- tertops, marble only, concrete, terrazzo. To do it all, you will need the right equipment, tooling, and experience to get it done, with as few problems as possible. Oh, and there will be problems, trust me. Some contrac- tors prefer to do only residential projects and others prefer commercial. It’s all good, just a little different.
I always recommend doing a test area on any project to confirm both the results and procedure. Also, the best way to help ensure success is by partnering with a good distributor, like BB Industries, that knows the business. They can help with technical support, product purchase deci- sions, logistics, and other pertinent project information.
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 com- ments and questions to Bob at attn: publisher@slipperyrockgazette.net .
Vacuum Includes:
•2 Anti-static hoses •Crevice tool
• Nozzle
•Curved pipe
• Straight pipe
•Main filter
•Damper and pre-filter
Item# 1146
Makita® XCV04Z Cordless HEPA Filter Dry Vacuum & 5” Dust Shroud
Available at
800-575-4401 • www.BBIndustriesLLC.com
GUARANTEED BEST PRICES!
Item# 11492