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18 | March 2024
Stone Restoration Corner
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These two tests are the most common methods of determining the type of stone, and therefore determine the methods for restoring, polishing, and maintaining.
Of course, a visual inspection is another identification method as well. When it comes to other materials like engineered stones, terrazzo, concrete, and ceramic tiles, these same testing procedures are applicable in many situations.
Terrazzo, for example, is typically com- posed of marble and/or limestone chips in a cement or epoxy-based matrix. An acid test and a scratch test would confirm the presence of the calcium-based chips and cement. The resin in epoxy-based terrazzo will not react to the acid.
Engineered stones are a newer addition to the hard surface scene. They have come on strong as a consumer-preferred mate- rial over the last 20 years. Quartz is one the most popular varieties and is very durable. Engineered quartz is composed of quartz (basically granite) and resin (normally an epoxy). These are the most common types. This group of man-made stones is very resistant to staining and scratching, simi- lar to that of true granites. They are more sensitive to heat, because of the resin, and care should be taken to avoid setting hot pans directly on the surface. One advantage is that these stones do not have as much porosity as true granites, and are somewhat more resistant to staining, and therefore sealing is not normally necessary. We do have specific tools and polishing products for quartz materials like Quartz Renew.
However, there are also engineered marble stones, which exhibit the same characteristics of marble and limestone (calcium-based) stone. They will etch and scratch, just like marble. Because they are manufactured with an epoxy and mar- ble, they do have the lower porosity and
Slippery Rock Gazette
are more stain resistant and typically don’t require sealing or impregnating.
Porcelain is the newest and latest mate- rial used for many applications like coun- tertops, floors, and showers. Porcelain is the Kevlar of hard surfaces! With new technology, manufacturers are now able to apply hundreds of tons of needed pres- sure to make porcelain countertop slabs. Countertops made from quality porce- lain are the most durable countertops ever made. However, if the porcelain is honed, this can change the surface porosity by removing the original “skin.” But even so, the porosity is still less than .05%, whereas with marble and granite, the porosity can be anywhere from 1% to 5%, or more.
Each of these different materials are pro- cessed using different tools and chemicals, even though the basic concept of rubbing or honing from coarse to fine grit is similar. Be sure to verify your restoration equip- ment, tools, and chemicals to make sure you are approaching the situation with the right stuff.
As always and before beginning any new project, I recommend submitting a test area to confirm the results and the proce- dure, prior to starting a stone or hard sur- face restoration/maintenance project. 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 decisions, logistics, and other per- tinent 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 mainte- nance. 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 .
Refinishing a cement-based terrazzo floor. Older terrazzo installations are more likely to have a cementitious binder instead of an epoxy binder and will affect your tool choices.
NSI Stone Scholarships
Continued from page 14
The Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship provides a trip to one of three major industry events: StonExpo, Coverings, or the Natural Stone Institute study tour. The recipient is given the opportunity to shadow industry profes- sionals within different sectors of the stone industry and explore her potential for lead- ership and her commitment to a career in the stone industry.
Joanne Bish, marketing for DuBois Granite & Quartz, is the recipient of the 2023 Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship. Joanne has utilized the webi- nars, training resources, and success stories from both NSI and Women in Stone to fur- ther her education and motivations toward future company and committee leadership roles. Joanne will use her scholarship to attend NSI’s Utah Study Tour this August.
Joanne Bish, DuBois Granite & Quartz
The Natural Stone Institute is a trade asso- ciation representing every aspect of the nat- ural stone industry. The current membership exceeds 2,000 members in over 50 nations. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute. org.
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