Slippery Rock Gazette

Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, Review

Deborah Nelson

Surface Care PROS

Fred Hueston, PhD, brings science and decades of in-the-trenches experience to deliver a wealth of relevant information including how-to’s, valuable resources, and more with a new reference manual for those in the stone and tile care industry.

In the early 1990s, Fred Hueston, a highly regarded and sought-after authority on stone and tile, published “The Stone Restoration and Maintenance Bible,” for pros in the industry. Many in the business purchased the manual and it quickly became an essential resource, providing in-depth knowledge and practical guidance for those involved in the restoration and care of natural stone and tile. In a remarkable move, Fred has recently decided to release a new version of the manual, now titled, Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual completely free of charge to stone and tile restoration professionals.

Since the time of the original publication, changes in the industry have occurred and Fred has had additional decades of in-the-trenches experience to bring to the table providing expert inspection and consultation services, serving as an expert witness in myriad court cases, teaching numerous workshops and courses, as well as providing technical support to those in the industry as president of Stone Forensics, Inc. and Chief Technical Director for Surface Care PROS. Fred has updated the contents of the manual, ensuring it is current, relevant and valuable to professionals in the field.

Pre-Release Access

The delivery of the manual takes advantage of new technologies. Registered subscribers have at-their-fingertips-online access to the chapters and resources that make up the manual, and as new and updated content becomes available, they will be notified.

Several components of the manual are still being updated and a formal release date is scheduled for early summer 2024, but Fred wanted to make what is ready accessible to the industry with the intent that as additional components are published, subscribers would be notified. (The printed manual will also be available to purchase once it is officially launched.)

Why would Dr. Fred choose to offer such a valuable resource at no cost?

His explanation is both noble and straightforward: “Over the past 40-plus years, I have devoted my life to the education and betterment of the stone restoration industry. I firmly believe that the insights and knowledge I have accumulated should be freely available to all those who seek it. The potential income from selling this manual pales in comparison to the significant value of the knowledge it contains.

“The updated manual has evolved substantially from its original incarnation over 20 years ago. While it retains the foundational techniques and theories that have stood the test of time, it now encompasses a wealth of new information, reflecting important advancements that have occurred in the industry. This newly revised edition is an invaluable tool, designed to guide professionals through the complexities of stone restoration and maintenance with up-to-date techniques and comprehensive coverage of topics ranging from the scientific to the practical aspects of the trade.”

What’s in the new manual?

For those familiar with the original “Stone Restoration and Maintenance Bible,” the latest edition offers a host of significant updates and new chapters, making it an indispensable guide not just for seasoned veterans but also for newcomers to the field. Some of the notable topics covered in this comprehensive manual include:

Geology and Stone Identification — A deeper dive into the origins and types of stones. Stone Identification is crucial for effective restoration.
Quarrying and Fabrication — Insight into how stone is harvested and prepared for use, impacting restoration approaches.
Chemistry — Essential knowledge for understanding the reactions involved in cleaning and restoration processes.
Stain Management — Strategies for identifying, preventing, and removing stains from stone surfaces.
Stone Restoration — Detailed methodologies for restoring stone to its original beauty.
Sealing and Protecting — Techniques for sealing stone surfaces to protect against damage.
Problem Solving — Approaches to diagnosing and solving common and uncommon issues.
Safety — Important safety considerations and protocols for working with stone and tile.
Equipment and Supplies — A guide to the tools and materials essential for stone and tile restoration.
Maintenance — Advice on maintaining stone surfaces to prolong their beauty and integrity.
Field Repairs— Tips for on-site repairs and adjustments.
Slip and Fall — Information on preventing accidents on stone surfaces.
All About Grout — Insights into the selection, application, and maintenance of grout.
Pricing — Guidance on setting prices for stone restoration services.
Marketing and Managing Your Business — Effective and current strategies for promoting and managing a stone and tile restoration business in today’s environment. Includes input from Surface Care PROS, experts at marketing and business support for the industry.
Resources — A compilation of additional resources for further learning, exploration, and business support.
Index – The Index chapter includes documents, tables, charts, and more referred to in the various chapters.
Articles – An ever-growing repository of informative articles covering a wide range of topics related to stone and tile restoration are available to download and add to your own manual.