This project was in a vacation rental condo in ocean front Kihei. The pavers on this deck had years of wear and build up. Not to mention multiple layers of a topical coating style sealer. First we had to remove the old stained coating. Next came the deep cleaning to make sure we were well preped for our sealing step. This is a 2 step color enhancing / stain proofing sealing process. This job came out excellent and will last for years to come. What a difference.
EUROTECH MAUI 808.877.0222 Stone - Tile - Grout - Glass Restoration and Care. Maui's natural stone and tile care company for cleaning, service, maintenance and restoration. Specializing in Marble, Granite, Travertine, Ceramic Tile and Grout. Showers Floors Counters Glass and Pool surfaces. Stone, glass and tile cleaning, polishing, resurfacing, waterspot removal, and sealing specialists.
Showing posts with label floors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label floors. Show all posts
August 22, 2016
Kihei Condo Lanai Pavers
This project was in a vacation rental condo in ocean front Kihei. The pavers on this deck had years of wear and build up. Not to mention multiple layers of a topical coating style sealer. First we had to remove the old stained coating. Next came the deep cleaning to make sure we were well preped for our sealing step. This is a 2 step color enhancing / stain proofing sealing process. This job came out excellent and will last for years to come. What a difference.
August 15, 2016
Four Seasons Ko Olina Oahu Lobby Marble Floor Polish
I was invited to Oahu to work on The Four Seasons Ko Olina along with ASR another stone restoration company based out of Oahu Hawaii. My friend and owner of ASR Glenn is also a fellow member of the Stone Repair Network (SRN) group. Along with Glenn's crew and Tim another member of the SRN who is based out of New York, we tackled approx 12,000 sq ft of marble floor polishing on a tight deadline. We accomplished it with time to spare. Good job team.
June 13, 2011
Marble Granite Travertine Tile Grout - Cleaning Polishing and Sealing by EUROTECH
*Special thanks to Sean Jones at AUTO TRIM HAWAII for the new Van Signs http://www.autotrimhawaii.com/contactus.htm
Professional Stone Care
Tile & Grout Cleaning
- Cleaning
- Sealing
- Polishing
- Restoration and Resurfacing
Inspections - Maintenance Programs - Consultations
Marble and Natural Stone require ongoing specialized care to protect and preserve its beauty and lifespan. Stone Care professionals are trained in the best methods and stay on top of the latest products and technology to promote natural stone service life.
Call (808) 877-0222 for Service
March 15, 2011
Stone Care and Tile Cleaning
This is some recent stone care and tile cleaning work in Lahaina and Kihei, Maui. Both floors were well taken care of, but a service level clean and seal definitely brought them up a notch. Floors, Showers and Counters can all benefit from a Maintenance Program. Regular cleaning and service resealing protects and beautifies stone, tile and grout.
For a consultation, call 808.877.0222
March 8, 2011
Travertine Floor Clean Reseal Lahaina Maui
This jewelry store in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii had a beautiful floor hidden beneath buildup and dirt deposits. You can see in the photo above that the cleaning made a drastic difference in the appearance of the floor. That dark area in the far top of the picture isn't shadow - you can see the cleaning line midway through the floor.
Travertine flooring deserves maintenance cleanings and service reseals. Visit our article Why Use a Professional?
Call 877-0222 if you have travertine tiles that need care.
January 31, 2011
Marble - Granite - Travertine - Tile and Grout 2011
So the big question is....
What can EUROTECH do for you in 2011?
We have some exciting developments and we're looking forward to finding out how we can help you in 2011.
First, we're constantly improving our natural stone care and tile and grout service methods. We have been restoring and cleaning and sealing and polishing marble, stone, tile and grout all over Maui and plan to continue doing the same in 2011.
Secondly, we're working alongside one of the top Porcelain Refinshing Companies from Honolulu and bringing their excellent methods and work to the Island of Maui. So, if you have fiberglass shower stalls or porcelain bath tubs that need improvement, we can do the consultation and schedule the work.
Lastly, 2011 will bring faster glass restoration. We trained with a leading expert in Oakland and are bringing the latest technology in glass restoration to Maui. In the past, glass restoration has been tedious and slow, but now whether its a scuff, scratch or simply swirl marks on your window or glass, we can clarify it quickly and thoroughly.
Eurotech's Mission is to provide restoration answers that are more cost effective and environmentally friendlier than replacement.
Give us a call and let us know what your needs in 2011 will be and we'll put together a plan that fits your needs and budget.
What can EUROTECH do for you in 2011?
We have some exciting developments and we're looking forward to finding out how we can help you in 2011.
First, we're constantly improving our natural stone care and tile and grout service methods. We have been restoring and cleaning and sealing and polishing marble, stone, tile and grout all over Maui and plan to continue doing the same in 2011.
Secondly, we're working alongside one of the top Porcelain Refinshing Companies from Honolulu and bringing their excellent methods and work to the Island of Maui. So, if you have fiberglass shower stalls or porcelain bath tubs that need improvement, we can do the consultation and schedule the work.
Lastly, 2011 will bring faster glass restoration. We trained with a leading expert in Oakland and are bringing the latest technology in glass restoration to Maui. In the past, glass restoration has been tedious and slow, but now whether its a scuff, scratch or simply swirl marks on your window or glass, we can clarify it quickly and thoroughly.
Eurotech's Mission is to provide restoration answers that are more cost effective and environmentally friendlier than replacement.
Give us a call and let us know what your needs in 2011 will be and we'll put together a plan that fits your needs and budget.
December 24, 2010
Should I put a topical sealer on my stone or tile?
The short answer is: It depends.
There are, of course, certain applications where you'd want a total protective layer that a topical coating style sealer provide. We've seen many jobs that wear great and hold up all the way through that 5 year + mark.
When weighing out the pros and cons though, keep these guidelines in mind:
Natural stone needs to breathe. If moisture gets trapped within natural stone, it can cause spalling and issues that are serious problems.
Coatings may wear unevenly in traffic areas.
Coatings must be stripped the next time you reseal, so be sure to count that cost into your budget when you put the initial coating on. Choosing a topical style sealer on will require an ongoing maintenance program that includes stripping or removal. Stripping requires expensive chemicals and expertise to complete properly, and generally doubles the time that a job would take with a penetrating sealer. Failing to properly remove and prepare the surface of any existing sealers will cause flaking and peeling of your new coating. Proper preparation is key in the maintenance resealings.
If you're planning on doing a stripping and resealing job yourself, your most difficult task will be getting the sealer out of the porous grout lines. If you don't get it all the way out prior to resealing, it will be a nightmare later.
That being said, ask your professional if a penetrating or a topical sealer is best in your situation.
Penetrating sealers make use of chemicals whose molecular structure is much smaller than acrylics and epoxies. Their smaller size allows them to penetrate the surface. They are also more sophisticated in their design as they contain fusion forming particulates that seek out compatible molecules in the material they are applied to. Like magnets sticking together, these compatible molecules fill in the microscopic capillaries of the material they are applied to, forming an impenetrable barrier. Most penetrating sealers do not enhance color. They also do not appear glossy and typically do not increase the slip factor. Penetrating sealers are not known to peel or flake. Because they fuse with the material below the surface, penetrating sealers last longer than film forming sealers."
There are, of course, certain applications where you'd want a total protective layer that a topical coating style sealer provide. We've seen many jobs that wear great and hold up all the way through that 5 year + mark.
When weighing out the pros and cons though, keep these guidelines in mind:
Natural stone needs to breathe. If moisture gets trapped within natural stone, it can cause spalling and issues that are serious problems.
Coatings may wear unevenly in traffic areas.
Coatings must be stripped the next time you reseal, so be sure to count that cost into your budget when you put the initial coating on. Choosing a topical style sealer on will require an ongoing maintenance program that includes stripping or removal. Stripping requires expensive chemicals and expertise to complete properly, and generally doubles the time that a job would take with a penetrating sealer. Failing to properly remove and prepare the surface of any existing sealers will cause flaking and peeling of your new coating. Proper preparation is key in the maintenance resealings.
If you're planning on doing a stripping and resealing job yourself, your most difficult task will be getting the sealer out of the porous grout lines. If you don't get it all the way out prior to resealing, it will be a nightmare later.
That being said, ask your professional if a penetrating or a topical sealer is best in your situation.
Penetrating sealers make use of chemicals whose molecular structure is much smaller than acrylics and epoxies. Their smaller size allows them to penetrate the surface. They are also more sophisticated in their design as they contain fusion forming particulates that seek out compatible molecules in the material they are applied to. Like magnets sticking together, these compatible molecules fill in the microscopic capillaries of the material they are applied to, forming an impenetrable barrier. Most penetrating sealers do not enhance color. They also do not appear glossy and typically do not increase the slip factor. Penetrating sealers are not known to peel or flake. Because they fuse with the material below the surface, penetrating sealers last longer than film forming sealers."
December 20, 2010
Tile Cleaning Stain Removal Kihei, Maui
One of the problems with exterior tile flooring, whether its stone or tile is standing water stains. These deposits can be particularly difficult to remove. Many people have tried pressure washing these kinds of stains off their tile, but it usually is too stubborn to pick up. A tile or stone professional will use the correct restoration process. See below: Why Use a Pro?
This particular service (See before and after video) was performed after the client had done pressure washing cleaning. So the before photo is basically an after pressure washing picture. The after photo reflects a restoration level cleaning to remove the staining and deposits.
Tips:
Design drainage away from tile surfaces
Adjust irrigation to avoid overspray onto tile and flooring
Broom standing water daily
The lanai floor was even and clean when the service was complete and the grout was resealed to protect it.
Why Use a Pro?
Trained tile and stone professionals will use the correct agents, sealers, and process. For example, marble, ceramic tile, and granite have differing limits for withstanding pressure cleaning. Too much pressure can cause damage. Porcelain tile, marble and granite would each require different products and methods. The wrong cleaner may not clean or could cause damage to the surface. Also, using too much pressure on unsanded grout can cause grout erosion.
Using the best sealer for the material and area of use is also very important. Visit our FAQs section http://eurotechmaui.blogspot.com/p/faqs.html for an article on types of sealers
and our blog post: http://eurotechmaui.blogspot.com/2010/11/professional-tile-and-stone-care.html
BEFORE PHOTO: Tile after pressure wash by client
AFTER PHOTO: Tile after restorative cleaning and stain removal by Eurotech
This particular service (See before and after video) was performed after the client had done pressure washing cleaning. So the before photo is basically an after pressure washing picture. The after photo reflects a restoration level cleaning to remove the staining and deposits.
Tips:
Design drainage away from tile surfaces
Adjust irrigation to avoid overspray onto tile and flooring
Broom standing water daily
The lanai floor was even and clean when the service was complete and the grout was resealed to protect it.
Why Use a Pro?
Trained tile and stone professionals will use the correct agents, sealers, and process. For example, marble, ceramic tile, and granite have differing limits for withstanding pressure cleaning. Too much pressure can cause damage. Porcelain tile, marble and granite would each require different products and methods. The wrong cleaner may not clean or could cause damage to the surface. Also, using too much pressure on unsanded grout can cause grout erosion.
Using the best sealer for the material and area of use is also very important. Visit our FAQs section http://eurotechmaui.blogspot.com/p/faqs.html for an article on types of sealers
and our blog post: http://eurotechmaui.blogspot.com/2010/11/professional-tile-and-stone-care.html
BEFORE PHOTO: Tile after pressure wash by client
AFTER PHOTO: Tile after restorative cleaning and stain removal by Eurotech
December 6, 2010
What is the recommended Service and Maintenance for Tile and Natural Stone?
See our articles on:
Benefits of Tile & Stone Maintenance
FAQs - What kind of sealer and when?
FLOORS - MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
SERVICE CLEANING & SEALING - Always start with a Service Level of cleaning. This means a deep cleaning that pulls out deposits and discoloration of stone, tile and grout - properly preparing the surface for sealing. It takes several steps of scrubbing and agitation and pressure extraction and drying to get the floors ready for sealing. This should be performed every 2-5 years. The determining factor for frequency is a bead test. Check your sealer condition on the grout lines or natural stone with a bead test in multiple areas, which shows if your sealer has deteriorated or if it is still protecting the floors. If water does not clearly bead, get a service performed by a professional.
LIGHT MAINTENANCE CLEANING - May be performed every 6-12 months and may only require traffic area light scrub and a pressure extraction. The sealer should still be intact. This level of service is for floors which have only a surface level of deposits and are on a maintenance program. The light maintenance cleanings will delay the need for service level cleanings.
Benefits of Tile & Stone Maintenance
FAQs - What kind of sealer and when?
FLOORS - MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
SERVICE CLEANING & SEALING - Always start with a Service Level of cleaning. This means a deep cleaning that pulls out deposits and discoloration of stone, tile and grout - properly preparing the surface for sealing. It takes several steps of scrubbing and agitation and pressure extraction and drying to get the floors ready for sealing. This should be performed every 2-5 years. The determining factor for frequency is a bead test. Check your sealer condition on the grout lines or natural stone with a bead test in multiple areas, which shows if your sealer has deteriorated or if it is still protecting the floors. If water does not clearly bead, get a service performed by a professional.
LIGHT MAINTENANCE CLEANING - May be performed every 6-12 months and may only require traffic area light scrub and a pressure extraction. The sealer should still be intact. This level of service is for floors which have only a surface level of deposits and are on a maintenance program. The light maintenance cleanings will delay the need for service level cleanings.
SHOWERS - MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
- SERVICE LEVEL CLEANING & SEALING - Start with this level of service and then begin a maintenance program. The soap scum and deposits will be removed and surfaces deep cleaned. The grout integrity may be reviewed and skim coated. The grout may be treated for discoloration. The shower may be polished or rehoned (if natural stone). The shower walls and floors will be properly dried and resealed with a breatheable penetrating sealer. This service should be performed approximately every two - four years, depending on daily cleaning practices, maintenance, and shower and sealer condition. We recommend stain-proofing (permanent bonding 10 year sealer) tiled shower floors.
- LIGHT CLEANING - This maintenance level of service may or may not include the walls but always includes the floor. It will involve a cleaning and touch up sealing of the shower floor, and may include deposit removal on the walls. We recommend this step to be performed annually as it will delay the need for costlier service level cleanings.
COUNTERS - MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
- Cleaning, polishing and resealing of countertops may be performed every 3-5 years.
- Annual maintenance on kitchen granite may include removal of the buildup around the faucets and a touch up sealer around the sink areas and/or the range.
October 13, 2010
Woman awarded $5.67 million in slip-and-fall case. Greasy Floor Issue
Woman awarded $5.67 million in slip-and-fall case - Mauinews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Visitor's Information - The Maui News
The end of this article mentions that greasy floors at this Dairy Road, Maui McDonalds restaurant were partially to blame for this accident and lawsuit. Another good reason to have floors on a deep clean maintenance program.
The end of this article mentions that greasy floors at this Dairy Road, Maui McDonalds restaurant were partially to blame for this accident and lawsuit. Another good reason to have floors on a deep clean maintenance program.
July 22, 2010
Kaanapali Hillside, Maui - Red Dirt Cleaning on Travertine
BEFORE/AFTER
This was a large private residence in Kaanapali Hillside, Lahaina, Maui. The red dirt in the area is infamous for staining everything and wreaking havoc on homes, floors, and furnishings. In fact, if you've visited Maui, you might be familiar with Red Dirt Shirts, a tshirt line developed using red dirt as the pigment to dye Tshirts. It stains most anything porous, and this travertine floor had some heavy traffic throughout the dining, kitchen, hallway and living areas. These pictures show opposite ends of the same hallway before cleaning and after. They were not altered in any way, but the lighting was at different times of day. The cleaning made such a drastic difference, that the clients were very happy with the service.
The Eurotech Marble & Stone Care technicians used professional strength cleaning agents and prescrubbed all the grout and stone. Then the floor was rinsed and pressure extracted to get it ready for sealing. It was then resealed with the selected top grade penetrating stone sealer.
The reason sealing flooring, or any natural stone surface, is so important is that it helps to make the stone more resistant to oil and water-based stains. In an area like Lahaina, where red dirt is such an issue, we recommend bi-annual deep cleaning and resealing, and annual light professional cleanings.
Understanding the levels of service is key when hiring a professional to clean your floors. A light cleaning, such as that a janitorial company could do (even with machines) would still be considered a light professional cleaning. Be sure to ask what kinds of cleaning agents will be used in the cleaning (see the following paragraph) and what kind of process will be used. Stone is such a big investment, the last thing you would want is someone treating it like ceramic tile and putting bleach or acids on it. That could potentially marr the stone, and would definitely reduce the effectiveness of whatever sealer is on the flooring.
Most natural stone owners know that they shouldn't use anything except stone specific PH neutral cleaners on their stone countertops, showers and floors for daily cleaning and maintenance. This is to not only prevent damage to the stone itself, but also to protect and preserve the penetrating sealer that protects the marble, granite, or travertine.
Remember: Preserve your sealer, protect your stone.
If you have stone surfaces in Maui that you'd like a consultation on, call the Eurotech Marble & Stone Care Maui Office at 808.877.0222.
This was a large private residence in Kaanapali Hillside, Lahaina, Maui. The red dirt in the area is infamous for staining everything and wreaking havoc on homes, floors, and furnishings. In fact, if you've visited Maui, you might be familiar with Red Dirt Shirts, a tshirt line developed using red dirt as the pigment to dye Tshirts. It stains most anything porous, and this travertine floor had some heavy traffic throughout the dining, kitchen, hallway and living areas. These pictures show opposite ends of the same hallway before cleaning and after. They were not altered in any way, but the lighting was at different times of day. The cleaning made such a drastic difference, that the clients were very happy with the service.
The Eurotech Marble & Stone Care technicians used professional strength cleaning agents and prescrubbed all the grout and stone. Then the floor was rinsed and pressure extracted to get it ready for sealing. It was then resealed with the selected top grade penetrating stone sealer.
The reason sealing flooring, or any natural stone surface, is so important is that it helps to make the stone more resistant to oil and water-based stains. In an area like Lahaina, where red dirt is such an issue, we recommend bi-annual deep cleaning and resealing, and annual light professional cleanings.
Understanding the levels of service is key when hiring a professional to clean your floors. A light cleaning, such as that a janitorial company could do (even with machines) would still be considered a light professional cleaning. Be sure to ask what kinds of cleaning agents will be used in the cleaning (see the following paragraph) and what kind of process will be used. Stone is such a big investment, the last thing you would want is someone treating it like ceramic tile and putting bleach or acids on it. That could potentially marr the stone, and would definitely reduce the effectiveness of whatever sealer is on the flooring.
Most natural stone owners know that they shouldn't use anything except stone specific PH neutral cleaners on their stone countertops, showers and floors for daily cleaning and maintenance. This is to not only prevent damage to the stone itself, but also to protect and preserve the penetrating sealer that protects the marble, granite, or travertine.
Remember: Preserve your sealer, protect your stone.
If you have stone surfaces in Maui that you'd like a consultation on, call the Eurotech Marble & Stone Care Maui Office at 808.877.0222.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)