Green Marble Indoor/Outdoor Shower

 This was a repeat client in Kaanapali Golf Estates. This shower sits out in the eliments and takes a beating from sun, red dirt , and hard water. The grout turns from green to brown. The polish dulls in main areas and color gets lost. As you can see the difference between the two sides of the tracks. The left side is actually on the inside so you can imagine the condition and wear of the the other side before our process was done. We cleaned, polished, and color enhance sealed this floor giving a richer color and nice water and oil repellency. 

Call us at 808.877.0222

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. 

Natural stone protection: Sensitive Countertop

  This is a project completed at Andaz Wailea. These counters are sensitive and prone to etch marks and scratches. 

Our team performed a cutting edge process to create a high quality protection, adding life to the stone.  This natural stone countertop will continue to have superior reflection and luster. 

To determine if your project is a good candidate, schedule a free consultation. 

808.877.0222

Sensitive Counter Protection - Newest Nanotechnology applied by EUROTECH

Prevent the need for restoration with the latest and greatest protection.  It's NOT just another sealer.  For countertop applications only.  Safe for heat and scratch resistant.  Makes sensitive surfaces acid - PROOF and stainPROOF not just resistant.

808.877.0222

for a Consultation  

Coatings and Natural Stone

Marble - Granite - Travertine - Limestone Sealing:  Coating and Sealing Information

This is a reprint from the New York Landmarks Conservancy found at http://www.sacredplaces.org/PSP-InfoClearingHouse/articles/Focus.htm


Focus: Clear Masonry Coatings


The application of clear masonry coatings on historic masonry should be avoided except in unusual circumstances and undertaken only after professional consultation.

Building committee members are often told that they should apply a clear coating to masonry to prevent water infiltration or protect it from dirt, pollution, and graffiti. While this may sound like a great idea, it's not! Moisture problems on the interior are usually not from the penetration of rain through a brick or stone wall, but by defective roofs and gutters, open mortar joints, moisture from the ground (known as rising damp), and condensation. And since coatings are more likely to trap moisture inside a wall than keep it out, they can create more serious problems. It is better to fix the gutters or repoint the building before considering the application of a clear coating that is costly, possibly unwarranted, and can potentially lead to long―term damage. Bear in mind that most historic houses of worship have endured for years without any type of coating.


Types of Coatings

Waterproof coatings or sealers (acrylics, epoxies, polyurethanes) make a surface impermeable to water. Since all types of masonry are naturally porous, moisture evaporates through pores in the material. When a waterproof coating is applied to masonry, this natural evaporation process is altered. Moisture can still enter the masonry one way or another, but will no longer evaporate through the exterior wall. The trapped moisture can either migrate back to the interior, damaging interior structural systems and finishes, or in cold weather, freeze and expand behind the exterior coating, causing the masonry to crack and crumble (called spalling).

Water-repellent coatings (stearates and polymers, silicones, silanes and siloxanes) repel water and water-borne substances from the masonry surface and are designed to allow water vapor to enter and leave; for this reason many manufacturers call them "breathable." Their application to sound masonry is typically unnecessary since interior moisture migration does not come from water passing through stone or brick. And even if they are designed to "breath" and not harm masonry, water―repellent coatings are expensive and need to be renewed every five to ten years. Another troubling aspect is that the reapplication of the coating can block masonry pores causing possible damage.

Graffiti barrier coatings (acrylics, polyethylene wax emulsions, polysaccharides, silicones, and others) prevent graffiti from penetrating into the masonry and make removal easier. Current information on barrier coatings is quickly changing and should be investigated before any are applied to a masonry surface.


Drawbacks of Coatings

Many masonry coatings have the following potential drawbacks:

trapping moisture and soluble salts in the wall cavity and masonry resulting in cracking and deterioration (called spalling) which may not show up for several years

a glossy sheen, which may be obvious in normal lighting conditions or only visible when it rains

overtime they can discolor, turn yellow, or attract dirt

a patchy, uneven appearance, often with flaking, as the coating deteriorates

increased maintenance schedules and expenses since some need to be reapplied frequently, which can be costly especially if scaffolding is required

difficult or impossible to remove

not necessary or ineffective

impediment to repointing or patching masonry

Consequently, coatings must be used with extreme caution. Always seek the advice of a preservation architect or building conservator in evaluating the need for a coating versus alternative treatments. If a coating is going to be used, make sure to specify the manufacturer and type of masonry coating needed, and test and monitor its performance in an inconspicuous area.


Limited Uses

Clear masonry coatings should be used as a last resort for areas that exhibit active signs of deterioration. For example, water―repellent coatings may be considered as a temporary measure to slow down unusual problem areas where other means to prevent water infiltration have failed, such as sandblasted

or badly spalling brick or sandstone, or high exposure areas such as parapets or a portion of a building subject to driving rains. Repairs to treat a moisture problem and drying out of the masonry may be necessary before applying a coating. According to Mark London in Masonry: How to Care for Old and

Historic Brick and Stone, waterproof coatings "may be used effectively on the dry exteriors of foundations and basement walls...since trapping moisture within the wall is unlikely in this case as no evaporation occurs below grade." Transparent graffiti barrier coatings may be worth considering in cases of severe, recurrent graffiti problems, in addition to other types of measures (such as security lights) to prevent and control graffiti. Among the safer choices, suggests Martin Weaver in Removing Graffiti from Masonry, are water-based polysaccharides, and silicone and silicone-based coatings, which are vapor-permeable and generally do not change the natural appearance of the masonry. As with water repellent and waterproof coatings, the application of a barrier coating should be discussed with the local municipal preservation commission or review board. In New York City, the Landmarks Preservation Commission must review all proposals for the application of masonry coatings on landmark properties.

Acknowledgements: Mark London, Masonry: How to Care for Old and Historic Brick and Stone (Washington, D.C.: Preservation Press, 1988); Robert C. Mack, AIA, Preservation Briefs 1: The Cleaning and Waterproof Coating of Masonry Buildings (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, 1975); New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, Rowhouse Manual; Martin E. Weaver, Removing Graffiti from Masonry: A Technical Preservation Brief (New York Landmarks Conservancy, 1995).

Stone Restoration and Tile Care Maui

Marble - Granite - Travertine - Tile - Grout Cleaning Care and Restoration

 by EUROTECH Maui 877.0222



Travertine Marble Stone and Tile Care by EUROTECH Maui


 

Choosing a stone professional to care for and maintain your natural stone is a worthy investment.

All natural stone, whether marble, granite, travertine, slate, or one of the many other types of stone need ongoing care. The National Home Builders Association asserts that you can get a lifetime of beauty and reliability out of stone that is properly cared for.

Proper care includes sealing stone regularly. Proper preparation and choosing and applying the right professional sealer takes time and experience. Learning to perfect an even finish and remove damage takes even more experience.

Waxing and coating natural stone can be a costly endeavor. Those types of finish wear faster and more obviously than a professional polishing. Smearing, smudging, or ugly traffic patterns are more likely with waxes or coatings. Those types of quick fixes may also trap moisture within the stone and compromise the integrity of the stone in the long run.

Maintaining natural stone showers, floors and countertops properly will prevent damage and prolong their life and beauty.

It's our goal at EUROTECH to provide the best stone care solutions for the long term.  Our mission is to recommend the most cost effective solutions for the long run - prevention, protection and preservation. 

Call 808.877.0222 for Service

Contact Us - Articles - Services - Reviews - Gallery










 

Stone Restoration - Marble, Travertine, Granite, Slate, Limestone

Choosing a stone professional to care for and maintain your natural stone is a worthy investment.

All natural stone, whether marble, granite, travertine, slate, or one of the many other types of stone need ongoing care. The National Home Builders Association asserts that you can get a lifetime of beauty and reliability out of stone that is properly cared for.

Proper care includes sealing stone regularly. Proper preparation and choosing and applying the right professional sealer takes time and experience. Learning to perfect an even finish and remove damage takes even more experience.

Waxing and coating natural stone can be a costly endeavor. Those types of finish wear faster and more obviously than a professional polishing. Smearing, smudging, or ugly traffic patterns are more likely with waxes or coatings. Those types of quick fixes may also trap moisture within the stone and compromise the integrity of the stone in the long run.

Maintaining natural stone showers, floors and countertops properly will prevent damage and prolong their life and beauty.

CONTACT US

FOR PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS CALL808.877.0222

Search our articles by subject above

Stone Floor Deep Clean and Seal

Natural Stone Floors are porous and require on-going maintenance to preserve their beauty and integrity. The National Association of Home Builders expect natural stone, particularly granite, marble and slate to last approximately 100 years with proper maintenance.

This photo shows flooring that had a lot of dirt and deposit buildup deep cleaned out of the stone flooring.

What causes discoloration and damage to stone flooring and surfaces?

• Improper care and lack of maintenance




• Liquids and spills that are not wiped up




• Acidic or Alkaline products and cleaners




• Too much time between resealing




• Grit and dirt sanding a wear pattern




• Soap residue




• Improper stain removal

CONTACT US

Article Why Use a Professional? link: http://eurotechmaui.blogspot.com/2011/02/why-use-pro.html

Article Should I Use a Coating? link: http://eurotechmaui.blogspot.com/2010/12/should-i-put-topical-sealer-on-my-stone.html

Floor Care Tips Here: Floor Care Tips

Call 808.877.0222 for Service and Recommendations

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

CONTACT US

Granite & Marble Counters Water Spot Removal and Sealing

Around sink faucets, a white buildup of hard water stains can be difficult to remove without damaging marble or granite countertops.

Eurotech Maui is offering a cost effective Deposit Removal Service. Starting at $75, the deposits will be removed from kitchen or bathroom faucets and a touch up sealing around the highest use area 4" around the sink will be performed.

Around cooktops, oil is natural stone's worst enemy. Add-on total cleaning, preparation and full saturation resealing with a permanent bond penetrating 10 year sealer, or polishing to get your countertops looking beautiful and fully preserved and protected.

Call 877-0222 to make a service appointment.

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

Why Use a Pro?

When it comes to resealing your natural stone surfaces and grout (for tile), getting professional results will go a long way in protecting your investment. The National Home Builders Association says granite and marble floors can last a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance.

Proper care and maintenance includes regular resealing (service level clean and seal) and maintenance cleanings (surface level cleanings) for upkeep. See our article on Maintenance Programs here.

1. Professionals understand the make up of the type of stone you are sealing. Professional stone care experts get extensive training in the different types of natural stone and how to take care of them.

2. The surface is properly prepared. Eurotech thinks this quote is true, even in the area of stone care “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.”

3. Choose the right sealer. When it comes to sealers, you get what you pay for. Professionals have access to sealers that are professional grade. It takes training and experience to know which top of the line sealer will work best on which material on which type of surface. Some sealers are rated for 3-5 years and some are rated for more than 10 years.

4. Proper saturation. Wiping or spraying a sealer on a surface may not effectively protect a surface. Professionals will use techniques to ensure full saturation and maximum protection.

5. Excess. One problem caused by 'quickie' resealing jobs is residue that causes a buildup pattern. Professionals are trained to address the problem of excess sealer residue and won't cause them when they do your initial application or a routine resealing.

In summary, your stone care professional has spent numerous hours getting extensive training and expertise in cleaning, polishing, and maintenance of natural stone. At Eurotech, we follow our industry closely to stay on top of the best methods and the best products available. The experience in working with many types of natural stone in many applications cannot be replaced by guesswork.

Protecting the investment that was made in installing your natural stone or tile is certainly worth taking the time to consult with an expert. To reach a Maui stone care expert from Eurotech for a free consultation call 808-877-0222.

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.

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."

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

• Interior and Exterior Flooring 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.

Professional Tile and Stone Care - An Investment that pays

Why is Professionally Maintaining your Natural Stone and Tile Cost Effective?

1. Preserves and Extends the lifespan of the material

• Proper preparation and sealing will prevent staining

2. Prevents future costly repairs and restorations

• Much like auto maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular cleanings and sealings are like doing your oil changes. Maybe you can get away with skipping it, but that may cost much more in the long run.
• 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. To much pressure can cause damage. Porcelain tile, marble and granite would require different products and methods. The wrong cleaner may not clean or could cause damage. Use a stone and tile professional.
• Using too much pressure on unsanded grout can cause grout erosion.

3. Saves time and labor - makes cleaning easier

• Unsealed surfaces hold deposits differently than properly sealed surfaces. Treated stone and grout makes daily cleaning quicker and easier.

4. Prevents purchasing unnecessary cleaning products


5. Makes your rental property more desirable and may have tax benefits (see below).*

• May Provide Tax Benefits: "A repair keeps your rental property in good condition and is a deductible expense in the year that you pay for it. Repairs include painting, fixing a broken toilet and replacing a faulty light switch. Improvements on the other hand, add value to your property and are not deductible when you pay for them. You must recover the cost of improvements by depreciating the expense over your property's life expectancy. Therefore, from a tax standpoint, you should make repairs as the problems arise instead of waiting until they multiply and require renovations."* See FULL article by George D. Lambert at http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/06/rentalowner.asp *We do not provide tax advice. Ask your accountant about qualifying repairs and tax benefits.

Floor Cleaning - To Bleach or Not to Bleach

The question of what to clean floors with comes up on almost every floor service we do. Whether or not to use bleach is another FAQ. Here are some basic guidelines to keeping stone and tile floors clean:

Keep doormats inside and outside of doorways if possible to trap dirt.

Daily Cleaning
Sweep and vacuum a lot more often than mopping.

If and when you mop, keep a bucket of clean rinse water and use a clean mop head. Dirty mops and dirty mopwater are the leading culprit of dirty grout and stone.

Use the right floor cleaning products: When you are doing daily cleaning, bleach is NOT recommended. Whether it is natural stone or ceramic tile, you'll want to avoid bleach and bleach based products. The constant exposure to bleach will damage stone and break down grout over time. Bleach also destroys most penetrating sealers that are used on grout and stone. We recommend using a neutral stone and tile cleaner for daily cleaning. We like Rinseless Cleaner because it doesn't leave behind a soapy residue. Residue buildup can make the floors look worse over time than they should.

Deep Cleaning and Stain Removal
NEVER use bleach on natural stone as it could leave a permanent mark that needs professional restoration. When you have a one time stain removal, bleach is okay for ceramic tile. But, be sure the material is really ceramic tile and not a natural stone. If you are going to use bleach on ceramic tile and grout, we strongly recommend triple rinsing the bleach to prevent any damage and to preserve the sealer as much as possible. Bead test the grout after cleaning to see if the sealer is still in tact. If water quickly soaks into the grout, we recommend a professional sealing. On natural stone, you should always contact a professional to address stains. The risk of damaging natural stone with do it yourself stain removal is too high to make it worthwhile.

So, use a non-residue stone and tile cleaning product for daily cleaning. And get professional recommendations when you're dealing with stain removal and setting up a floor maintenance program. We want to help you make your floor lifespan and clean appearance last as long as possible.

CONTACT US

White Marble Hone and Regrout Counter

This bathroom counter was originally a high polish finish. The Owners decided to have it honed several years back. White marble, like most stone, will show wear and tear over time. So we came in to bring it back up to top condition. The results were excellent and the regrout improved the appearance of the entire countertop immensely. The homeowners opted to go with the highest grade of sealer and stainproofing that we offer, which was an excellent choice for this particular materials application and use. The sealer permanently bonds to the stone and is a stainproofing agent. Although no sealer can etchproof stone, this particular sealer that we are specially accredited to apply has the longest lifespan, the best water, oil and stain repellancy. Which makes sense: keep the waters and oils out and the stains stay out with them. It does cost more to stainproof stone, but in certain situations, the investment will pay off tremendously. The video explains the service and includes before and afters.

Marble Counter - Restoration Etch Removal

This marble countertop had extensive etching and swirlmarks throughout the surface. The finish was dulled and needed cleaning up. Lance went through graduated grades of diamond sanding to remove the damage and resurface the marble to a smooth sleek finish. The countertop was brought to a high polish and resealed with a penetrating sealer specifically suited to marble. Vacation Home - Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

Travertine - Marble - Granite Polishing Before and After

We arrived to the Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii luxury villa in the morning. The travertine countertops in the master and guest bathrooms had a mild to moderate amount of wear and tear. Lance performed a 3 step deep cleaning, polish and reseal to remove the water deposits and light etching and wear on the travertine surface. Bathroom and kitchen counters often have waterspotting and calcium buildup around the faucets and sink edges.

This photo above shows the before and after of the polishing. The travertine was already cleaned and prepared. The left is before polishing and the right is after the polishing. Notice the detail in the reflection of the light fixture comparing the unpolished left side to the polished right side.

Most clients opt to deep clean and reseal for protection. It removes all the buildup that won't come out with daily cleaning. And once the surface is cleaned and prepared, it can be resealed to protect and preserve the life of the natural stone.

This particular client opted for a high polish finish, that added another step to the process. It looked shiny and new when the clean, polish and sealing were complete.