Interior Quartzite Floor

This quartzite job was in a cool condo out in sunny kihei. Condo is going on the market and needed a little freshening up. In person this floor had a oily build up and was very discolored in the traffic lanes. It took a little work but cleaned up very nice. 

Give us a call for a free consultation 808.870.0222

Aloha! 

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

Exterior Quartzite Clean and Seal

 Image 2 - Another angle of quartzite 

Exterior Quartzite Clean and Seal

 

Image 1 - This was a quartzite pool deck project we worked on in Wailea maui. This stone was in bad shape. Years of build up and wear and tear. We did a restoration cleaning on this quartzite. And sealed with a color enhancing impregnating sealer. The results are dramatic. 

Quartzite is a popular stone and there's many ways to maintain it. Ask a professional 

White River Rock

  All of us know how bad red dirt on maui can look and how much maintenance it can be on property. This deck was done on the west side of maui with years of red dirt build up. We specialize in cleaning and sealing all types of stone both exterior and interior. 

If you need a free consultation call 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. 

Exterior Quartzite Clean and Seal

  This project was done in sunny Wailea Maui. Our crew deep cleaned and brought back the original beautiful colors of this quartzite lanai. Protecting it with a high quality penetrating sealer to help keep its integrity and look for years to come. 

Another satisfied Eurotech customer

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).

Pool Decks and Exterior Natural Stone Floor Care

Pool Deck - Pool Tile - Cleaning and Sealing by EUROTECH Maui 808.877.0222

Pool decks and exterior flooring bear the brunt of sun, sand and salt exposure.  In Hawaii, our UV exposure is especially high.  Quartzite, travertine and sandstone are popular materials in common areas and require ongoing care to maintain their integrity and beauty.

One of the issues that we see with these types of materials is hard water deposits.  Unsightly reddish brown darkened areas tend to accumulate wherever water settles.  To address this properly, stone safe products and methods for cleaning are recommended to protect the flooring and remove the staining.  Typically pressure washing isn't enough for stain removal, however its a good interval maintenance procedure.  Proper use of pressure and products including a high quality sealer will help to prevent flaking and spalling of natural stone.

After the flooring has been deep cleaned, proper resealing is vital to increase the longevity and lifespan of exterior stone.  Topical coatings are generally not recommended due to slip considerations as well as increased maintenance costs.  Coatings although appropriate and necessary in some cases, will often require additional time and costs after the initial application.  Impregnators are the stone care professional and industry recommendation for natural stone flooring.  By penetrating the material and creating a resistance to water or oil, the stone will be less prone to deep staining.  Sealing protects natural stone by decreasing its porosity.   Deposits and discoloration will be held at the surface of the stone instead of letting them penetrate deeply into the stone.      

The benefits of regular sealing and proper stone care decreases the manhours and products required for daily and interval maintenance cleanings.  Proper care extends the life of natural stone and protects the investment that has already been made in high quality flooring. 

Proper care protects the investment that was made toward installing natural stone surfaces.  Using a qualified expert to assist with product choice and service practice will ensure the best wear and care of interior and exterior stone. 

 

For Care and Recommendations

 

877-0222








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Slate Tile Backsplash Deep Clean Project - Before and After Pictures by Eurotech Maui (808)877.0222

Slate - Stone - Restoration - Cleaning - Care by EUROTECH Maui 877.0222

Slate BBQ Before and Afters

This tile backsplash was marred with smoke and grease.  With proper products and methods, the stone was returned to a beautiful color.

Degreasing natural stone can be challenging because of its porosity.  Harsh chemicals can compromise the integrity of the slate and cause premature degeneration.  Impregnating the stone with professional grade sealer will keep the smoke and grease from deeply staining the tiles.

Proper sealing also increases the effectiveness of daily maintenance.  Always remember to use a ph neutral cleaner on all of your natural stone surfaces.

Many clients opt to use an enhancing* impregnator to deepen and intensify the colors of slate and natural stone.  Slate is an excellent candidate for enhancement because of the variety of colors.  

For Service or Recommendations Call

808-877-0222

*The slate pictured in this project was not enhanced.

Slate Floor Refinish Project

Slate Floor Restoration by EUROTECH Maui 808.877.0222

Eurotech Maui Slate Refinish Project Before and After

This slate entry was coated with a sealer that needed to be stripped away prior to resealing.  Coatings tend to wear unevenly and unattractively.  You can see how the flooring looks before we started.  Coating removal can be rather cumbersome to take on as a do it yourself project.  Many homeowners opt to have a professional do the job instead.

The end result is slate flooring sealed with an impregnating enhancer.  The sealer works from within the stone, instead of sitting on top of the stone.  Impregnators reduce slip issues, and won't flake away like coatings.  Enhancing Sealers deepen and intensify the stone color.   

For recommendations or service on your project, 

Call  EUROTECH Maui

808-877-0222 

Pool Deck Stain Removal

Eurotech AFTER Cleaning

Eurotech BEFORE Cleaning

This pool deck had been cleaned by a professional company and pressure washed by the Owner without success at removing the hardwater stains.  The after photo shows how EUROTECH was able to remove the deep staining and deposits from the quartzite and restore the pool deck to a fresh clean look.

Call EUROTECH Maui for your Natural Stone, Grout, Tile and Glass Care Needs

808.877.0222

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

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Floor Care Tip - Cleaning Products for Stone, Tile and Grout

When stone and tile floors are sticky after mopping, or if carpets get dirty in the areas where you spot treated, it might be a product problem.

Using a residue free cleaner and proper rinsing may be the solution for stone, tile and carpeted floors.

Turn up your volume and Click Play.

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

Granite Counters - What kind of care?

One of the best things you can do for your granite countertop is getting a professional grade sealer applied.

Granite counters are acid resistant, dense and durable. In our stone care experience, they are the best choice for kitchen counters for these reasons.

What are the things to watch out for?

Your Installer or Contractor probably put a medium to high grade sealer on the counters when it was installed. Ask what the product is and how long it is expected to last.

Within two years of installation, many Granite Counter Owners will opt to have a polish and reseal or at least a clean and reseal. The reason is this, if your sealer fails, oil can be literally sucked into the millions of microscopic pores and capillaries of granite and leave an oil stain that may not be removable. This is the most common type of granite damage besides spalling. One greasy jar of cooking oil left on the counter overnight could be a very expensive mistake. Regular resealing will prevent this type of damage to the countertops.

If your counter top darkens when a wet cloth sits on the surface for a couple hours, get it resealed right away.  The granite is susceptible to oil and water based staining.

What else can I do to help my granite last longer and look better?

The water in Maui leaves quite a bit of scaly white deposits around faucets. This can be removed and the sink edges sealed at the same time. Eurotech Maui offers an affordable maintenance program that includes an annual inspection, bead test, deposit (white stains) removal at the faucets and resealing of the 4" around the sink edge.

Professional Sealing Article.

Why Use a Professional Stone Care Expert?.

Recommended Service and Maintenance.

CALL 808.877.0222 for Service by EUROTECH Marble - Stone - Tile Care Maui

Limestone Pool Deck Stain Removal

This pool deck had stains caused by banana sap. The area covered a dozen tiles. We were able to remove the stains and seal the tile with a penetrating high quality sealer to protect the floor from the salt, sun and water that are relentless on the exterior natural stone tile.



Article: Professional Stone Care - An Investment that Pays http://eurotechmaui.blogspot.com/2010/11/professional-tile-and-stone-care.html

Article: Should I Use Bleach? http://eurotechmaui.blogspot.com/2010/11/floor-cleaning-to-bleach-or-not-to.html


For Service, call Eurotech Maui 808.877.0222

Quartzite Pool Deck Clean and Seal Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

This quartzite pool deck is about two years old. It had been pressure washed every six months and looked like it was in good shape when we started. But, it looked amazing after a deep clean and reseal. We didn't take before pictures, because it didn't seem like it would be a dramatic difference but it was. The quartzite is now in excellent shape. For all your exterior and interior Natural Stone and Tile Care needs, call Eurotech at 808.877.0222.

CONTACT US

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

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.