Discovering Stone Issue 32 | April 2018 by Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd

ISSUE 32 . APRIL 2018

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STONE

THE INTERNATIONAL SURFACE EVENT 2018

SEALER SELECTION GUIDE 2018

BEHIND THE SCENES AT INTERMAC IN ITALY THREE NEW ENTRIES IN THE ASAA AWARDS LOOKING AHEAD TO AWISA 2018

www.discoveringstonemagazine.com.au

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EDITOR’S NOTE

This issue of Discovering Stone is primarily about sealant companies and those who are included in the 2018 Sealant Guide which can be found on page 26. The section on sealants beings on page 16. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Tony Stock for his efforts on Discovering Stone magazines. We wish him only the best as he leaves his role as contributing editor to explore other opportunities. The response to Finishes & Surfaces magazine has been overwhelming since its release in late-2017. This publication specifically targets architects, specifiers, interior designers and fit out professionals. We are currently working on the 2018/2019 edition. Publisher, Vicky Cammiade, said, “The architect and specifier constantly needs a source for new ideas, applications, important technical data, as well as a focus on sustainability. These details important to the commercial sector. “This is vital to readers of Discovering Stone magazine as we can provide direct access to the marketplace they’re after, by providing a unique opportunity to be an integral part of the next edition, by showcasing important projects and fully detailing the product line used and why it was successful in all the tender requirements. “Sandie Velkovska our advertising sales manager has several marketing packages available that are very individual and will definitely get the attention you require. Contact Sandie on 03 9890 0815 or email sandie@elitepublishing.com.au to reserve your prime positions now.”

32 SHOW REPORT 4

The International Surface Event held in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) is over for another year. Discovering Stone visited the show for the first time in 2018 and saw a dynamic, highly performing surfaces industry.

AWISA 2018 48

SEALER SELECTION GUIDE 16

A list of the leading sealant products currently on the market and extensive information on the advertisers that are included in this year’s guide.

MACHINERY 44

The Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association (AWISA) is holding its event at Darling Harbour, Sydney between 4 -7 July.

ASAA 32

Phil Ashley recently visited Intermac in Pesaro, Italy to get a behind-the-scenes look at how Intermac develops its machines.

Three new entries to the ASAA Architectural Awards are profiled including Mike Hewson Studio working with Bundanoon Sandstone and Bamstone.

EVENTS 50

The Surface Design Show in London and DesignBUILD in Melbourne are featured.

Until next time, READ ON THE GO: Scan code to view the latest FREE digital versions of the magazine on our website. Simply click on the front cover once you have scanned the code.

Betty Tanddo Editor, Discovering Stone Magazine

ON THE COVER: Rugged Concrete by Caesarstone delivers the authentic look of a hand poured concrete benchtop, with its authentic, robust, industrial-inspired design.

SHOW REPORT

The International Surface Event 2018 The Discovering Stone team hit the ground running at TISE 2018. It was impressed with the energy and positive sentiments at the show.

weeping into Las Vegas at night in an airplane, one thing seems certain: energy conservation and light pollution are not two of the most important issues for this community. Where Los Angeles at night looks like some animated illustration of circulation in living tissue, the long freeways traced by a seemingly endless procession of moving red taillights, and San Francisco resembles nothing so much as a printed circuit board, with its tall skyscrapers plugged into the flatland of the financial district like so many massive capacitors, Las Vegas really does look like a combination pinball/ video game/jukebox.

That’s especially so when it comes to what the locals (and experienced visitors) refer to as “The Strip”, a nearly seven-kilometre stretch of city street where virtually all the city’s most famous resorts and casinos are located. It’s a proximity that makes it easy for a tourist to wander from what seems like one fairy-like extravaganza to the next, ablaze in lights, all about entertainment — and the omnipresent slot-machines, never more than five metres away from any particular point. The well-known Mandalay Bay hotel (named after a famous poem by Rudyard Kipling) sits at one end of the strip. First opened in March

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1999, the hotel was expanded with a second hotel tower, which opened in December 2003. Most importantly, a convention centre was added to the hotel, which opened in January 2003. With 140,000 square metres of space, it is, on its own, the fifth largest convention centre in the US. This vast convention centre is the annual location of the The International Surface Event (TISE). This year the event comprised three world-class tradeshows: SURFACES, StonExpo/Marmomac, and Tile Expo. It’s a four-day extravaganza of everything to do with coverings and facades for just about any horizontal or vertical surface. 6

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SHOW REPORT

Frequently used as an event to launch new products, it is also heavy on information about upcoming trends. Every major North American manufacturer is represented, along with most major global suppliers as well. It’s one of the few conventions of this type that offers solid opportunities to study and learn what really is going on in the world of surfaces. Some of the educational events included: State of the Industry Report in the Residential and Commercial Markets, presented by the well-known Farnsworth Group; Ageing in Place: Surfaces for Seniors; and multiple talks on subjects such as new flooring types, stone restoration, employee management, and style/design issues.

Department of Finance, Services and Innovation Notice of acceptance of a WHS undertaking under Part 11 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Workers were exposed to silica dust on 23 November 2016 and 13 December 2016 at the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation’s Heritage Stoneworks Alexandria production facility. A worker at the Heritage Stoneworks Alexandria facility suffered head injuries when struck by an overloaded stacker lift on 31 January 2017. The Department of Planning and Environment investigated the incidents and subsequently alleged that the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation contravened section 32 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) by failing to comply with a health and safety duty under section 19(1) of the WHS Act for each of the incidents.

The full undertaking and general information about enforceable undertakings is available at www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au

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Above: Elite Publishing general manager, Georgia Gilmour and Discovering Stone editor, Betty Tanddo. Opposite: Custom Building Products was a major presence at TISE 2018.

In case all of that seems a little stuffy and formal — don’t worry, stuffy and formal might actually be the only thing that is illegal in Vegas! For example, it is the first convention we’ve been to that had its own DJ grinding out tunes to keep the attendees’ feet tapping. And if the convention did get a little overwhelming, you had only to step outside into the waiting wonderland of Las Vegas for a half-hour or so to rediscover your sense of enthusiasm. According to event organiser, informa, attendance at TISE 2018 was up 12% from the previous year. Over the past three years, attendance has increased 30%. Aimee Gilmour, CEM, director of TISE, said, “The TISE team has been truly honoured by the influx of emails from the industry … with how impressive the event was this year … It is our goal to create a marketplace for the industry to gather, do business, and build relationships. We’ll continue to listen and strive to fill the needs of the industry.” There is simply too much for Discovering Stone to cover comprehensively, but in what follows we’ve picked out some of the more significant events, people and products that really caught our attention.

Custom Building Products

BLZ136837

This notice has been placed under the terms of a WHS undertaking and acknowledges acceptance of an undertaking, that is enforceable under the WHS Act. The undertaking requires the following actions: • Provide additional labour resource for lift management and dust suppression • Install an air shower dust capture unit • Design and build a transition room to separate clean and dirty work environments • Provide educational videos on airborne crystalline silica and lifting practices • Provide education campaign to the stonemasonry industry • Supply specific information and materials on airborne crystalline silica and lifting practices to stonemasonry students at TAFE NSW.

Left: A DJ played upbeat music in the halls of the Mandalay Bay.

The start of Colin Morrow’s (ACT Australia) relationship with Custom Building Products, a major producer of grout and adhesives, began on a “wing and a prayer” after previous dealings with it through another company. Around the same time last year, Colin said he “just rocked up to the stand” without an official invitation and met up again with one of its founders, Tom Peck, and said, “How are you going?” This simple introduction and the inevitable pitch for the business was met with an enthusiastic response. It eventually led to Colin bringing into the Australian market a specialist colour range. “The higher end stuff”, he explains.

“So we are trying to re-introduce Custom. We have about 10 new product lines and we are looking at doing more in the future. They are products that complement my existing lines.” One of the Custom products being imported by ACT Australia is RedGard SpeedCoat®. Colin said: “The beauty of this product is that it is premixed and you can use it on a damp substrate. So if you are repairing a shower recess, and it is still damp, normally you would have to let it dry out. That’s when you’d be using a normal membrane. “With SpeedCoat, you can put straight on a damp substrate. You can re-coat it within an hour and you can tile over it within an hour. Using standard products, it could take over 24 hours. And you can even flood test it. So you can waterproof the bathroom … it can be flood tested before you even get to tiling it, to make sure it’s not leaking. They are there having a bit of success with it here in America because it brings down the building timeframe and therefore the cost of building.” The Aqua Mix range is exclusively imported and distributed throughout Australia by NSWbased Custom Surface Solutions (Aqua Mix Australia). Aqua Mix has been the most preferred brand of sealers for seven consecutive years, according to the Tile & Stone Installation Contractor CLEAReport. This report is based on data from the US-based Clear Seas Research company. It measures opinions and current trends from professionals involved in the tile and stone installation industry. Both professional end-users and homeowners favour Aqua Mix for its easy-to-use formulas and high-quality results. The brand has also offered low and no VOC sealers for a long time and now these sealers are part of Custom Building Products BuildGreen® program and earn points toward LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. 8

TECHNI Waterjet™ Cutters are the preferred cutting tool for stone fabricators using modern stones such as Dekton, Neolith, or Maximum Fiandre. These man made stones are extremely hard and abrasive, and can therefore be very difficult to cut with traditional cutting tools such as saws, drills, and milling cutters. However, a TECHNI waterjet cutter can easily cut any shape, including accurately mitred edges ready for assembly, at speeds up to 1000mm/min.

Watch our video, bevel cutting a Neolith bench top! Scan the QR code with your smart phone or visit our You Tube page!

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SHOW REPORT

Intermac (Biesse Group) The Master Series 38.3 CNC, Donatoni Jet 625 CNC Bridge Saw and Montresor Vela 7.2 Vertical Edge Polisher were all on display at the Intermac stand. The Master 38.3 and ICAM3D CAD/CAM is what the company refers to as the number one selling CNC machine in the world. This machine takes professional endusers from concept to production in a few simple clicks. Designed for businesses looking to optimise production, the Master 38 is reliable and delivers “excellent quality to price ratio”. With a useable bed size of 63” x 127” it is ideal for most stone and glass fabrication.

Dry-Treat The Dry-Treat stand at TISE highlighted Porcelain Plus™. The brochure states it is a premium, impregnating sealer specifically designed for porcelain and quartz surfaces. This new technology has been developed for surfaces with low absorption rates in an easy-to-use, non-film forming sealer. Dry-Treat said its Porcelain Plus product is ideal for sealing grout for all porcelain and glazed ceramic tile installations. 10

Top: The Custom Building Products stand. Above: Michele Ragno (left) and Jacqueline Liger, both from Intermac. Right: The Intermac stand and The Dry-Treat stand (bottom) at TISE. Below: Ed O’Reilly (left) and Scott Higginbotham from Dry-Treat.

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Since 1982, CDK Stone has been sourcing the planet’s most beautiful Natural Stone. Our superb range comprises of Marble, Travertine, Limestone, Granite, and other exotic stones including our new Neolith Sintered Stone, showcasing individuality and beauty.

Our frequent travels to trade exhibitions, manufacturers, plus world-leading stone processing plants help us find new products and knowledge-building technology and processes to help you boost your business.

CDK Stone proudly offers an unparalleled range of stone working equipment – sourcing the best from around the globe. Tried, tested and trusted, our products will enhance your company’s finish and output regardless of its operating level.

For more information + services visit cdkstone.com.au

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SHOW REPORT

Mapei USA At the stand, Mapei’s Flexcolor 3D translucent grout and sealer was used with lighting technology from Backlit Tile Kit. Mapei Flexcolor 3D is a professional-grade, ready-to-use translucent specialty grout with an “iridescent effect” finish, providing a complementary look for a tile project. The product is offered in 10 different designs with translucent characteristics that not only reflect but also refract light. This allows the grout to transition in colour to complement the tile colour. It is formulated for commercial and residential installations with porcelain, ceramic, glass and naturalstone tiles. Clockwise from top: The Aqua Mix range at the Custom Building Products stand; Editor, Betty Tanddo (left) and Diane Choate, Mapei’s PR/corporate communications specialist demonstrate the benefits of the Flexcolor 3D translucent grout; The Laticrete banner and a product demonstration at the stand; Mapei made a strong impression at TISE 2018.

Flexcolor 3D can be used to grout interior tile. And the dense surface structure helps to prevent water-based stains on the grout surface. In addition, it can be used on sensitive tile surfaces once tested, requires no sealer and cures naturally from evaporation. Diane Choate, Mapei’s PR/corporate communications specialist, said the company is focusing on technology driven mortars. It is working on creating a new awareness of mortars for consumers and professional end-users. 13

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SHOW REPORT Right: Joe Torres manning the Diamut stand. Below: Breton showcased the Combi-Cut DJ/ NC 550 at its stand.

Breton USA Breton showcased the Combi-Cut DJ/ NC 550 at its stand. Featuring stateof-the-art numerical control and using Breton’s MiterWave technology, this 5-axis waterjet and bridge saw cuts complex shapes on virtually any stone surface with ease. Most importantly, it maintains precision even when there are variations in slab thickness.

Diamat The latest polishing wheels for edge polishing machines from Diamut are available with right or left spiral coupling. Their mix is universal and suitable for processing quartz, granite, marble and other synthetic materials. Its range for edge polishers – for all major machinery manufacturers – include calibrating wheels, precutting wheels and generating grinder wheels. There is also has a new line of polishing wheels for edge polishing machines that are available in the

5- and 6-inch diameter versions. They cover a wide range of grit (from 30 to 3500) and can be used on both straight and continuous edge profiles. Save the Date for The International Surface Event 2019 marketplace which will be held January 2325, 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA). Education seminars will be held from January 22-25, 2019. For more information, visit www.intlsurfaceevent.com ■

ASAA

Dedicated to the promotion of Australian stone at home and overseas. ASAA seeks to develop standards of excellence in performance and product supply, and to facilitate greater co-operation between the various sectors and competing entities of our industry. TM

MEMBERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN STONE ADVISORY ASSOCIATION INCLUDE: Australian Processors & Suppliers of Stone Quarriers of Australian Stone Stone Fixers, Landscapers, Geologists, Building Contractors, Sculptors, Educators Manufacturers of Adhesives, Grouts, Sealants & Waterproof Membranes Wholesalers/Importers, Resellers of Stone Suppliers of Machinery/Equipment Government Agencies, Professional Service Providers, Associations

To find out more about the benefits and why you should become a member of the Australian Stone Advisory Association email info@asaa.com.au or call 0421 388 127.

ASAA MEMBERS

www.asaa.com.au

seminars | standards of excellence | architectural awards

CONTENTS OF THE ASAA MANUAL

Visit www.asaa.com.au to download a FREE version of ASAA’s new guide to ‘Sealing and maintaining natural stone’.

Sealer Selection Guide available for FREE DOWNLOAD from www.asaa.com.au

Geology of Stone Standards & Specifications Design Manual Stone Selection ASAA members enjoy a 50 per cent I Stone Testing saving when they purchase the ASAA Natural Stone Design Manual. Granite To join or order a manual call Limestone 03 9888 3587 or email Marble & Onyx info@asaa.com.au Sandstone Travertine Over 450 copies sold to specifiers Slate Basalt The manual exceeds 390 pages. Each section Installation has been carefully peer reviewed. Horizontal Surfaces Vertical Surfaces AVAILABLE AS A DIGITAL DOWNLOAD Wet Areas To place an order call 03 9888 3587 Natural Stone Tiles during business hours or send an – fixing methods email to info@asaa.com.au. Residential Stone Countertops Capping & Sills Cost: Stone Furniture ASAA Members $132 Architects $132 (includes GST) Stone Faced Veneer/Pre-cast Non-Members $264 Concrete Allow 24 hours confirmation before download. Cleaning & Maintenance Digital version is licensed to the purchaser. Restoration/Refinishing We accept Mastercard & VISA Slip Resistance of Stone Active Australian Quarries ALTERNATIVELY ORDER THE CD VERSION Allow $22 for registered mail and handling Images of Natural Stones of Australia Glossary of Stone Industry Terms Modelled on the Marble Institute of America Dimension Stone Design Manual, the ASAA Natural Stone Appendix (Production Table, Design Manual comprehensively covers geology, stone selection, installation, care, maintenance and MOHS Scale, Applicable ASTM restoration. Contains references to applicable standards and test methods, an extensive glossary, list of Standards & Tests) quarries, prime suppliers of stone and related allied products. ACROBAT READER REQUIRED

VERSION

© This copyrighted work is jointly owned by the Marble Institute of America Inc. and the Australian Stone Advisory Association Ltd and may not be reproduced, transmitted and otherwise disseminated without the express written consent of the Marble Institute of America Inc. and the Australian Stone Advisory Association Ltd.

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SEALER

SELECTION GUIDE

2018

The 2018 sealants guide features information on its main participants. The companies include Clearstone, Applied Products Australia (Actichem), Aqua-Seal, CDK Stone, Dry-Treat, Environex International, Laticrete Australia, Spirit Sealers & Cleaners, Stone Doctor and Aqua Mix. Developed in Australia, Clearstone is a self-levelling polyester resin designed for use on bar tops, kitchen countertops, and bathroom vanities. Applied Products specialises in the manufacture of high quality chemicals for cleaning and protecting almost every hard or soft surface. Its products are formulated and packaged under its own Actichem brand, or private labels. Aqua-Seal makes products for the protection and maintenance of natural stone, ceramic tile, porcelain and grout. The Lithofin range of premium products for cleaning, protecting and maintaining ceramics and stone are available from CDK Stone. Dry-Treat sealers provide protection from stains, salt efflorescence, water damage, freeze thaw and graffiti. Environex is a manufacturer of cleaners, sealers and graffiti coatings for all forms of masonry. The company is focused on supplying superior products and services to the building, stone and masonry industry Laticrete Australia is part of a global manufacturer of ceramic tile and stone installation systems used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. Spirit Sealers and Cleaners is 100% Australian owned and operated, and considers itself to be a progressive company that incorporates the latest technology in all of its products. Stone Doctor believes it has the expertise and experience to provide solutions for marble, limestone, travertine, sandstone, granite stone and tile requirements while providing a professional service and an extensive range of marble stone care products. Aqua Mix Sealers & Cleaners said professionals rely on its products to protect and clean with high-performance formulas and homeowners appreciate that they are easy-to-use. This gives them the opportunity to use the products that industry professionals recommend, so they can maintain their installations properly.

THE CRAFTSMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHOICE SINCE 1953 THE LATEST CARE TECHNOLOGY FOR PRECIOUS SURFACES Lithofin boasts a complete range of premium specialised cleaners, sealers, problem solvers and maintenance products for natural and engineered stone, ceramic and porcelain tiles, compact sintered surfaces and external pavers used by both professionals and homeowners. Lithofin products were first developed by Glaubrecht Stingel in Stuttgart, Germany in 1953. Today Lithofin is expertly guided by grandson Garvin Stingel developing Lithofin into a worldwide market leader. To view the full Lithofin range visit: www.lithofin.com.au

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SEALER GUIDE

Preserving the beauty of stone Countertops made from natural stone are beautiful but have always had one major drawback: they degrade over time and use. As they are permeable, they stain easily, which mars their stark, natural beauty. Cuts and scratches can usually be buffed out. One way to extend their life is to use sealants. However, these can sometimes offer limited protection and need to be reapplied on a regular basis, every one to two years. In the early 2000s an Australian company, Innovative Composites, developed a solution to this problem. Instead of a coating, it created a resin which covers the stone surface with a 1.6mm layer that acts as a barrier between the stone and anything that comes into contact with it. Clearstone, as the product is called, makes natural stone surfaces virtually impermeable to substances such as red wine, lemon juice, beetroot and even champagne. There has also been VOC testing and approvals to ensure the product is food safe. It offers permanent protection against etching and staining for marble, onyx, concrete, limestone, travertine, sandstone and other natural stone, and comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The bathrooms of the Bel-Air Hotel have received the Clearstone treatment.

Clearstone has been used in the bathrooms of the Beverley Hills hotel.

Uwe Backes, CEO, Clearstone Holdings Pty Ltd, explains: “You can leave products like red wine, lemons, champagne, food colouring and any other food products on the surface for days and it will just wipe off with soapy water. “In bathrooms, Clearstone is impervious to foundation and makeup spills. Even nail polish which would normally be disastrous for natural stone, simply wipes off with acetone.” Clearstone is a self-levelling resin product, which means it is suitable only for horizontal surfaces, and not suitable for floors. It requires applicators who have been trained to apply it. Training takes two days, and this is followed by further onsite training with a certified Clearstone trainer. Clearstone Holdings was established in February 2014 as the distributor for Clearstone in the USA, based in Los Angeles, California. “In July 2017 we bought out Innovative Composites and moved the office and the manufacture of Clearstone from Melbourne to Sydney,” said Uwe.

Shari Mitchell is Clearstone’s US-based vice president and Tim Harper is the head trainer for all applicators while running his own Clearstone application business. The company has been involved in some major hotel projects including the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles, the Waldorf, Langham and Loews hotels in New York, and the Lanesborough Hotel in London. As a German immigrant to Australia, Uwe has already had a number of successful businesses including launching the silicone brand Maxisil which is still selling in Bunnings and other retail stores around Australia. In 2002, Uwe and a business partner started Ecosmart Fires, a company that makes an environmentally friendly collection of vent-free ethanol fireplaces. It won many international design awards and was sold into 52 countries before Uwe sold out in late 2010. At the moment, Uwe and his current business partner Sara Heath are focused on Clearstone. In addition to Australia, the team is looking at new customers in Poland and the UAE.

“In the Australian market, we believe Clearstone complements the services offered by stone professionals, kitchen/bathroom specialists, builders and architects. Not only does it provide long term client satisfaction with the performance of their natural stone, it removes many of the maintenance and staining concerns that traditionally make customers shy away from natural stone.” Clearstone trades as Clearstone Coating Inc. in the USA. In November 2016, it relocated to Las Vegas where the company is currently based, as a distributor and training centre for new applicators.

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The range of Clearstone products.

SEALER GUIDE

Tech driven sealants

Protection for pool surrounds The areas that encircle many pools are aggressive environment with ingress of water, salts, organic stains, body fats, beverages and foods all having contributory impact. And the natural stone, masonry or concrete products installed are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal without due consideration for their resilience in this environment. Sealing natural stone is done primarily to preserve the integrity of the stone. It is also often used to prevent or limit staining or soiling. Ideally, both are required for pool surrounds and in this order.

repellence and are key to preserving the integrity of natural stone. Combine this with stone strengthening technology and users can have a fail-safe answer for stone preservation. This includes stone from igneous rock, calcite stone, sandstones, masonry and concrete. Fluorochemical treatments will provide a certain level of water repellence but typically do not provide for the level of water lock-out needed. Where fluorochemical sealers do perform their much-needed work is to preserve the surface from the unsightly consequences of food and beverage spills as well as body oils, typically found in pool surrounds.

Some areas, of course, are more vulnerable than others such as the coping/ bullnosing of any stone overhanging the pool.

So an exceptional protection treatment comprises of an application of a highquality silicone derived water repellent (preferably with stone strengthening technology) followed by an application of a solvent based fluorochemical penetrating sealer. Another option is the application of an intensifying, enhancing sealing. These penetrating sealers are a powerful water repellent and provide a high level of protection against oily spills and stains. Whichever treatment is chosen, users should ensure the integrity of the stone is adequately cared for before considering protection from staining.

Silicone derived treatments provide the most robust and durable water types of

Supplied by Actichem (Applied Products Australia) www.actichem.com.au

Water and its damaging dissolved salts must be kept out of the porous structure of the stone. The most common damage and disfigurement is caused by salt attack and efflorescence. Water provides ingress for dissolved salts into the porous stone structure which upon drying, either crystallises and breaks up the stone, or are deposited on the surface in the form of efflorescence.

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Aqua-Seal has introduced C6 Fluoro-Seal™ Technology to its range of high-calibre sealers. CEO A’nge Kokkaliaris said, “We are one of the first manufacturers in Australia to move to C6 Fluorocarbons. C6 Fluorocarbons are the safest alternative for the environment whilst delivering premium performance. Our Aqua-Seal Gold – Rapid Seal is a water-based sealer that delivers water, oil and grime repellence and has the added bonus of RAPID-SEAL™ curing in four hours. It drastically reduces the down time on domestic and commercial jobs. It has zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) making it ideal for where environmentally green products are required.” Other features and benefits include: • Maximum stain resistance against oil, food and grime • Reduces freeze/thaw damage, spalling and efflorescence • UV resistant - non flammable - inhibits mould & mildew • Suitable for high traffic, food preparation and serving areas because it is non-toxic • Useable for walls, floors, interiors and exteriors

SEALER GUIDE

Translating claims of sealer performance Nearly all sealer manufacturers use the same criteria for describing the performance characteristics of sealers. However, there is a huge difference between how these characteristics are portrayed, according to Clayton Strine (CJ) from Aqua Mix Australia. He writes the following. All sealers are described as having some degree of stain resistance, but from here some manufacturers say or infer that their sealers are stain proof. So, I thought it prudent to look at these common performance claims, strip away the marketing, and translate exactly what these mean in true terms. The following are the main performance characteristics and claims used by manufacturers to describe sealer performance: 1. Sealers are stain proof. This is the most extreme claim made by some manufacturers regarding their sealers. Most do not make such a claim thankfully. However, many do not define exactly how well they do seal. The truth is that all sealers on the market today will eventually fail. They are not stain proof! Sealers work by affording the sealed surface some reaction time to remove any offending contaminant. Without a sealer, a contaminant is working its way into a porous product immediately. A sealer however increases the time it takes for the contaminant to enter, thus giving you time to remove it without damage. A premium sealer offers the longest reaction time, not a stain proof impenetrable barrier. 2. The sealer will last 15 years. Claims of longevity are numerous in the

marketplace. Most make you believe the sealer will last this time regardless of what it is used on or where. But how long a sealer will last is totally dependent on several things. Firstly, the physical characteristics of the stone or tile. For example, the surface of sandstone is softer than granite and will obviously wear away faster especially if installed underfoot. Moreover, the thermal and moisture expansion of the two products is different. When a penetrating sealer is applied to both of these products in the same underfoot installation, it is obvious that the sealer will not last as long on the softer sandstone compared to the granite. The softer sandstone surface is abraded faster along with the sealer, and its increased expansion increases the shear force on the sealer also reducing its lifespan. So claims of longevity must be made relative to the physical characteristics of the sealed surface and the surfaces use and environment. 3. Sealers are waterproof. This is another claim that is often made but sealers cannot fill cracks and holes in surfaces and hence cannot be considered water tight surface coatings. Effective sealers are also designed to allow water vapour transmission, something that is not desirable in a critical primary waterproof membrane. Photos of water beading on the sealed surface are due to the low surface tension a good sealer affords the stone or tile surface which in turn allows the water to retain its high surface tension and bead. Lightly scrub the surface and you will see the water beads relax, dampen out the stone or tile surface and slowly

22 | DISCOVERING STONE #32 | www.discoveringstonemagazine.com.au

penetrate. These are not necessarily all of the performance claims made by sealer manufacturers, but they are generally considered the most common. At Aqua Mix we strongly recommend our clients do their own investigation into performance claims before selecting a suitable product.

Aqua Mix has been voted the most preferred brand of sealers for several years in a row

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• Permanent stain protection • Guards against surface water, salts and oil staining • Retains existing color and finish • Surfaces become easier to clean and maintain • Exceptional breathability • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use *25 Year Performance Warranty when applied by an accredited applicator

1800 675 119 www.drytreat.com

SEALER GUIDE

Marble restoration project An eight-storey building in Melbourne’s CBD that is over a century old had a marble floor, estimated to be half that lifespan, that began to show its age. Stone Doctor Australia received a call from the landlord inquiring if it could restore the floor at the entrance, steps and foyer. The team arrived at the project site to find the once gleaming floor in a very sorry state. Deep scratches and gouges marked its surface and its shine had long given way to a cloudy dullness. Stone Doctor outlined an eight-step process, assembled the necessary products and equipment from its Bellinzoni Italy and Coor & Kleever Spain ranges, and began work earlier this year. First, it carefully removed all existing grout between each tile using special circular handheld saws made in Germany. The dust shrouds on these saws kept the work area dust-free and clean throughout the entire process. Next, it re-grouted the floor with specialty colour-matched epoxies from Bellinzoni (Epox 2000) and used the same product to repair and patch up the surface cracks and other imperfections. Once this was done, it removed the excess epoxies with diamond abrasives. As it moved on to the restoration stage, Stone Doctor used a Coor & Kleever single-disc

grinding machine and seven different grits of diamond abrasives to prepare the floor for polishing. Then it relied on Coor & Kleever’s KM Marble Polishing Powder to restore shine to the floor and followed up with a surface impregnating treatment using Bellinzoni Idea Gold, a specialised nano-tech stone penetrating sealer to protect the floor from absorbing stains. Coor & Kleever’s K2 Crystallisation Liquid was the final touch to the finish. The work itself was intensive and multifaceted but the real challenge was the unavoidable constraints around the working environment. Space was very tight. The landlord also made it clear that Stone Doctor was only permitted to work on Sundays or after hours on weekdays. After each day was, a complete clean up had to be done and removal of all the equipment from the project site so it would be business as usual when the building opened the next morning. The lack of storage space and no water supply on site meant that Stone Doctor was hauling its equipment and water drums while trying to fit them into the narrow space. Despite the challenges, it successfully completed the project within eight weeks and to a standard that satisfied its client and the other owneroccupiers of the building.

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Installation Sealing Honing Polishing Repair Restoration

1. The marble floor had deep scratches and gouges, and was very dull before Stone Doctor got to work on it. 2. Space was very tight while the project was being completed. 3. The completed project by Stone Doctor.

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Permanent protection for marble, onyx, concrete, limestone, travertine, sandstone & natural stone. Simply wipe clean with soapy water & a soft cloth Totally hygienic - won’t harbour bacteria or odours Rejuvenates old stone, protects new stone, enhances the beauty of natural stone Suitable for domestic & commercial applications

YEAR MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY AGAINST ETCHING & STAINING

Designed for kitchen benchtops, bathroom vanities and tabletops, Clearstone is an impervious 2mm permanent, protective coating for natural stone that protects like no other product. Cuts and scratches buff right out and spot repair of impact damage is easy and undetectable. CERTIFIED APPLICATOR It can be finished in honed to high gloss, and most importantly, Clearstone carries a full 10 year manufacturer’s warranty against etching and staining. No other product offers this level of quality assurance. (Not suitable for floors)

www.clearstone.com.au • Ph: (02) 9944 3361 • Email: info@clearstone.com.au

Polished [1] Honed [2] Exfoliated [3] Blasted [4] Bush-hammered [5] Sawn/split finish [6] Satin / antique [7]

Limestone

Marble

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Toilet facilities – public places

Residential living areas

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Hotels, offices, public places

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Bath and shower rooms

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Residential living areas

External paving/ramps/stairs

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Toilet facilities – public places

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Bench and vanity tops

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Swimming pool surrounds

Food court/Fast food outlets

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Toilet facilities – public places

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Food court/fast food outlets

Shopping centre – walkway

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Shopping centre – walkway

Solv Sealer Gold [All] Stone Sealer Gold – green star [All] Intense – enhanced look [All]

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Hotels, offices, public buildings

Hotels, offices, public places

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Polished [1] Honed [2] Exfoliated [3] Blasted [4] Bush-hammered [5] Sawn/split finish [6] Satin / antique [7]

Granite

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External paving/ramps/stairs

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Sealer’s Choice® Gold – Rapid Cure (natural look) [ALL] Enrich’N’Seal™ (enhanced look) [ALL] ProBlock (pre-sealer) [2-7]

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