terrazzo striping and refinishing programs

THELEGACYMAN · 02-06-2007, 04:15 PM

Hello I have ran across a job that became a problem. My rep as an outstanding contractor is at stake with this client.

Conditions: active residential building with terrazzo flooring that has not been striped for years. Some finishes have crystalized and some are reg finishes just old and thick.
The stone was broadcasted unevenly so that too maks my job look bad as the differencs were not as noticable before we striped them.

Problem: We use one of the best strippers but we still can not get over 90%.

Is there anything, stripper, restoration chemical that would work faster and 99% removal?

I understand that sometimes after you strip the floor you may have to change chemicals to one that cleans to get the dirts that strippers can not.

My next step is the grinding I am trying to stay away form that option as my customer will not pay the cost.

Also are there any tools that I do not know of that does a great job on bull nose baseboards.

I am a very detailed contractor. At the moment it is about Rep. and satifaction of client
and my self.

Can anyone give any pointers

chris augusto · 02-07-2007, 01:23 AM

I can't help you w/ the stripper problem, but if the floor needs to be grinded for the job to be done correctly. Set them up on a yearly mainetance contract and spread the grinding cost out over 12 months. It won't hurt their monthly budget this way. Hope this helps.

Huligar · 02-07-2007, 01:34 AM

very good advice chris.

glenn k · 02-08-2007, 12:33 AM

have you tried jaugernaut from buckeye to strip? i would also try to remove a small area of the finish with a razor to see what the condition of the terrazzo looks like when bare. grinding may be necessary after all finishes are off, in order to get the look the client wants.

glenn k

J Koessler · 02-08-2007, 05:46 AM

Hi Thomas

Did you do any TESTs before bidding this job? Did you educate the client that a strip and polish may not be sufficient? It is extremely important to cover yourself up front. If you consider that your reputation is at risk on this project, my best suggestion is you either refund your client their deposit and move on, or do what you have to do.

We have always done the baseboards with a hand machine. You mentioned bullnosed. Do they have a cove radius where they meet the floor also? What sheen level are you bringing the floor up to?

I have also used the long term maintenance contract on commercial projects, but never on a residential one. If the floor has the traffic you mentioned, you should be able to be creative enough to present this option to the homeowner. I would be straight across the board with them before you proceed, and give them the benefits to grinding now, and how it will improve the end result. Possibly offer a 1/4ly program for cleaning and polishing (for the first year). I also suggest you get the full amount of your contract upon completion, and monthly payments for the balance (difference to grind/maintenance program).

Huligar · 02-08-2007, 01:06 PM

THELEGACYMAN, send me a pm, I am in NY, NY city that is, If the job is not too far I will come down and give you a free hand. Terrazzo is not hard to re-polish.

THELEGACYMAN · 02-13-2007, 10:50 PM

THX guys for all the input. I think I will be making more post here. I am in a never ending process of learning. I also have a huge database of info in many areas and hope to help others in what ever I can.
I will post some of my areas in my intro to come.
Again THX a bunch for the replies and I post the solutions so is someone else has this problem there will be more options available.