This just in: gummy bear joins NSRA Forums...

Huligar · 12-06-2007, 09:46 PM

Welcome gummy bear!
The NSRA is a very diverse place. There is a lot to do here - the trick is just knowing where to look.

First, introduce yourself. We're a friendly bunch and we welcome newcomers.
click here If you are looking stone restoration contractor
click here if you are looking for information about stains
click here if you are looking for proven stone care products
click here if you just want to ask questions and get answers from the stone pro
click here if you want to advertise on the site

gummy bear · 12-06-2007, 11:58 PM

Wow-that was quick. I didn't expect to see my name "up in lights" so quickly!! I was actually searching out information on Granite Shield on google and it listed your site, so I've been checking you guys out. Very intersting discussion on the sealants last year. I wonder if any of you have heard anything since?? I am still curious about sealants and Granite Shield is still growing, so I wonder what you guys---the pros hear from fabricators or customers on these products. Do most fabricators put a sealant on their products? I have called a few and they suggested a yearly sealing.
What do you say? Do sealants make any difference? Do they make your job harder or easier?
Thanks for any info. I love your site, very easy to use, without confusion!! Someone knows their web designing!!

Huligar · 12-07-2007, 12:46 AM

To keep it short, granite shield is just another sealer, nothing special just great marketing. You can take almost any sealer on the market and have it preform just as well if not better, it all has to do wit the application. It is a well know fact that some of the granites on the market do not need sealing if you have a well put together cleaning system in place. As a restoration guy I hate sealers, but that is only because they keep me out of the home which means less work for me. If a sealer is apply correctly it can only help. once a year is a good average when it comes to sealing your tops. We all seal our tops, because it is better to be safe than sorry.

Now if we talk about marble, it is a different story. Sealers are a must, here is a short video that shows the greatest benefit of a sealer of a sealer at work.

gummy bear · 12-07-2007, 01:19 AM

Hey Thanks-
Just watched your video......What was the tape someone pulled off the marble? Was one side sealed and the other not? Sorry to be such a 'dummy'.
If all natural stones should be sealed, why don't the fabricators just do that as part of their sale? Wouldn't it mean more money for them?
Do you work as a stone restoration specialist and teach classes as well? Where do you guys learn your craft? From other restorers? Are you regulated or have to licenced by any agency?
With all the people doing Stone right in the last few years, there must suddenly be a lot more people in your profession? I live north of Boston and can't believe the Number of new Showrooms and Granite Yards that have cropped up around here in rcent years. That is why I have become interested in the restoration and sealants. I am a restoration painter and I have always loved the process of taking something that has suffered wear and tear and restoring it back to beauty. Before and afters are a kick!!
Sounds lik yours is a lot tougher work than mine though. I usually just use a hand power sander. You guys bring out the big guns!!
I thought applying the sealants would be something I could handle. Do customers usually do it themselves or hire you guys for that as well??
Thanks so much for your info. Did you start this website? Very professional!! Where in NY are you classes held? I grew up in Manhattan and LI.

Gummy Bear

Huligar · 12-07-2007, 02:44 AM

The tape was to separate the seal from non seal area.
Fabricators seal the slab before installing and most installers also seal after the install.
There is a lot of people doing stone restoration but not a lot of them doing it well.
This site is the ground floor for a network of stone restoration pros.
We do have classes at 30 Hilliard Street, Manchester CT, 06040
Most people do not trust themselves to complete the simple task of sealing the natural stone and would rather call us in to do it for them.

Topshop · 12-07-2007, 07:27 PM

Bear,

Welcome. As a fabricator I always seal everthing I install when I install. Never in the shop because sealers can stop the seam adhesives from doing their thing and can make CA accellorator bloom.

I tell my customers to test before you seal again - meaning if it does not need sealer don't put it on by any schedule. Give it the water puddle test. Sealers put on by a schedule will slowly build up and put a haze on the tops - making them look old and worn when they are not.

Dave

Huligar · 12-07-2007, 09:15 PM

not to disagree with topshop, but the sealer will only create a haze if it was apply incorrectly.

gummy bear · 12-08-2007, 05:26 AM

All right guys, no fighting!! J K. No, you're both right, I know what you mean. Thanks for all the info.
How did you train for this...just by working with someone else or did you have to take classes??
Thnx
Gummy

Huligar · 12-08-2007, 11:33 AM

I found myself a mentor after been in the game for two years an that was some 15 years ago. It was very hard to find someone who was willing to shear the craft, and it is even harder today. You are presently in the only place that is willing to help out the new guys. This forum is our answer to a mentor program, I have personally flew over this great continent to whole the hands of some first timers on projects that they felt was over whelming. We also teach a two day hands on class that has of lately has been rename as boot camp to reflect the style of training.