NTC Seminars for July 2006

[Fred Hueston]

Templating and Installation Seminar July 11th
This seminar is designed to show the basics of countertop templating and installation. We will show you how to construct a basic stick template in a matter of minutes. A kitchen countertop will be installed and we will show you how to get tight, almost invisible seams in your installation. Asheville, NC 9am to 4 pm


Stone and Engineered Stone Fabrication- The Basics July 13-14
Are you thinking about entering the stone fabrication business? Do you want to brush up on your fabrication skills? This seminar has been designed to show you all the latest, up to date techniques and equipment available for the fabrication of stone. This two day program will include hands on training. This year per our students request we have added an optional third practice day for those who wish to gain additional experience. Sign up today, space is limited. Selecting slabs for the task- sizes, degree of polish, consistency, imperfections, soundness, suitability and slab handling and storage. Layout and Cutting- book matching, vein matching and customer approval Laminating and sticking- purpose, adhesive selection, color matching and how to achieve tight joints Face Polishing- radial arm polishers and other polishing equipment, abrasives, and techniques Edge Shaping & Polishing- Equipment, abrasives and techniques Sink, Cooktop, and miscellaneous cut-outs- layout considerations, equipment, technique and mounting hardware Final Inspection before Installation Stain removal, sealers and protection Troubleshooting- many tips to solve your most difficult problems

Practice day July 15th
This is a third day option for those who wish to hone their skills after attending the basic stone fabrication seminar Many of our students take advantage of this third day option. It allows each student to practice


Stone Countertop Polishing and Repair July 17
The polishing and repair of granite, marble and granite countertops is a growing business. One third of every new home built in the US has a granite countertop. With all these countertops, there is going to be a time when they will need repair and polishing. This seminar is designed to show you the techniques for the repair of chipped edges, on site profiling, scratch repair, repolishing and sealing and stain removal. This is a hands on seminar so dress accordingly.

Stone Flooring Restoration and Polishing July 18-19th
Geology of stone Production Quarrying Fabrication Polishing Identification of stone Physical & Chemical testing Troubleshooting Cleaning & restoration problems Stain removal Marketing-selling stone services Cleaning methods Grinding & polishing Diamonds, bricks & screens Recrystallization Powder polishing Restoration principles Maintenance programs Cost cutting Sealers, waxes & penetrating sealers Chemicals available Equipment overview Safety Slip/ fall prevention OSHA HAZCOM Field repairs Much more Hands- on workshop Marble restoration Honing Polishing Recrystallization procedure Sealer application Stain removal Equipment operation Removing etching & water rings Blending edges Time saving tips Polishing methods Lippage removal Granite Restoration & polishing Quick Polishing techniques Field repairs Fixing cracks and holes Much more.



Advanced Stone Restoration Seminar July 20-21
Here is what I plan to cover in this two day program; *Refinishing and Polishing combination floors...like marble and granite together. *Polishing black granite and other difficult materials * Filling and polishing travertine and saturnia * Using the planetary head machine. * Tile replacement * Advanced refinishing and polishing techniques * Field Repairs * Much, Much More




This is a third day option for those who wish to hone their skills after attending the basic stone fabrication seminar Many of our students take advantage of this third day option. It allows each student to practice



To sign up go to www.shop.ntc-stone.com

	grinding This is the second stage in securing a flawless surface. This stage will remove all scratches from any de-lipped surface.

	Honing Honing: This is the third and sometimes last stage. At the hone stage, the surface is ~65% scratch free. There are several degrees of hone. All will leave the stone looking clean but aged.

	Polishing Polishing: This is the final stage, which leaves the surface with reflective characteristics.

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.

	Marble MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems associated with the material. INTRODUCTION Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite (CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed, is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds react differently with marble and produce various by-products, which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration. Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red, yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition. TYPICAL USES Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage to which marble is susceptible.