Refurbishing stone floors

[johnjulian]

Hi stone fixers -
Due to the current interesting market conditions I am getting regular enquries for floor refurbishment.
I have had lots of nice work from clients who have had stone fixed by regular ceramic tilers, to rectify and properly finish stone installations (come on guys!!!) and am also getting requests for refurbishment of older floors.
Can anyone share their experience of the best types and brands of floor polisher/scrubbers to use for deep cleaning and refinishing?
Very grateful for any help -
John in Shipston
www.tile-jc.com

 

[doug boardley]

elbow grease or an orbital sander?:lol:

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Johnjulian - If you've HAD lots of nice work from clients and its us guys that are doing something wrong when laying stone tiling - you should be telling us the best polishers ( Phillippe the frog) and scrubbers ( Anjie from the Golden Lion).
You may have seen work that is in need of restoration but IMO you are out of order to suggest that members of this Forum have undertaken any of cases that you have mentioned.
Just sharing my opinions!

Timeless John.

 

[Daz]

Johnjulian, what products do you currently use? Why do you think there is something better (cost, performance)?
You imply knowledge and experience, I'm curious????

 

[johnjulian]

Johnjulian - If you've HAD lots of nice work from clients and its us guys that are doing something wrong when laying stone tiling - you should be telling us the best polishers ( Phillippe the frog) and scrubbers ( Anjie from the Golden Lion).
You may have seen work that is in need of restoration but IMO you are out of order to suggest that members of this Forum have undertaken any of cases that you have mentioned.
Just sharing my opinions!

Timeless John.

Hi again -
Please don't misunderstand but I really have seen in my area that tilers have come in and done a lovely job (straight, flat, level) but no consideration for sealing and maintenance. I have no idea whether these guys are in the forum - hey - not up to me is it?

While I am on who are 'us guys' and do you have the number for Anjie at the Golden Lion?
Kindest regards,
John

 

[johnjulian]

Johnjulian, what products do you currently use? Why do you think there is something better (cost, performance)?
You imply knowledge and experience, I'm curious????

Hi, Cap'n Slow.
Bit of background - I have been checking in to this site for quite a while and have been wary. Tonight has confirmed my fears!
I am trying to serve my customers and have genuine issues, queries and technical challenges.
I also have super customers who appreciate the extra time and energy I give to their projects.
I call all the main manufacturers' technical support lines and they are generally good with advice.

I do get calls from home-owners who need additional service!!!

These people are not only desperate for help now but have future projects in mind. Derrrr.

Willing to contact members privately if appropriate but love the Forum.
John

 

[jay]

confirmed your fears on what:8:

 

[doug boardley]

Hi, Cap'n Slow.
Bit of background - I have been checking in to this site for quite a while and have been wary. Tonight has confirmed my fears!
I am trying to serve my customers and have genuine issues, queries and technical challenges.
I also have super customers who appreciate the extra time and energy I give to their projects.
I call all the main manufacturers' technical support lines and they are generally good with advice.

I do get calls from home-owners who need additional service!!!

These people are not only desperate for help now but have future projects in mind. Derrrr.

Willing to contact members privately if appropriate but love the Forum.
John

hopefully I'm reading this wrong, but if not, you're slating "us" and asking advice to remedy?

 

[johnjulian]

confirmed your fears on what:8:

Hi, Jay, and thanks for your comment.

Just to say that in spite of basic tile training we all come from different backgrounds and serve our customers in different ways. I come across a lot of guys who are just interested in fix, grout and go. That's great for them, but not for me. Just naively looking for some friendly help.
Apologies for that!
John

 

[jay]

the people you are talking about [cowboys] are alive and well in all trades and at this stage cant be stopped have a good look through the forum you will see a patern but recomend you take note of trusted advisors experiance is better than books :8:

 

[beanz]

I'm not sure why everyone took your initial post as some sort of attack, that's not the way i read it to be honest!?!?! There used to be a guy on here (can't remember his name right now, but i'll have a think) that know's everything there is to know about natural stone, and cleaning.. This is what happens when you leave the site alone for a while!?! :mad2: :lol:

Edit* His name was Tilinglogistics, but it looks like he's no longer a member!?! Shame because his knowledge was invaluable!

 

[DHTiling]

Not sure why a few members are suddenly becoming over defensive but please take time to read a members post more than once before replying with accusations that i cannot see in the opening post..????..

Johnjulian... welcome and lets see if we can get you the advice you require..

 

[Ajax123]

Twister pads from HTC

 

[Daz]

John,

Thank you for the additional information about yourself.
We are all more than willing to help and offer an opinion, and sometimes require a few more specifics before being able to provide good advice.

Your original request was regarding products for polishing/scrubbing/cleaning and finishing. There are a broad range of products available and if you could, please, advise what you currently use and what limitations you experience, that will guide us to confirming that you are using the best products or allow us to make further recommendations. Some advise as to the types of stone you are reffering would be beneficial, too, as a product that works for, say, travertine may not be suitable to slate etc..

 

[johnjulian]

John,

Thank you for the additional information about yourself.
We are all more than willing to help and offer an opinion, and sometimes require a few more specifics before being able to provide good advice.

Your original request was regarding products for polishing/scrubbing/cleaning and finishing. There are a broad range of products available and if you could, please, advise what you currently use and what limitations you experience, that will guide us to confirming that you are using the best products or allow us to make further recommendations. Some advise as to the types of stone you are reffering would be beneficial, too, as a product that works for, say, travertine may not be suitable to slate etc..

I wil certainly post more specific details when the next job comes up to find appropriate products. Truly appreciate your help!!
Maybe there is a mood that no-one wants this kind of work, even in the tough times at present? With my background in other businesses I see this as an opportunity!!
Kind regards,
John