Thursday, August 30, 2012
Silicone Caulking
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Blockwall honing
Block wall Grinding & Honing is a great and cost effective way to finish a blockwall instead of coating it with a boring paint is to grind and hone the face of the blocks and either lightly or more heavily expose the aggregate (or stones) on the face of the clockwork to result in a modern architectural design finish.
Come see the team at Stellar to talk about your block wall project. Stellar has various other options also such as colour staining and finishing seals.
Also it is important to look into an efficient Block wall moisture proofing so that a decorative or structural wall does not become a leaky home issue!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Garage Floor finishes
Concrete Polished Floors along with Concrete Color Staining and concrete finishes are common finishes used to achieve a deluxe presentation of a garage floor, which often is the first entry point into a home or property -setting the stage for the whole feel of your environment!
Orange County Floor Restoration are experts at restoring or even reinventing the surface finish of your floor.
Stellar has amazing decorative finishing options to offer for your garage floor such as color staining and sealing, colored or clear epoxy coating, Terrazzo finishes, concrete grinding, polished concrete, decorative faux finishes and much more! Call us today for a free estimate on 949.943.0581 in Orange county or 0800.478.357 in New Zealand.
Is your Garage floor looking oil stained, worn, dirty and tired? Its never too late to upgrade a garage floor!
Concrete Cleaning - Why not pressure wash?
Power-washing Concrete - A common mindset we come across with property owners is "I'll just power-wash the concrete every few month or once a year to keep it looking clean or mold free and clean".
What most people do not realize is that power-washing is super aggressive. It removes a fine layer of sediment with each blast and after 4-6 years, new concrete driveways and surfaces can become heavily worn and aged. Once the concrete is worn and damaged from power-washing it will either need an expensive restoration to repair or worse not be fixable at all.
The way the concrete is damaged is that after sediment is blasted off enough, the aggregate or stone will be unevenly exposed creating an unsightly appearance.
Stellar Surfaces advises property owners to clean their outdoor concrete surfaces with products like PROKLENR 'Concrete & Masonry Cleaner' - make up a bucket of the product using the concentrate, scrub the surface with a stiff broom and rinse of afterwards with a hose.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Etched stone restoration
Etched stone restoration otherwise known as acid burns from household products or food products is a common problem that our customers approach us with that have Marble, Granite, Travertine, Basalt and other stone surfaces.
Etching is caused generally by an acid based (and sometimes amino based) liquid or solid product sitting on the surface for a lengthened period of time, and in that time the acid enzymes -above 7ph - literally attack the neutral ph level on the stone surface. Basically put, the acid erodes the neutral surface and in doing so the etch takes place.
The best way to avoid this is actively cleaning up spills of wine, lemon, vinegar, chili and the like.
regularly clean your stone floor, countertop or surface and have it periodically professionally Stone clean and seal
For more information about caring for your stone click on here.
In some cases you will find the Stone will need resurfacing and polishing to achieve full restoration.
Etching is caused generally by an acid based (and sometimes amino based) liquid or solid product sitting on the surface for a lengthened period of time, and in that time the acid enzymes -above 7ph - literally attack the neutral ph level on the stone surface. Basically put, the acid erodes the neutral surface and in doing so the etch takes place.
The best way to avoid this is actively cleaning up spills of wine, lemon, vinegar, chili and the like.
regularly clean your stone floor, countertop or surface and have it periodically professionally Stone clean and seal
For more information about caring for your stone click on here.
In some cases you will find the Stone will need resurfacing and polishing to achieve full restoration.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Cleaning effectively with Eco-friendly products
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products have not always had everyones confidence as they have been seen to be low-performing. Good news there are some excellent products emerging out there that have more to offer than mere marketing with eco-feel good campaigns.
"Proklenr" is one such brand. With highly effective products that specialize in cleaning specific surfaces such as tile and grout cleaner which is designed specifically to loosen soil and mold around tile and grout surfaces.
Natural Stone Cleaner which has been specially customized to clean stone surfaces with out affecting the PH level of he stone -there are a great deal of acid or amino based cleaners that can stain or etch stone surfaces.
Concrete and Masonry surfaces can be among the hardest to clean of all surfaces due to the high porosity and rough textures - Concrete and Masonry Cleaner has been formulated to lift soils out of the pores of the concrete and actively clean up common problems with Concrete.
The brand is also working on other specialist cleaning products to be added into the range in the near future.
"Proklenr" is one such brand. With highly effective products that specialize in cleaning specific surfaces such as tile and grout cleaner which is designed specifically to loosen soil and mold around tile and grout surfaces.
Natural Stone Cleaner which has been specially customized to clean stone surfaces with out affecting the PH level of he stone -there are a great deal of acid or amino based cleaners that can stain or etch stone surfaces.
Concrete and Masonry surfaces can be among the hardest to clean of all surfaces due to the high porosity and rough textures - Concrete and Masonry Cleaner has been formulated to lift soils out of the pores of the concrete and actively clean up common problems with Concrete.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Marble, Granite and Stone Anti-Slip
Stone tile Anti-slip. Smooth Marble or Granite type stone can be deadly when wet or even with the slightest amount of moisture sitting on the surface.
Marble and Granite is a luxury item but this can be a serious safety issue, the solution is a compromise on polish for texture.
The surface can be mechanically roughened to produced a textured finish that will be far safer.
Stone surfaces that have been roughened mechanically for Anti-slip purposes will need sealing to prevent soiling penetrating into the pores of the stone.
Marble and Granite is a luxury item but this can be a serious safety issue, the solution is a compromise on polish for texture.
The surface can be mechanically roughened to produced a textured finish that will be far safer.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Limestone maintenance and restoration
Limestone is a Sedimentary stone, it is basically formed through years of sediment and elements settling into areas are compacted over time with heat and pressure to form bedrock.
Once quarried Limestone is a beautiful looking stone and can compliment almost any property.
More dense variaties can be polished right up to a mirror finish.
However Limestone Cleaning and Maintenance cleaning and maintenance can be a challenge and is best left to the professionals.
As Limestone is formed through settling sediments like sand grains, there are air pockets in between the grain particles and this is where soiling can become easily ingrained into the surface of the stone. In some cases when the soiling is deep down into the pores of the surface a simple clean or steam cannot remove the unsightly soiling stains and marks.
Surfaces can also become heavily worn with traffic over time.Limestone restoration and Resurfacing is the best solution to restore your limestone worn or heavily soiled floor or surface, this removes the unjulations from the wear and etching and results in an even surface.
For images of Limestone restoration, polishing and sealing go to our Facebook album of Natural Stone restoration
Once quarried Limestone is a beautiful looking stone and can compliment almost any property.
More dense variaties can be polished right up to a mirror finish.
However Limestone Cleaning and Maintenance cleaning and maintenance can be a challenge and is best left to the professionals.
As Limestone is formed through settling sediments like sand grains, there are air pockets in between the grain particles and this is where soiling can become easily ingrained into the surface of the stone. In some cases when the soiling is deep down into the pores of the surface a simple clean or steam cannot remove the unsightly soiling stains and marks.
Surfaces can also become heavily worn with traffic over time.Limestone restoration and Resurfacing is the best solution to restore your limestone worn or heavily soiled floor or surface, this removes the unjulations from the wear and etching and results in an even surface.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Mold & Lichen removal
Mold & Lichen is plant growth on surfaces and can be unsightly and slippery.
Mold and lichen are fungus type plants that depend on using a 'host' surface to grow on and draw moisture from.
Black lichen is one of the most common lichens that people encounter on their properties, it can penetrate deep into surfaces like concrete and cause all kinds of issues, even with the most popular off-the-shelf products, as most of these products are a 'flash-burn' chlorine product which works short term only to have the lichen grow back months later.
Certain companies offering Mold Kill treatments have specialist long term release products that have an active lichen kill effect. Keeping driveways, patios and sidewalks lichen Keeping Driveways, patios, sidewalks and concrete Mold Free free for up to 12 months per treatment this type of service is definitely the most long term and cost effective option property owners have!
Mold and lichen are fungus type plants that depend on using a 'host' surface to grow on and draw moisture from.
Black lichen is one of the most common lichens that people encounter on their properties, it can penetrate deep into surfaces like concrete and cause all kinds of issues, even with the most popular off-the-shelf products, as most of these products are a 'flash-burn' chlorine product which works short term only to have the lichen grow back months later.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Grout Re-Coloring & Sealing Restoration
Grout Re-Coloring & Sealing Restoration ( Re-colouring ) is a service that re-colors grout lines. Grout is porous, which means it is susceptible to absorb liquids and soils. Grout Recoloring and Sealing changes the state of grout from Porous to non-porous grout, this is done as the grout re-colouring pigment is applied to the prepared grout lines in a tiled area, it also acts as a sealer to the grout surface.
The resulted finish is the grout will have a consistent color across the whole area, it will remain dry in appearance and will act in a waterproofed manner.
The Grout once treated will be far easier to clean and maintain, and will also have a far higher level of presentation and does not look like a painted or plastic surface.
The resulted finish is the grout will have a consistent color across the whole area, it will remain dry in appearance and will act in a waterproofed manner.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Slippery Tile - Antislip Treatment
Slippery Tiles are always a problem in the wet, Tile Anti-slip Treatment is the solution!
Slippery tiles account for a huge percentage of injuries and even in some cases deaths.
In the US this can cause huge liabilities and even lawsuits, something everyone works on avoiding.
Tile surfaces can be changed in a treatment from smooth to varied levels of roughness and texture to result in a safer flooring, so much so that once certain treatments are carried out the tiles' traction will be greater when wet than when dry.
Keeping tile surfaces Cleaned & Sealed and free from mold and slime growing on the tiles is also a very important practical note to maintaining a safe walking surface!
Slippery tiles account for a huge percentage of injuries and even in some cases deaths.
In the US this can cause huge liabilities and even lawsuits, something everyone works on avoiding.
Tile surfaces can be changed in a treatment from smooth to varied levels of roughness and texture to result in a safer flooring, so much so that once certain treatments are carried out the tiles' traction will be greater when wet than when dry.
Keeping tile surfaces Cleaned & Sealed and free from mold and slime growing on the tiles is also a very important practical note to maintaining a safe walking surface!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Marble and Granite Restoration
Marble and Granite Restoration is the artisan skill of resurfacing and re-polishing stone.
With Traffic wear, weather, the 'elements' and life lived over the top of stone surfaces, stone becomes dulled, etched and worn in time.
Stone is a natural element and needs nourishing from time to time like a good pair of leather shoes, otherwise the leather will become dry, rigid and start to crack.
In the same way Stone must be nourished and sealed to maintain a 'healthy' mineral balance in the stone surface.
Marble and Granite along with sedimentary stones such as limestone and sandstone need to be cleaned and sealed periodically - most commonly every 18months to 2years, this will maintain a healthy well nourished stone surface.
However permanent damage can occur on stone surfaces such as food stains, etching (Acid burns) from foods such as wine, lemon, chili and other acidic foods/ liquids. In these situations the only way to rectify and restore the stone is to completely resurface the tile or countertop.
Marble and Granite Resurfacing and Polishing Restoration should result in a dramatic improvement of the surface and return the stone to a near new finish. Always ask your stone technician how best to maintain your particular surface.
With Traffic wear, weather, the 'elements' and life lived over the top of stone surfaces, stone becomes dulled, etched and worn in time.
Stone is a natural element and needs nourishing from time to time like a good pair of leather shoes, otherwise the leather will become dry, rigid and start to crack.
In the same way Stone must be nourished and sealed to maintain a 'healthy' mineral balance in the stone surface.
Marble and Granite along with sedimentary stones such as limestone and sandstone need to be cleaned and sealed periodically - most commonly every 18months to 2years, this will maintain a healthy well nourished stone surface.
However permanent damage can occur on stone surfaces such as food stains, etching (Acid burns) from foods such as wine, lemon, chili and other acidic foods/ liquids. In these situations the only way to rectify and restore the stone is to completely resurface the tile or countertop.
Marble and Granite Resurfacing and Polishing Restoration should result in a dramatic improvement of the surface and return the stone to a near new finish. Always ask your stone technician how best to maintain your particular surface.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Concrete Color Staining Restoration
Concrete Color Staining Restoration ('Colour' in some countries) is a fast and effective and economical way of restoring concrete's color and presentation to an area, compared to removal and replacement.
This can be carried out on flat concrete, broom finished concrete, stamped concrete and textured concrete.
Cracks can also be repaired at this time so that when stain is applied damage is no longer drastically apparent, and the new color stain will not enhance or highlight any damage on the surface.
There are many different colors and finishes please visit Concrete Colour Staining Restoration
Once the surface has been prepared and cleaned of all contaminants the stain can be applied in a selected color.
There are various finishes that are achievable on a concrete area, these are:
a Solid color stain, this is a color stain that re-issues color over the area in a solid consistent color that covers the area in the same way paint covers a piece timber, leaving no translucent areas showing through. Go to Facebook for pictures of this type of color restoration
a Translucent stain, this is more of 'watercolor' effect stain, that influences color over an area but has more of a clear effect in a way that the surface features below can be seen, for example the stones on the surface. this results in a mottled or aged look.
The Faux finish is a specialist finish where more than one color is used to achieve a marbled or two toned effect, this can give a real touch of luxury and make a plain area very impressionable.
For more information on concrete color staining visit Info on Concrete Color Stain Restoration
This can be carried out on flat concrete, broom finished concrete, stamped concrete and textured concrete.
Cracks can also be repaired at this time so that when stain is applied damage is no longer drastically apparent, and the new color stain will not enhance or highlight any damage on the surface.
There are many different colors and finishes please visit Concrete Colour Staining Restoration
Once the surface has been prepared and cleaned of all contaminants the stain can be applied in a selected color.
There are various finishes that are achievable on a concrete area, these are:
a Solid color stain, this is a color stain that re-issues color over the area in a solid consistent color that covers the area in the same way paint covers a piece timber, leaving no translucent areas showing through. Go to Facebook for pictures of this type of color restoration
a Translucent stain, this is more of 'watercolor' effect stain, that influences color over an area but has more of a clear effect in a way that the surface features below can be seen, for example the stones on the surface. this results in a mottled or aged look.
The Faux finish is a specialist finish where more than one color is used to achieve a marbled or two toned effect, this can give a real touch of luxury and make a plain area very impressionable.
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