Why Sealing Quartzite the Proper Way is Important
An industry expert shared tips and demonstrated techniques on how fabricators should handle the moisture-sensitive material
jennifer richinelli
In his demonstration, Ed O’Reilly, territory sales manager at Dry-Treat, illustrated how the motion of sealing is a long straight stroke.
A group of fabricators intently listened to a demonstration given by Ed O’Reilly, territory sales manager at Dry-Treat, on how to properly seal natural stone. In particular, he addressed issues that could arise with quartzite and how to prevent them. The presentation took place during a Stone Industry Education event last month, which was hosted by Arizona Tile’s Albuquerque, NM, location and organized by Stone World in partnership with the Natural Stone Institute.
“The prep is the most important thing when sealing,” said O’Reilly. “Make sure the stone is dry and it is dust-free.”
In his demonstration, O’Reilly illustrated how the motion of sealing is a long straight stroke. He also explained to the group of fabricators that the rule of thumb with quartzite is to not seal it before two weeks after fabrication.
“Quartzite is not granite,” O’Reilly told the fabricators. “It is not cut and turn and get out the door. It is moisture sensitive.”
“Quartzite is not granite,” he said. “It is not cut and turn and get out the door. It is moisture sensitive. We have seen water pop up on quartzite six months later. A moisture meter will help. When working with designers and general contrators, you want to make sure you add two weeks to the delivery date.”
To learn more helpful tips on sealing quartzite, watch the video:
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Rod Sigman CTC, CCTS, CSMTT is the business development leader for MAPEI Corporation’s UltraCare® line of products for the care and maintenance of tile and stone products. Sigman has a proven track-record of success in the flooring industry, with experience in both training and education, as well as all support functions pertaining to national sales accounts and distribution. He has served on the technical committees of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and the Natural Stone Institute (NSI). He has successfully completed the Ceramic Tile Consultant Course, is a Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) and is also a Concrete Slab Moisture Testing (CSMT) Technician. Further, he was recognized by the Marble Institute of America (now the Natural Stone Institute) as a significant influence for the stone industry.
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