Many of you have asked me how to tell if you are dealing with a cement based terrazzo or epoxy. This at times can be difficult. There are many clues. For example if the terrazzo is old, say pre 1980,s chances are its cement based. Cement terrazzo is more likely to have cracks than epoxy. Even these clues can lead you down the wrong path in identification. So here is sure fire way to tell. Since epoxy is a polymer based resin it is subject to a lower melting point than Portland Cement. You could take a torch to it but that would ruin the terrazzo or you can use the following little trick:

Take a needle, a safety pin or a dentil tool. Heat the pin till its red hot, dont burn your finger. Once the pin is red hot try probing it into the terrazzo matrix(the spot between the chips). If it goes into the matrix it is an expoxy terrazzo. If not, its Portland...its that simple

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Frederick M. Hueston PhD
www.stoneforensics.com
www.stoneandtilepros.com

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