Wauwatosa, Wis. -- Bostik recently hosted an interactive “All Star” training event for National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Five Star Contractors at its Temecula Training Center in California. John Jarnagin, Bostik’s senior technical service representative, joined forces with Mark Heinlein, NTCA’s training director, for a full day of training with 19 NTCA Five Star Contractors.

This regional training session, which focused on “Substrate Preparation and Large-Format Tile,” was sold out. Attendees learned the most updated methods regarding how to use the ANSI A108 standards and the TCNA Handbook to address substrate examination and preparation challenges for setting large format tile.

This program also highlighted: industry standards and methods relevant to the subject area; jobsite planning and staging; material handling, cutting and drilling; substrate analysis and preparation; selection and installation materials such as mortars, membranes, grouts, sealants and related setting materials; selection and use of tools, including specialty tools; adherence to manufacturer instructions; understanding bond coat coverage and support; installation methods to ensure proper bond coat coverage and support; lippage control methods; how to maintain a clean and safe work environment; and jobsite safety and health practices.

Bostik products used in the presentation included UltraFinish pro repair patch and skimcoat, Big Tile and Stone Large Format Tile mortar and SL-175 premium self-leveling underlayment.

“The NTCA launched a new regional training program for our members this year,” said Bart Bettiga, executive director of the NTCA. “Thanks to professional support of industry partners like Bostik, the results have been extremely positive. Attendance has been strong, and participants have been very supportive of the content quality and its direct impact on improving installation knowledge and performance.”

Scott Banda, Bostik’s director of marketing and business development added, “The NTCA’s training department has been working diligently to provide these in-depth, day-long training sessions coast-to-coast. Bostik is pleased to be supporting these efforts and we continue to pledge our support for education, training and certification in conjunction with NTCA.”

The event concluded with a quick presentation by Jarnagin on Bostik’s key product lines, and a tour of Bostik’s training facility.

For more information, visit www.bostik.com or www.tile-assn.com.