In 2012, a young RTC Products (then called Russo Trading Company) was anticipating Coverings 2012, its first trade show. The company had an impressive line of tools to share with the masses, so its leaders took the plunge, made the gamble, and decided to make RTC’s presence known in the industry. The success of this initial debut would dictate the future for the entire organization and everyone involved from this point until today.
In 2012, RTC’s Bill Russo and Steve Sprung showed off the original T3 Razor 10” diamond blade, Porcelain Pro bits and diamond hole saws, the Rockin Roller grout wash bucket, Killer Bee polishing pads, and a number of other mainstays that remain in the lineup to this day. Although some of the original products are no longer in the line, some have evolved, and even more have been added to make up the latest product line recently featured at Coverings 2026.
So many years and Coverings shows later, the company—now called RTC Products—underwent a rebranding and a fancy facelift in booth this year. At Coverings 2026, a new, clean, brightly colored backdrop stood approximately 16’ tall and 25’ wide and was visible aisles away on the trade show floor. The only thing that outshone that big beautiful display was the new outside sales team, which expands the company’s reach to clients and industry events across the country.
Sigma
As I walked into the booth for the first time on day one of the show, I found myself in a sea of Sigma blue, with a touch of backlit tile cutters, channeling my inner Paul Walker’s Nissan Skyline from 2 Fast 2 Furious.
The next stage in Sigma’s evolution, the Sigma Series 4 NEX push-handle tile cutters feature a robust design built to handle rough and large tiles up to 3/4” thick, making it one of the most versatile cutters on the market. The NEX cutter is available in five different sizes: 24.4”, 29.9”, 37.4”, 49.2”, and 61”.
Every Sigma fan knows that once you’ve gone and drunk the light blue Kool-Aid®, you must have all things that come painted in Sigma blue added to your arsenal of tools, and the Sigma Work Table is no exception.
While designed for working with thin panels, this work table is easily modified for all tile projects. The table enables you to set up only half of the table and move the slats wherever you like down the rails, making this versatile enough for everyday use as your cutting station. On the latest version, Sigma has split the cross bars, allowing for further breakdown and easier storage. Thanks to its lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame, it provides excellent support for large-format tiles. Replacement parts and scoring wheels are available on all Sigma products.
Battipav
As far as color schemes go, there’s nothing that will grab your attention more than contrasting colors. That’s exactly what happens when you go from Sigma blue to the opposite side of the color wheel with Battipav orange.
Since bringing the Battipav line to the U.S. and taking over stateside distribution for the Italian brand, RTC has given it a place to call home. With a full line of bridge saws, tile cutters, a variety of accessories, and thin panel tools, Battipav has more than made its presence known in the tile industry, and the quality is not to be questioned.
A variety of wet cutting machines took up a large portion of the booth and ranged from the VIP 2125, with a cut capacity of 49.21”, all the way up to the monster Superlunga, designed to cut full-sized thin panels. While the saws are designed with the installer in mind and are very easy to use, Battipav has made all of its accessories available to purchase separately. This allows you to choose which accessories you’d like to add to your arsenal instead of having a bunch of extra parts that never get used.
Kneel-It
The latest innovation in knee protection comes to us from Smart Design Products, and it’s called Kneel-It. The modular mobile knee pad moves with you instead of being strapped to your legs. This allows for ease of movement, while not inhibiting your ability to stand up and walk away unattached. It’s adjustable, ergonomic, and comes with interchangeable wheel bases for different surfaces.
Depending on the task at hand there are different configurations to choose from, including a bicycle-style seat or chest support for those floor prep days spent leaning on the grinder. It folds down for easy storage and has replacement parts available as well.
Introducing: WrinGo Work Station
RTC has introduced a wide range of products over the years, but none have had the success on social media that the WrinGo Automatic Sponge Machine has. With tile installers across the country using it with different types of grout and tile, we’ve seen videos with all sorts of positive reactions to this little time saver. Tile setters everywhere are switching to the WrinGo as an answer to carpal tunnel problems, as well as preventative measures against wrist and hand pain in general.
Previously, the WrinGo sat in a 3- or 5-gallon bucket with a cord long enough to reach across the room. To make it more mobile, it’s been redesigned as a mobile workstation that takes the place of the bucket and puts it on wheels for easy transport. It also comes with a set of legs to raise the WrinGo up to waist level for grouting backsplashes or shower walls.
MLT Space & Break Tile Leveling System
From the brilliant mind of tile setter extraordinaire Mick Volponi comes this new space and break lippage tuning system. The MLT Space & Break Wedge is the reusable tension component of the MLT Space & Break Leveling System, engineered to apply consistent, controlled pressure at tile edges to reduce lippage and keep surfaces flush. Its angled profile is designed to work in tandem with MLT Space & Break clips, available in both 1/16” and 1/8”, for predictable pulling force and clean, controlled clip breaks during removal— making it a dependable choice for high-volume professional installations.
RTC Products today
Fourteen years of Coverings trade shows has done the RTC Products tool brand well as it continues to grow, seek out, and design the latest and greatest tools for the tile industry and everyone in it. From cutting to polishing and spreading to grouting, RTC Products has earned its reputation not just through longevity, but through a relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and the professionals who rely on RTC’s tools every day.
In an industry where precision and performance are everything, RTC continues to set the standard by delivering high-end solutions that elevate tile installation at every level. The company’s dedication to advancing the craft, supporting installers, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible ensures it remains a trusted leader—today and for years to come.
Ken Ballin
Ken Ballin is CTI #1392 and CFI #13604. He owns Skyro Floors out of West Creek, NJ and is co-founder of Ballin Knows Best, the first AI-integrated community for installers by installers. Visit Ballinknowsbest.com for the latest updates, resources, and more for the flooring and tile industry.
