Use and Care Manual

TILE CARE &
MAINTENANCE
CARE & MAINTENANCE PAGE 5 OF 7
MANUFACTURED STONE
Routine Care
Care should be taken to avoid smearing mortar on the surface of the veneers. Accidental smears should be removed using a
dry whiskbroom only after mortar has dried completely. Never use a wet brush or wire brush. Do not power-wash, sandblast,
use acid or acid-based products. Dirt or other materials may be removed with a strong solution of granulated soap or detergent
and water with a bristle brush. Do not use a wire brush, as it will cause damage to the surface. Rinse immediately with fresh
water. Regular maintenance only requires rinsing the surface with water occasionally to remove dirt.
Sealing
Seal with a breathable, non-lm forming masonry sealer, to prevent staining from rusty downspouts, splattered mud, etc.
Sealing is strongly recommended for dry-stacked applications and/or for harsh environments.
POLISHED PORCELAIN
General Cleaning
Tile, whether glazed ceramic or porcelain, should be maintained on a regular and frequent basis to prevent build-up of soil,
grease, residue, soap detergents, sealers, dampness, liquids, etc., to keep the surface clean and lessen slippery conditions.
Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles require minimal maintenance. Either can be cleaned with clear water and/or a pH neutral
liquid cleaner (soapless). Follow with a clear water rinse and wipe dry to prevent lm formation. As with most porcelains,
spilled liquids may stain light-colored products if not promptly removed. Neither sealing nor acid cleaning is recommended for
any glazed ceramic or porcelain tile.
Fully polished impervious porcelain tile is achieved by mechanically changing the surface from matte/natural to a honed or high
polished nish. Polished Colorbody™ porcelain is achieved by mechanically changing the glaze surface from matte to light,
honed or high polish nish. This process creates a microporosity on the face of the tile. The tile itself is still technically sound
porcelain with the same characteristics expected of high quality impervious tile.
The surface, however, may possibly require added protection to assure cleanability and ease of ongoing maintenance under a
range of conditions including but not limited to:
• grout haze removal
• construction chemicals and dirt
• maintenance/solvent based cleaning materials
• exposure to rubber containing solvent
based materials
• acid based materials
All of the above can result in hazing, spotting, etching or general staining of the polished tile surface. We recommend
the use of a sealer on fully polished, impervious porcelain and polished glaze porcelain tile prior to grouting. We strongly
caution against the use of acid based or solvent based chemicals for cleaning or construction maintenance on fully polished
impervious or polished glaze porcelain tile. The use of such products may damage the tile surface.