Use And Care Manual

Mountain Morning GT06 tile shown
TILE CARE & MAINTENANCE PAGE 4 OF 7
TILE CARE &
MAINTENANCE
NATURAL STONE NEW INSTALLATIONS (continued)
Sealing
A premium natural look penetrating/impregnating
sealer is the normal choice on polished or honed
marble, limestone, granite, or where the natural color
of a slate is desired. A stone enhancer sealer is often
used on tumbled, antique stones or on slate where a
darker, enriched or highlighted character is desired.
When choosing either one of these types of sealers,
make sure the brand you have chosen is formulated to
provide maximum stain protection for stone products.
Stone products should be tested periodically per
manufacturer’s instructions to insure that the sealer is
working eectively.
Penetrating/impregnating stone sealers are a no-sheen,
natural look sealer that can be water-based or solvent-
based, good for interior and exterior applications.
Most quality sealers of this type are rated to protect
the stone for several years. Stone enhancer sealers
are also a no-sheen, penetrating/impregnating sealer
that is formulated to darken, enrich and highlight the
natural color and beauty of stone products. They will
rejuvenate and improve the appearance of worn and
weathered stone.
Always test loose pieces of stone to ensure desired
eect with enhancing sealers. However, they will also
darken the color of grout joints. They are, generally,
suitable for interior and exterior use, and rated to
protect the stone for several years. Always reference
manufacturer’s literature for specic information on
the duration of the sealer’s protection and make sure
that the sealer is applied in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Finishing
A stone oor nish should be applied to a polished
Natural Stone oor only. This type of product will help
enhance the shine and provide a protective coating
for “soft” or polished marbles. Verify the nish is a
wax-type nish designed to add luster and enhance
the beauty of sealed and polished Natural Stone
only. A topical nish may change the appearance and
performance of your stone, so always test a small
area rst. Application of topical sealer or wax should
never be done as an attempt to add a shine to a honed,
scratched or non-polished stone product. This will only
create maintenance and/or a slip resistance problem.
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.