Maintenance Guide
Table of Contents Cross-Reference Chart..................................... 1 Types of Natural Stone.................................... 2 • Classifications of Stone Types......................2 • Density and Hardness..................................2 How Rocks Are Classified................................ 3 • Igneous.........................................................3 • Sedimentary.................................................3 • Metamorphic................................................
Ceramic tile • Flagstone • • Granite • • • Grout • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Quarry tile • • • Saltillo / Terra-cotta • • • Sandstone • • • Slate • • • Textured marble, limestone and travertine* TM UltraCare Cross-Reference Chart Product name and description • • • Polished marble, limestone Porcelain tile and travertine UltraCare Penetrating Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer • • • Masonry UltraCare Penetrating SB Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer • • Honed marble, lime
Types of Natural Stone Classifications of Stone Types Because not all stones are the same, it is important to understand the differences in order to recognize the unique characteristics of each type of natural stone. The composition of each stone affects its density, absorption rate, hardness and appearance, which ultimately will determine how the stone should be cared for and how to keep its natural beauty intact with proper maintenance.
How Rocks Are Classified Igneous Igneous rocks form when molten rock (magma), originating from deep within the Earth, solidifies. The chemical composition of the magma and its cooling rate determine the final rock type. Sedimentary Sedimentary rocks are formed from pre-existing rocks or pieces of once-living organisms. They form from deposits that accumulate on the Earth’s surface.
Types of Surface Finishes Stones are extracted from quarries from various parts of the world. Each geographical area produces unique stone qualities, such as color and veining. These extracted blocks of rough stone are then shipped to fabrication plants, where the process of finishing the stone surface begins. Depending upon the surface desired, a combination of equipment is used to cut, polish and finish the stone into floor tiles and a myriad of other uses.
Types of Surface Finishes Flamed Sandblasted Hammered or Chiseled Blowtorch-type heat dimples the surface Texture is similar to a concrete sidewalk One step rougher than sandblasting • One of the most common forms of finishing granite • • • Particularly good non-slip properties Achieved by pressurized sand and water; produces a matte finish A mechanical process that dimples the surface of the stone, making it very non-slip • • • Achieved by intense heat The texture is similar to that of a
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Adoquin/Cantera Stone Adoquin, or cantera, is a strong, malleable natural stone formed by volcanic dust and ash washed into ancient silt beds, and combined with lava and local stone where it is compressed for millions of years. Porous and lightweight, adoquin cantera stone has been preferred throughout the ages as a building material for its natural beauty, exquisite color varieties, texture and durability. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Agglomerate Stone Embedded in Cement Also known as terrazzo, this material is poured into place or precast into tiles, and is used for floor and wall treatments. It consists of small, medium or large pieces of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other suitable chips that are sprinkled or scattered into a cementitious or epoxy resin binder and allowed to cure.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Brick—Clay Clay brick pavers are a specialized type of brick that are fired to a high temperature, are unglazed, and have a smooth or textured surface. They are a perfect surface treatment to exterior walkways, porches, patios, pool decks, driveways, plazas, commercial and industrial lobbies, restaurant entryways, and industrial floor treatments. Clay brick pavers are available in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, brown and flashed.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Concrete Tile Concrete tiles are a tough man-made mix of stone, sand, water, cement, fibers and pigment. Available in multiple styles and colors, concrete tiles can be made to mimic a variety of natural stone finishes and textures. Concrete tiles can range from highly porous to very dense. Because they are made from concrete, they are sensitive to acid. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Granite—Flamed Flamed granite is produced by applying intense, blowtorch-type heat to the surface of the stone. This causes the surface to melt and some of the crystals to shatter, leaving a highly textured surface. Flamed granite is ideal for exterior paving or wet areas where optimum non-slipperiness is required. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Granite—Honed Honed granite has a smooth, non-reflective surface without bumps or ridges. This softer appearance remains flatter than a full gloss polish. The honed look is achieved by ending the finishing process before the buffing stage. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal. (3,79 L) Per Coat # of Coats UltraCare Penetrating Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer 600 - 800 sq. ft.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Granite—Polished Polished granite has a smooth, shiny and reflective finish. This process highlights the character of your stone. The color, depth and crystal structure become more visible. Your stone appears darker, and the colors seem richer. This mirror-like finish is considered the finest and smoothest finish available. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Grout—Cementitious Cement-based grout is porous, so it easily allows water, dirt, oils and other contaminants to be absorbed into it. Proper protection and routine cleaning are musts for keeping your grout looking beautiful. Sealing—Protecting grout from staining Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal. (3,79 L) Per Coat # of Coats 1,000 - 1,400 sq. ft.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Limestone & Marble—Honed Honed limestone and marble have a smooth, non-reflective finish that is easily staned if not properly protected. Limestone also has holes in the surface that are filled with a grouting mixture before being honed. Because limestone is calcium-based, it is sensitive to acid-based cleaners. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Limestone & Marble—Polished Polished limestone and marble have a smooth, highly reflective finish that is easily stained if not properly protected. Because limestone is calcium-based, it is sensitive to acid-based cleaners. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal. (3,79 L) Per Coat # of Coats UltraCare Penetrating Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer 600 - 800 sq. ft.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Limestone & Marble—Tumbled Tumbled limestone and marble have a rustic, old-world look that is achieved by tumbling the tile in hoppers with a harder aggregate. The finished look is distressed, as compared to a polished surface. Because tumbled limestone and marble have a non-reflective finish, they are the easiest of the finishes to care for. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Porcelain Tile—Polished & Unpolished Porcelain tiles are durable and non-porous, and are highly chemical- and abrasionresistant. Available in a wide variety of textures and finishes as well as being practical and versatile, porcelain is an essential element of residential and commercial design alike. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting honed and polished porcelain from grout stains and simplifying grout cleanup Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Porcelain Tile—Textured Porcelain tiles are durable and non-porous, and are highly chemical- and abrasionresistant. Available in a wide variety of textures and finishes as well as being practical and versatile, porcelain is an essential element of residential and commercial design alike. Pre-Grout Sealing Natural Look—Protecting textured porcelain from grout stains and simplifying grout cleanup Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Quarry Tile Quarry tiles are made by an extrusion process by forcing clay through a die and then hard-firing, thereby creating a durable, dense and low-porosity tile. Quarry tile has a water absorption rate of < 5%, making them ideal for use in commercial kitchens and bathrooms. Quarry tiles are manufactured with a smooth surface or with a slip-resistant surface to increase safety in high-traffic areas. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Saltillo Adoquin/Cantera Tile Stone Saltillo tile is a type of terra-cotta tile that originates in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Saltillo tiles vary in color and shape, but the majority range between varying hues of reds, oranges and yellows. Tiles are shaped either by pressing quarried clay with a wooden frame (super), or carving out the desired shape (regular). Saltillo tile is highly porous, and soaks in liquid easily.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Sandstone Agglomerate Stone Embedded in Cement This medium-grained sedimentary rock consists of fine to coarse sand-sized grains that have been either compacted or cemented together by a material such as silica, iron oxide or calcium carbonate. Although sandstone usually consists primarily of quartz, it can also consist of other minerals and can vary in color from yellow and red to gray and brown. Bluestone and brownstone are also sandstones.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Shellstone (Fossil Stone) Shellstone (fossil stone) is a natural stone that is quarried from areas close to the ocean. Its close proximity to the ocean is why the tiles are imbedded with sea shells and other sea fossils. Colors range from ivory and light cream to pink and orange. Finishes can be tumbled, honed and polished. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Slate Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock with a subtle, natural beauty. Available in a wide variety of both solid and variegated colors, slate is highly porous and durable. Resistant to fading, abrasion and chemicals, slate is recommended for both interior and exterior applications. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal. (3,79 L) Per Coat # of Coats UltraCare Penetrating Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer 300 - 400 sq. ft.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Terra-Cotta Tile Terra-cotta tile is clay-based and kiln-fired at about 1,832°F (1,000°C). The iron content of the clay gives the fired body a yellow, brown, orange, red, pink or gray color, which varies considerably. Although durable, terra-cotta tile is porous and requires a sealer for protection. Pre-Grout Sealing—Protecting the surface before grouting Avg. Coverage Per 1 Gal.
Sealing & Maintenance by Surface Type Terrazzo This material is poured into place or precast into tiles, and is used for floor and wall treatments. Terrazzo consists of small, medium or large pieces of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other suitable chips that are sprinkled or scattered into a cementitious or epoxy resin binder and allowed to cure. It is then mechanically ground and polished to a uniformly smooth surface and sealed to a lustrous finish.
Maintenance Recommendations for Ceramic Tiles, Porcelain, Grout and Natural Stone Flooring Tile and stone are a popular choice for flooring as they provide a practical and aesthetically pleasing surface that is easy to care for and long-lasting. By following the basic principles described below, you will maintain your floor in good condition, with many years of trouble-free service.
Maintenance Recommendations for Ceramic Tiles, Porcelain, Grout and Natural Stone Flooring Problematic deep stains Occasionally, even with deep cleaning, some spot stains can occur. Often, these can be removed with the use of a poultice like UltraCare Deep Stain Remover for Stone. Periodic resealing If your floor or grout was sealed, it may require a periodic re-application of sealer to ensure the appropriate level of protection is maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions Why use a sealer? How often should I clean my tile? Stone, grout and masonry materials are porous and, if not properly sealed, can easily stain. Sealers protect the surface from damage caused by exposure to chemicals, foot traffic, food, beverages, cooking oils and a variety of other contaminants. Sealers can also greatly reduce maintenance by allowing easy cleanup of spills and dirt.
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