Use and Care Manual

paper should remain in place until construction is completed and
the area is opened to intended (post-construction) use.
Pre-grout Sealing:
A non-sanded grout is strongly recommended for natural stone
installations due to the narrow grout joints customarily preferred.
This type of grout has very fine particles of cement, polymers and
color pigments that can penetrate the microscopic pores of the
stone surface where they become trapped and appear as a stain in
the stone. Therefore, all travertine, slate, tumbled stone and honed/
flamed/unpolished granite should be sealed prior to the grouting
process to protect them from staining. The application of a good
quality sealer should be used as a grout sealer and applied again as
the final sealing process once the installation is finished.
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 specific 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 floor finish should be applied to a polished natural stone
floor only. This type of product will help enhance the shine and
provide a protective coating for “soft” or polished marbles. Verify
the finish is a wax-type finish designed to add luster and enhance
the beauty of sealed and polished natural stone only. A topical
Heavy-Duty Stone Cleaning:
When some areas have been neglected, you will need to
use a heavy-duty non-hazardous and non-polluting stone
cleaner and degreaser to eectively remove dirt, grease,
grime, waxes and floor finishes. An optimal heavy-duty
cleaner should contain low percentages of volatile organic
compounds. These cleaning products are concentrated
and designed to deep clean the stone without damaging
it. Apply the solution of the cleaner and water mixed to
manufacturer instructions to the stone surface with a
sponge or mop. Allow setting for manufacturer-specified
amount of time. Agitate with a sponge, synthetic mop, and
soft bristle brush or through the use of a floor-scrubbing
machine. Mop up dirty solution and bu dry. Be sure to
change out the cleaning solution every 100 square feet
to avoid reintroducing dirty water during the cleaning
process. Rinse thoroughly with clean water when finished.
After cleaning you may apply the Spray-Bu wax-type
floor finish to enhance the natural shine.
Stain Removal:
Stone poultice will remove stains and grout haze from
stone. Poultice is a fine, nonacidic, absorptive clay cleaning
powder that removes deep-set oil stains, grease and light
cementitious grout haze from polished and unpolished
natural stone.
CAUTION: Poultice may dull the shine of the polished
stone. If this occurs you will need to use a marble polish to
restore the natural shine.
Restoration:
If a marble finish has become dull, scratched or etched,
you can restore the natural shine through the use of a
marble polish. Some marble polishes are available in kits.
The process can be enhanced with the use of floor bung
machines. The process is generally a re-crystallization
process to remove fine scratches and restore the original
shine and polish to the stone. This is not an application
of a topical sealer or wax to cover-up damaged or worn
surfaces.
NATURAL STONE - NEW INSTALLATIONS
Sealing is strongly recommended for newly installed
marble and other natural stone to provide maximum
below surface stain protection. Consult your Professional
Floor Covering Dealer or Home Center Store to ensure
that you select a high quality sealer to protect your natural
stone. Immediately after natural stone has been installed
and grouted, the new installation should be covered
with brown paper to protect it from debris during the
remaining construction process. The protective brown