Use And Care Manual

TILE CARE &
MAINTENANCE
Ballatore Beat BL03 tile shown
CARE & MAINTENANCE GUIDE PAGE 4 OF 7
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 effectively.
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 effect
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.