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HOW TO GUIDE: SEALING MARBLE, GRANITE &TRAVERTINE

INSTALLATION

Tile adhesive is always recommended for tile installations. Adhesive should be applied at a minimum 5mm to the floor using a notched trowel. A thin layer of tile adhesive should be applied to the back of the tile prior to placing. The tile should be twisted into the wet tile adhesive to remove trapped air prior to tapping with a rubber mallet. Only the use of a white rubber mallet is recommended.  Black rubber may cause permanent marking on porous tiles.

 

GROUTING

Bonding liquids should only be added to the grout mixture if immediate and proper clean-up is possible. Be careful when using pre-packaged grout as these products have plasticisers, latex resins and pigments, which could cause staining if not immediately cleaned up after grouting.

Only small areas at a time should be grouted as cleaning up of the excess grout on the tile surface should be done before the grout has dried.  Dried grout on the tile surface may lead to picture framing and severe staining.

Using acid-based cleaners to remove dried grout on marble, travertine and limestone will result in surface damage. The use of acid-based cleaners is not recommended on most granites.

 

CLEANING AFTER GROUTING

In the case of marble, travertine, limestone and granite tiles only alkaline and neutral cleaners like STONESHIELD DEEP-CLEAN and STONESHIELD X-TREME-CLEAN should be used. Acid based cleaners like STONESHIELD GROUT-LIFT and STONESHIELD BRICK & MASONRY CLEANER should never be used unless an etched or weathered look is required.

 

WHY POROUS TILES NEED SEALING?

Natural stone, marble, travertine, granite are natural materials which have been quarried or processed.

Their natural form cannot be modified and therefore require sealing to protect against the following:

  1. Sealing reduces the porosity of the tile or stone, reducing the chance of permanent staining.
  2. Sealing protects against chemical attack from acids. (eg. wine, coffee, vinegar, sugar, soft drinks.)
  3. Sealing strengthens the surface, providing increased abrasion resistance and surface protection
  4. Sealing often improves the aesthetic finish of natural stone, marble, terracotta, etc.

 

SEALER RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended sealer for floor : MARBLE, GRANITE & TRAVERTINE SEALER™  (solvent-based repellent)

& wall tiles, vanities and tops  : COLOUR ENHANCER™ (water-based repellent.)

Recommended sealer for stone: WALL-CLADDING-SEALER      (water-based repellent)

wall cladding

 

SEALER SELECTION

The intended purpose of a sealer is to protect the tile or surface. Different types of protection are required based on the type of floor or tile.

  1. Certain surfaces only require protection against staining. In this case a penetrating sealer or repellent would be the correct choice.

Floor tiles & Cladding                – STONESHIELD WALL-CLADDING-SEALER

Floor tiles & Cladding                – STONESHIELD MARBLE, GRANITE & TRAVERTINE SEALER

Floor tiles & Cladding                – STONESHIELD COLOUR ENHANCER

 

  1. Certain surfaces require protection against surface wear and tear as well as staining. In this case a resin type sealer is required. The final surface finish and colour enhancing or natural look is purely of personal choice.

Honed, natural, tumbled Marble/granite/travertine Tiles- STONESHIELD PROTECTA-PLUS

Polished Marble, Travertine & Limestone                      – STONESHIELD MARBLE CRYSTALISER

 

STONESHIELD MARBLE, GRANITE & TRAVERTINE SEALER

Description: A premium quality, solvent-based penetrating, no-sheen, no surface film, natural look water and oil repellent for maximum stain protection. Can be used as a pre-grouting sealer on clean surfaces at least 6 hours before grouting. Allows water vapour transmission. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on low porosity tiles including polished, honed, tumbled and natural marble, travertine, granite and limestone.

 

STONESHIELD COLOUR-ENHANCER

Description: A premium quality, water-based penetrating, no-sheen, no surface film, colour enhancing water and oil repellent for maximum stain protection. Allows water vapour transmission. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on low porosity tiles including honed, tumbled, flamed and natural marble, travertine, granite and limestone.

 

STONESHIELD WALL-CLADDING-SEALER

Description: A superior quality natural look, no sheen, no surface film, water-based penetrating water repellent, designed to provide protection against rain, moisture, general airborne dirt, pollution, mould and mildew. Allows water vapour transmission. Suitable for interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on polished, honed, tumbled and natural marble, travertine, granite and limestone.

 

MAINTENANCE:

Only use STONESHIELD DAILY- CLEAN to prolong the life of the sealer.

Re-apply the original STONESHIELD sealer if the surface becomes difficult to clean or staining occurs.

 

LIMITATIONS:

Do not apply to damp tiles or surfaces.

Allow sufficient time for the grout and tile adhesive to dry out completely before sealing. Consult the STONESHIELD sealer label for the correct drying times for the sealer selected.

Do not wet tiles or surfaces for at least 24 hours after sealing.

Allow at least 4 – 8 hours drying time before foot traffic depending on the sealer selected.

Do not apply sealer externally if rain is expected within 12 hours.

Store and use between 16°c and 32°c only.

 

SURFACE TYPES FLOORS & WALL SURFACES & TILES WALLS & CLADDING
       
NAME MARBLE,GRANITE & TRAVERTINE SEALER™ COLOUR-ENHANCER WALL- CLADDING-SEALER™
Quality Premium quality Superior quality Superior quality
Colour change Natural look Colour enhancing Natural look
Surface finish Natural finish Natural finish Natural finish
  No surface film No surface film No surface film
Type of sealer Repellent Repellent Repellent
Water / solvent Solvent-based Water-based Water-based
Usage Interior & exterior Interior & exterior Interior  & exterior
Over coating times 30 minutes Wet on wet application Wet on wet application
Expected wear 15 years 5 years 15 years
Min. no of coats 1 coat 1 coat 1 coat
Maintenance: cleaner Daily-Clean™ Daily-Clean™ none
                         : polish Marble Crystaliser™   none