HOW TO GUIDE: SEALING PAVING – BRICK & STONE

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

It is advisable and recommended that only clean yellow plaster sand and cement in a 50/50 ratio be used for grouting of paving bricks 7 tiles. 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. STONESHIELD GROUT-LIFT^™ should be added to the water to aid with cleaning. Dried grout on the tile surface may lead to picture framing and severe staining. Be careful using STONESHIELD GROUT-LIFT^™ on any cement-based paving. Always test first.

CLEANING AFTER GROUTING

In the case of paving bricks & stones acid-based cleaners like STONESHIELD GROUT-LIFT^™ and STONESHIELD BRICK & MASONRY CLEANER can be used for the removal of grout and cement residues.

STONESHIELD DEEP-CLEAN^™ should be used to neutralise the surface after cleaning with an acid based cleaner. Neutralising helps prevent sealer failure.

WHY POROUS TILES NEED SEALING?

Natural stone, terracotta, cement and clay tiles are natural materials which have been quarried or formed or pressed.  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, terracotta, etc.

SEALER RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended sealer for paving                      :  PAVING SEALER BRICK & STONE

(water-based – natural look repellent)

:  QUARRI-SEAL^® MATT

(solvent-based  – colour enhancing resin system)

:  COLOUR-ENHANCER  (water based -natural look repellent)

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 or require colour enhancing due to oxide loss or bleaching without using a film forming sealer. In this case a penetrating repellent sealer would be the correct choice.

Paving brick & stone  – STONESHIELD COLOUR-ENHANCER^™

Paving brick & stone  – STONESHIELD PAVING SEALER BRICK & STONE

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.

Paving brick & stone – STONESHIELD QUARRI-SEAL^® MATT

STONESHIELD PAVING-SEALER BRICK & STONE

Description : A superior quality natural look, water-based modified acrylic resin sealer that provides a no-sheen, no surface film finish. Slight colour enhancing finish providing protection against rain, moisture, general dirt and ease of cleaning. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on brick & stone paving, either natural or cement based.

STONESHIELD QUARRI-SEAL^® MATT

Description: A premium quality, non-yellowing solvent-based resin sealer that provides a satin finish, superior stain resistance and surface protection. A penetrating sealer that colour enhances and provides a “wet look” finish. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on brick & stone paving, either natural or cement based.

STONESHIELD COLOUR-ENHANCER^™

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 brick & stone paving, either natural or cement based.

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.