NEW INSTALLATION
Sealing is strongly recommended for newly installed marble flooring and other natural stone flooring to provide maximum stain protection when performing tile floor care.

Be careful to select a high-quality sealer to protect your natural stone.

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 may 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 pre-grout sealer and applied again in 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, brushed stones, where a darker, enriched, or highlighted character is desired. When choosing either one of these two 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 to ensure that the sealer is working effectively. Penetrating/impregnating stone sealers are no-sheen, natural look sealers 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. 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 the 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.

For professional installation, tile floor care, and cleaning contact Northside Floors!

SAFETY PRECAUTION TO OUR CUSTOMERS

The products described in this document may have chemicals that cause reactions in certain individuals. Dal-Tile strongly recommends the use of safety glasses, respirators (masks), and gloves in handling any materials that contain chemicals. Dal-Tile recommends the proper disposal of any scrap tile/stone, installation, and/or maintenance products discussed herein.

Natural stone has its own unique qualities that not only distinguish it from man-made materials but also should be considered in selecting it for a particular project. Stone is not manufactured: it is a product of nature. Blocks are removed from the quarry, slabs are cut from these blocks, and the slabs are further fabricated into the final stone to be installed. Each block is different: each slab is different. Skillful blending or matching of the dimension stone blocks, veneer panels, tops, etc., results in a beautiful blending of nature’s variety and man’s design. “Uniformity of material,” when applied to natural stone, is a term of relative value that needs to be understood when making a selection.

To ensure your natural stone products will provide you with a lifetime of aesthetics and utility, proper maintenance is crucial. Natural stone products are porous by nature and require a different maintenance program than traditional ceramic tile.

ROUTINE STONE FLOOR CARE

Natural stone requires a different maintenance routine than traditional, man-made ceramic tile. Many of the cleaners acceptable for use on ceramic tile can stain, damage, or dull stone. Dirt and dust will scratch the surface of the stone. Therefore, stone floors should be vacuumed or dust mopped frequently to remove abrasive agents from the stone surface. Natural stone should be cleaned with neutral cleaners specifically designed for stone. These cleaners contain no acids and are concentrated neutral pH cleaners that will not affect existing sealers or other types of coatings. Stone cleaners should never contain acid or bleach. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will etch and eventually damage many varieties of natural stone. A solution of the cleaner and water mixed with the manufacturer’s instructions should be applied to the tile surface with a sponge or mop. On walls, kitchen counters, or vanity tops, a spray bottle can be used to apply the cleaning solution. Allow sitting per manufacturer’s recommended specified amount of time. Agitate with a sponge, synthetic mop, soft bristle brush, or through the use of a floor-scrubbing machine with soft brushes. Mop up dirty solution and buff dry. Some textured stones may require a different cleaning method or additional procedures not specified in this document.

HEAVY-DUTY STONE CLEANING

When stone areas have been neglected, you will need to use a heavy-duty stone cleaner and degreaser to effectively remove dirt, grease, grime, waxes, and floor finishes. These cleaning products are concentrated and designed to deep clean the stone without damaging it. Apply the solution of the cleaner and water mix per the manufacturer’s instructions to the stone surface with a sponge or mop. Allow to stand for a manufacturer-specified amount of time. Agitate with a sponge, synthetic mop, soft bristle brush, or through the use of a floor-scrubbing machine with soft brushes. Mop up dirty solution and buff 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. Make sure to always limit the time water puddles and sits on any type of natural stone and mop dry as soon as possible.

Don’t hesitate to contact Northside Floors if you need professional tile floor care. Just go to our contact us page and fill up the form or call our number and we will help you.