SEALING AND GROUTING TILES
All natural tiles require a Primary Seal before the floor is grouted. A Secondary Seal may then be applied after the grouting process is completed. It is extremely important that the floor is clean, dry and completely free from grout stain or grease before the secondary coat is applied.
For best results the temperature in the room should not be too low, humidity in the air not too high and strong sunlight should be avoided.
It is important to ensure that there is good air-circulation and that an appropriate respirator is worn. Please Note In some instances the fumes from certain sealants may be unpleasant and cause breathing difficulties for the young and old. All young children, elderly people or those suffering from berating issues should not be present during the process and generally avoid the effected area until it has been adequately ventilated.
Grouting
The grouting process should not start earlier then 12 - 24 hours after the tiles have been treated with Lithofin MN Stain Stop Primary Seal. This will reduce the porosity of the tiles and discourage staining. Mapei Ultracolour Plus grouts should be used when grouting stone.
Prior to grouting, all joints should be filled by, either using a pointing process or by making up a slurry grout mixture and working the grout into the joints using a squeegee. In the case of unfilled or tumbled travertine, a slurry grout is recommended to be used to fill in any holes in the surface of the tile. Please note that only a small area (e.g. one or two square metre) should be grouted at a time before any surplus is removed and the grouted area cleaned using a wet grout sponge. Care should be taken not to spread the grout unnecessarily over the tiles, as it may be difficult to remove the residue when dried.
On completion of the grouting, the floor should be wiped over again to ensure that all grout residues has been removed. Once the grout has dried, the floor should be brushed to remove any dust particles. If any excess grout remains on the floor after it has been cleaned, Lithofin Power Clean may be used to remove any stubborn marks.
Sealing Natural Stone and Slate
In most cases, Lithofin MN Stain-Stop can be used to seal stone, although as Lithofin MN Stain Stop will not change the colour of the material, a product such as Lithofin Colour Intensifier should be used where one wishes to intensify the colour of the stone. Depending upon the material being treated, it may be necessary to apply more than two coats of the Lithofin MN Stain-Stop to the floor to achieve saturation. Lithofin MN Stain-Stop will dry to a matt finish.
Applying a Primary Seal
The primary seal should be applied as evenly as possible before the floor is grouted. It is important to ensure that the tiles are completely dry, clean and stain free. The coat should be applied using a brush, roller or cloth. It is most important that all the seal is absorbed into the tile. Any excess sealant should be wiped off before it is allowed to dry on the surface.
Applying a Secondary Seal
The secondary seal should be applied in the same way as the primary seal, but at right angles. Once again, it is most important that all the seal is absorbed into the tile. Any excess sealant should be wiped off before it is allowed to dry on the surface. Apply as many coats as is necessary to achieve saturation.
Applying a Colour Intensifier
Before applying the Lithofin Colour Intensifier it is extremely important that the Lithofin MN Stain-Stop is absorbed into the tile before. The Lithofin Colour Intensifier coat should be applied using a brush, roller or cloth. Apply as many coats as is necessary to ascertain the required finish.
Sealing Slate with a Gloss Finish
For more of a gloss finish, Lithofin Slate-Seal should be used. In most cases, two coats of Lithofin Slate-Seal should be sufficient.
Maintenance
Natural Stone and Slate sealed with Lithofin MN Stain-Stop or Lithofin Slate-Seal should be cleaned using Lithofin Easy-Care. Lithofin Wexa may be used to remove any grease, oil or ingrained dirt.
