marble Archives - Page 3 of 3

CLEANING TILE

It is never advisable to use any harsh cleaning chemicals on natural stones as the stain can become worse or set on the tile.

Keep the natural stone tiles clean, by using a dry, clean dust mop-for your CLEANING TILE.

Do not use any abrasive chemicals or a vacuum cleaner as those may stain and/or scratch the surface of the tile.

StoneTech Professional Revitalizer Cleaner and Protector by DuPont is one of the suggested cleaners for your natural stone.

Pressure washing is sometimes needed for deep cleaning from tree and plant debris or in areas that collect a lot of water and get stained.

If you have a salt water pool, your pavers will need to be sealed with a water-repellent salt water sealer, and it’s better if applied before installing, to ensure that the entire paver is protected and not just the surface.

Here are a few products that can be used for Natural Stone cleaning:
KlenzAll heavy duty alkaline cleaner and degreaser
Oil and Stain Remover
Revitalizer cleaner & protector
BulletProof – sealer
Impregnator pro – sealer

TILE CLEANING

STAINS

Natural stones such as travertine, marble, granite, etc. are porous materials which means they are absorbent making them prone to stains. At the same time, that characteristic also means that stains can be easily removed. When you notice a stain, clean it as soon as possible for better results.

All you need to do is to “lift” the stain by using a product called Stone Pro Deep Clean Gel which is sold at retail stores.

If that fails, it means that the stain is embedded in your tile. In that case, you can use Stone Pro Wet Poultice Stain Remover that is a ready-to-use paste which does not requires mixing or measuring.

You can purchase both items at this store: http://www.mystonecare.com/Stone-Problem-Solvers-Tile-Problem-Solvers-s/19.htm

TILE CLEANING

SEALING YOUR STONE

This is a personal choice. However, by using a sealer, your natural stone products are better protected against stains and dirt.

There are several kinds of sealers in the market. When selecting one, make sure it is the correct one for the kind of tile you purchased. We recommend the following brand: http://miraclesealants.com/

The best person to help you make that decision is your installer. Make sure to ask him for recommendations.

Advantage of paver sealant:

Protect outdoor stone against stains from tree and plant debris or in areas that collect a lot of water and get stained and mildew.

The sealer is deep penetrating and preserving of the stone’s natural surface texture while keeping stains and mildew out.

Sealer will also reduce damage that can be caused by spills from things that can stain like wine.

Disadvantages of sealing pavers:

Recommended 5 year re application of a professional sealer. It may even be yearly according to the brands manufacture instructions that you choose.

If you’re a DYI person you can actually get it done for a fraction of the cost.

Seal Pavers-needed are:

White clean cloth-absorbent suggested

Clean your Pavers

Apply the Sealer

Apply Finishing

Remove Excess and re apply

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Back Splash Tile Installation

Back Splash Tile Installation

See our previous blog for a list of materials and tips

1. Make sure the wall surface has a sound structure (Good dry wall etc..)

2.The wall should be clean and flat (It’s been suggested to sandpaper or paint over the walls primer or sealer)

3.Measure to see how much tile you’ll need and get some extra from the same lot number.

4. Tiles purchased on sheets will allow for faster installation as you’ll be laying several at a time.

5. Cut tiles with a wet saw according to your needed measurements.

6. Lay tiles on the counter to get an idea of the layout pattern you want. (Cut tiles to size if needed).

7. Turn off power and remove wall face plates.

8. Apply Mastic (adhesive) with a notched trowel. Add to the walls with the flat side of the trowel.

9. Start at the center and work your way up horizontally. (Only apply to a 3×3 foot area at a time to prevent drying).

10. Double back over the application of adhesive with the notched side of the trowel to remove excess. (Use a small trowel for small areas and tight corners).

Back Splash Tile Installation

11. Apply adhesive to the back of the tiles then lay them on the wall, starting at the base of the counter tops and working your way up.

This method will give you a straight edge guide and allows needed cuts/angles to be made under cabinets and exhaust fans.

12.Gently tap tiles into place with a mallet. Continue to lay tiles in a row and remove any surface excess (Every few minutes check for proper alignment).

13.Remove spacers, wipe surface clean, and let the tiles set over night before grouting.

14.Mix grout according to manufactures instructions.

15.Apply grout in a diagonal pattern using a rubber float holding it at a 45-degree angle.

16.Fill the seams with grout and wipe off excess with a damp sponge once grout is firm.

17.After grout dries a haze will form which must be removed with a clean sponge.

18.Apply cork (not grout) at the boarder of the counter tops and wall edges to seal and prevent cracking.

19.Replace switches and wall plates you may need longer screws.

20. Back Splash Tile Installation is now complete as always get professional advice before starting your installation project

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