Stone & Terracotta
It should be mentioned that old stone floors were never sealed and still they look beautiful even today’s standards. All stone is naturally porous to varying degrees, for daily use and to increase the resistance for stain, sealing your stone would be the right choice.
Most of our sealants are preferred from Fila’s professional range and we work in accordance with Fila to provide high standards of technical knowledge and support. It is a must that good practice is observed when installing your tiles to make sure that no building residue is sealed into or marks the product since it can be hard to remove; tiles need to be entirely clean and dry before each stage of the installation and sealing process to provide the correct application of the relevant sealant. The guidelines below are mentioned in general, and there are exceptions to the rules, both in terms of equipments and application and sealant needed.
Our well equipped staff can provide you a tailor-made quotation according to your individual requirements. All sealants mentioned need different drying times in between processes. When using any sealant, a small inconspicuous test area or off-cut should be sealed first to ensure that the end results are to your liking. The next part provides general guiding for sealing, our staff will be happy to advise on your individual requirements.
Honed & Antique Limestone, Travertine & Marble
These materials and finishes includes most of our stones and they demand a base sealant that takes in the body of the stone to quell the porosity, then a wax for liquid surface that provides a slight finish and gives an extra layer to protect. Base sealants can be either solvent-based or water-based and the base sealant required changes due to the density and finish of the product to be sealed. Solvent-based and water-based sealant options should not be mixed.
For more absorbent Limestone, Marble and Travertine finishes Fila Fob, its water-based equivalent Fila W68 or Fila MP90 Eco Xtreme should be chosen to apply. Some denser Limestones or Marbles may necessitate the use of Fila MP/90. These base sealants provide protection against both water and oil-based stains by soaking into the stone to preserve the surface.
Once the stone has been fixed, cleaned with dilute Fila Cleaner, and is thoroughly dry, one coat should be applied with a brush or sponge before the stone is grouted. This initial application of base sealant helps to prevent grout residues adhering to the surface, and grout pigments absorbing into the stone.
After the grout has been applied and allowed to dry for required duration, the tiles should be given a further wash with dilute Fila Cleaner to remove any grout polymers that might cause some problems and prevent the base sealant from absorbing into the stone.
Once clean and dry a further 1-3 applications of base sealant (Fila Fob, Fila W68, Fila MP90 Eco Xtreme or Fila MP/90) should be applied as it is recommended to provide further protection for the stone. Any sealant silts should be cleaned off the tile surface as soon as possible since they may leave surface streaking. Stones with more holes on the surface may take several more coats. The grout joints need to be sealed at this time as well.
When the base sealing is applied, the stone needs to be sealed with a liquid wax surface sealant. This provides a layer to protect the stone, making it easier to clean daily dirt and grime from the stone. In this case two coats are needed; the first application should be dried out before the second is applied at 90° to the first. You can pick between Fila Matt (matt finish), Fila Satin (a slight satin sheen) or Fila Long Life (a more hard wearing gloss finish), Fila Satin being the most popular.
Riven Slate
This one is normally less porous than the other Stones. Fort his reason, a liquid wax surface sealant is quite sufficient to provide protection. These sealants have high resistance to wear and tear and also to repel the dirt and dust.
One coat of either, Fila Matt, Fila Satin or Fila Long Life need to be applied after installation takes place but before grouting. Then a further coat of the chosen sealant after grouting, assuring that the tiles are grout residues free (this will necessitate a wash with dilute Fila Cleaner).
If any other extra protection is needed or the situation is not convenient for use of a liquid surface wax, then Fila MP/90 or Fila MP90 Eco Xtreme can be chosen to seal Riven Slate. In any situations, please feel free to get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.
Honed & Riven Sandstone
Honed & Riven Sandstone, amongst the most porous of natural stones, is in our external range but can also be appliaed internally.
If fitting takes place internally, a thorough application of base sealant is needed to make sure that it is well protected. After fixing and before grouting happens, 1 or 2 coats of Fila Fob or Fila W68 needs to be applied.
After grouting, several more coats of base sealant needs to be applied as well to provide sufficient protection.
After the base sealant, 2 coats of Fila Long Life is advised to be applied on the surface.
If fitting takes place externally, the stone can either be left unsealed and allowed to weather naturally or sealed to provide protection. If it is wanted to be sealed, 1 or 2 coats of Fila Hydrorep will be needed before the grouting phase, and then another 2-3 coats of Fila Fob. Can be applied.
Polished Limestone, Marble & Travertine and Honed Slate
These stones have lower porosity levels and will not absorb as much sealant as other finishes absorb. So that, they only necessitate a penetrating surface seal of Fila MP/90, 1 coat needs to be applied before the grouting happens.
After the grouting phase, it should be made sure that the tiles are clean, dry and grouting residue free (this will require a wash with dilute Fila Cleaner), a further coat of Fila MP/90 needs to be applied. After 24 hours any surface residue should be removed with a cloth or single-disc cleaner fitted with the suitable disc.
Flamed & Brushed Granite
Granite is a thick and crystalline material available in a Flamed & Brushed finish for interior use.
One coat of Fila MP/90 or Fila Fob, according to porosity, needs to be applied before grouting, with an extra 1-2 coats put into use after grouting and washing with dilute FilaCleaner. As a result of the compressed nature of this material, a surface wax is not mandatory but can be applied if any finish is needed.
Splitface
These products have an extremely coarse surface texture because of the nature of the finish and they are generally made from a geologically diverse range of materials. They can be sealed with 1 or 2 coats of Fila MP/90, Fila Fob or Fila W68 according to the location of the feature wall and the material type. As an alternative, Fila MP/90 Eco Xtreme is a sealant, which is water-based and suitable for different types of stones and surface finishes. However it should be noted that the application method will change according to the material being sealed.
Terracotta
Generally, Terracotta tiles were sealed using a 50:50 mix of Boiled Linseed Oil & White Spirit, then a paste/beeswax treatment.
Terracottas are raw, exceptionally porous tiles, constructed from natural clays which is why they need to be sealed throughly.
It should be kept in mind that according to the Terracotta’s nature, salts and minerals present in the tiles can rise to the surface when the fixing process takes place. It may be needed for this efflorescence to be cleared away with an application of Fila Deterdek.
The fixed Terracotta tiles should be clean and dry before their initial coat of either Fila Fob or Fila W68 which needs to be applied by the help of a sponge or clean flat brush, 1-2 coats need to be applied before grouting.
The Terracotta tiles are then grouted assuring any grout residues are cleared away from the tile’s surface. When the floor is clean and the grout has completely dried, 1-2 more coats of the preferred base sealant should be put. Once the base sealant is dry, 2 coats of a surface liquid wax, either Fila Satin, Fila Matt or Fila Long Life, should be spread across the surface.
Porcelain & Ceramic
Porcelain or Decorative & Glazed tiles do not demand sealing. Yet still, if using a cementitious/porous grout, this grout needs to be preserved by a coat of Fila Fugaproof. In addition, Porcelain tiles need to be cleaned as part of the installation process with dilute Fila Cleaner. Any more stubborn marks, which rise difficulties, may require the use of Fila Deterdek. Please do not forget to check with a member of staff before any use.
Crackle Glaze Gloss Tiles & Zenon Gloss
These ranges are not usual among Porcelain & Ceramic tiles in that, according to the glazed surface’s nature, they demand sealing to provide protection. These tiles need to be sealed with 1 coat of Fila MP/90 prior to grouting, then 1 coat of Fila MP/90 after grouting. Tiles need to be cleaned with dilute Fila Cleaner before every single stage of the installation process.
Wet Rooms, Wet Areas & Stone Bathware
These areas are for more intense and prolonged periods of exposure to water. It is advised that a combination of base sealants is used to provide stronger and more through protection. This includes the application of 1-2 coats of Fila Hydrorep, then 2-3 applications of Fila Fob according to porosity. A liquid surface wax should not be used because prolonged exposure to moisture, these sealants can become cloudy.
External Stone
Areas of stone that are used externally will be subject to staining from natural atmospheric agents and organic matter that may affect the look of the material. The sealing of stone externally is mostly depending on the personal preference and a subject which is being discussed greatly. Stone can either be sealed to preserve it from water and staining agents or left to weather naturally.
The two main considerations are quantity of material and type of stone; sealing large external areas can prove fairly costly. It is worth sealing an off-white limestone over a more rustic/darker sandstone or slate. At the end, the choice depends on the individual who has to live with the stone.
External sealing of stone needs to be completed with 1-2 coats of Fila Hydrorep, and then 1-2 coats of FilaFob according to the the stone’s porosity(if a water-based sealant is needed, then Fila W68 can be chosen to be applied, depending on material).
Maintenance of Stone & Porcelain
Like any surface, stone will demand a degree of maintenance anyway and the right sealing in the first instance is the key to minimal maintenance. Not surprisingly, heavily trafficked areas will demand more maintenance than those that are rarely used.
For most of the parts, the main maintenance regime demanded for a stone or porcelain floor is regular sweeping and vacuuming.
In addition to this, the floor should be mopped regularly with a 1:200 dilution of Fila Cleaner, which is a neutral routine cleaner especially for use with all tiles and natural stone products without any detrimental effects. The use of abrasive, acidic or alkali household detergents should be avoided since there is a possibility of them removing the surface sealant or in some extreme cases damaging stone or porcelain.
If a more powerful detergent is needed, then Fila PS/87 which is a more concentrated formulation to remove stains in its undiluted state, or diluted for more routine cleaning, can be preferred to be used (Fila PS/87 should not be applied on marble or polished material without consulting Authentic Stone or Fila).
Liquid wax surface sealants such as Fila Satin, Fila Matt or Fila Long Life should also be applied as part of the ongoing maintenance regime; once a month or after routine cleaning, add a glassful to a bucket of hot water and mop over, this will help to refresh the protective surface seal.
Stains, marks, incorrectly applied impregnators or sealants all have antidotes. If that is your case, please feel free to contact us for the best advice. It is advised that before using any sealing, cleaning, maintenance or restoration product on stone or porcelain, testing them on a small inconspicuous area may help to get the best results as the minor results can be viewed on the testing area first. You can refer to the Ancillary Product Price List or one of our branches for more information.
Summary
All our ancillary products has been widely researched over the years to have their best compatibility and performance with our stones. All of our suppliers are considered as the leaders in their own field/area. Additionally, prices are checked to make sure they are competitive in the market and we are glad to state that there is no obligation quotation for aforementioned products alongside your stone. Where alternative products are being used, please make sure checking their compatibility with the suppliers or manufacturers before any application. All stones photographed for this website, printed media and displayed in our showrooms have been finished with suitable ancillary products advised by ourselves. If you have any special considerations or needs for your project, please feel free to contact us and we can fill you in with the correct advice and products for the situation.
All advice and instructions are given above, even though they are the results of studies and trials carried out, are provided for only providing information.
