For more specific questions not covered here, please use our enquiry form.
If a tile is porous then why not pre-seal the tile as this will prevent stains during installation?
If the tile is sealed before installation it does not allow the moisture to escape through the surface of the tile. When the moisture reaches the sealer it is trapped and will then travel to the edges of the tile and escape through the grout lines. This creates a feature called a water mark that looks like a dark circle in the tile.
Once this has occurred the mark cannot be removed even if you try stripping the tile in an attempt to allow it to dry out. Another reason is that the pre-sealer always gets damaged during the installation and post installation cleaning procedure.
When using “Residual Grout Remover” to clean grout residues from the surface of the tile, will it cause damage to the grout in between the tile?
No. “Residual Grout Remover ” will neutralise (exasperate) itself on the grout lines, so it will not damage the grout in between the tile.
Glazed tiles that have a rough texture (to promote anti slip properties) are often difficult to clean after installation. Can “Residual Grout Remover ” be used and will it not damage the glazing?
Yes “Residual Grout Remover ” is safe to use on all glazed tiles. It will not damage the glazing and is very useful in removing the grout trapped in the texture and undulations.
Is it essential to use “Power Clean” after “Residual Grout Remover ”?
It is essential for all full bodied porous tiles that need to be sealed. The reason is that all acid residues trapped in the capillaries of the tile need to be neutralized before sealing. If the tile is not neutralized then the acid will prevent the sealer from curing properly. However if the tile is a glazed tile and does not need sealing then “Power Clean” does not need to be used.
Can I use “Power Clean” to clean the tiles on a daily basis?
No. “Power Clean” is too powerful for daily cleaning and will result in residues being left on the tile. The residues collect dirt and bacteria and cause the tile to look dusty. As do most other type of cleaners. The correct cleaner for daily or regular cleaning is “Multi Clean”.
“Multi Clean” is alcohol based and contains anti-bacterial additives. “Multi Clean” is neutral so will not harm any sealed surfaces and will effectively break up dirt, disinfect and clean the floor without leaving streaks behind.
Why not use one type of sealer on all types of porous tiles?
The reason is that the porosity and surface texture determine which type of sealer the tile will accept. For instance a low porosity tile will not accept a sealer designed to seal high porosity tiles. Also some tiles require surface protection and others not. Another reason is that our clients have different tastes and require different finishes. Some want a gloss finish and others require a matt finish.
Can I use paint brushes and rollers to apply sealers? If not what can I use?
Definitely do not use paint rollers or paint brushes.
The reason is that these paint tools deposit too much sealer on to the tile and cause bubbles. The correct applicators are the sheepskin pads and applicator frame.
The sheepskin pad forces the sealer into the tile and the grout lines.
How many coats of sealer are required to seal a tile?
That depends on the type of sealer to be used and the porosity of the tile. The more porous the tile is the more sealer it will accept. However if you are using a penetrating sealer on a low porosity tile it is common sense that the tile will only accept a small amount of sealer. Therefore it is good practice to apply thin coats until the tile is saturated and subsequent coats will not penetrate the tile.
Howlong will the sealer last?
The lifespan of the sealer is dependant on the nature of the sealer and the environment in which it is placed. For example penetrating sealers always outlast surface sealers.
The surface sealer will be subject to traffic whereas a penetrating sealer exists below the surface and therefore the tile absorbs the traffic. Various chemicals also naturally have a lifespan. Urethanes will outlast acrylics.
The lifespan can be shortened when strong and aggressive cleaners are used. That is why it is important that “Multi Clean” is used to maintain the sealer during cleaning. Another contributing factor is the amount of traffic the tile is subject to.
Ultimately the tile needs to be retreated whenever it changes colour whilst wet (e.g. during cleaning)
DoI need to strip the tile before resealing?
If you are going to re-seal with the same sealer as previously used then it is not necessary to strip before resealing. However it isvery important that the tile is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed beforere-sealing, to rid the existing surface from dirt and residues.
If you are going to change the sealing system from a surface sealer to a penetrating sealer, or the reverse, or change the chemical type then you do need to strip the existing sealer completely before applying the new sealer.
How do I get stains out of unsealed polished porcelain?
Whenever trying to solve stain problems it is vitally important to establish what caused the stain. If the stain is of an oily origin then products like “Power Clean” and “Multi Clean” should work.
If the stains are cementitious then acids like “ResidualGrout Remover” should work. If cleaners are not working then resort to solvent based products like “Bitumen Stripper”.
It is very much a trial and error process if you cannot tell the origin of the stain. Also sometimes the stain may take several treatments before it is lightened enough to become hardly noticeable.
Some general tips are –
Oils – Power Clean
Daily type dirt – Multi Clean
Cement & Grout – Residual Grout Remover
Rust – Residual Grout Remover
Rubber – Bitumen Stripper
Whatperiod must apply after installation before the tiles may be sealed?
Generally the waiting period after installation is 10 to 14 days depending on local climatic conditions. A way to test if the tile is dry is to put some clear plastic on the floor and seal of the edges withsuitable weight. Then leave for at least 12 hours. If the tile sweats,moisture collects underneath the plastic. Then the tile is not dry.If the tile does not sweat then the floor is dry and the tile maybe sealed. However the following wash and seal times apply.
Water based products – 6 to 8 hours
Solvent based products – 48 hours
Howexactly is “Shower Seal” used?
“ShowerSeal” is meant to be applied to the grout lines only.
This is to prevent moisture from entering and travelling throughthe grout which eventually causes mould problems and damp paint problems on the opposite side of the wall. You simply aim the spray nozzle into the gout lines and spray the grout lines vertically and horizontally.Continue applying until the whole container is finished. Only apply “ShowerSeal” to dry grout lines.
Excess and overspray may be wiped off with a dry cloth or paper towelling.
Howdo you remove polish from floors?
Dilute “PolishStripper” with 4 parts hot water – apply to an area you are comfortable that you can control – wait 5 minutes and then begin scrubbing. Vacuum the floor using a wet dry vacuum machine or absorbent cloths.
Rinse and then wash the floor with “PowerClean”.
Inthe case of a glazed anti-slip tile becoming difficult to clean,is it possible to seal and what sealer should be used?
Glazedtiles are not porous, so they do not need to be sealed. If however the tile needs to be sealed in order to make it easier to clean then that is another matter entirely. If the tile has a texture then it may be treated in order to make it easier to clean.
The means oftreating it is to ensure that it is totally clean and free from residues and other contamination and then to treat it with “InvisibleSealer”.
