Use and Care Manual

2
Grouts
CEMENTI
TIOUS
ADHESIV
ES
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bag from the sealed side towards the side that has been cut. Using an
electric drill with mixing paddle, mix from the bottom up at low speed until
obtaining a consistent paste without any lumps.
Scrape the sides and the bottom of the container, using a steel trowel, to
make sure that all the paste is catalysed. Hand mixing is not recommended.
The two parts are pre-dosed in their packaging, thus preventing the risk of
mixing. The paste has a pot life of approximately 1 hour at a temperature of
about +23°C.
Grouting the mosaic surface
Fill the paste into the joints using a special green grout float (art. 946 GR).
In the case of wall tiles, it is recommended to spread the grout, developing
complete vertical strips before proceeding to clean.
Remove the excess product using the grout rubber float. If the joints need
to be filled with additional paste, this must be done before they are cleaned
with water so as to avoid the formation of white crystals on the surface.
The product’s pot life and hardening time is strongly dependent on the
ambient temperature. The optimum application temperature is between +18
and +23°C. Under these conditions, the product is soft, easily workable and
with a pot life of approximately 1 hour. It is set to light foot traffic after 24
hours. The grout is ready for use and resistant to chemicals after 5 days at
a temperature of +23°C.
The hardening time is lengthened by low temperatures and shortened by
high temperatures.
At a temperature of +15°C, it takes three days before the surface is set to
light foot traffic and ten days to be ready for use.
At temperatures between +8 and +10°C, the product is very dense and
difficult to apply. The hardening time is also lengthened considerably.
Do not add water or solvents to improve workability. In hot weather, it is
advisable to spread the product on the surface as quickly as possible so as
not to further shorten the pot life due to the heat of reaction in the container.
CLEANING AND FINISHING
The grouting should be cleaned and finished when the product is still fresh,
and in any case as quickly as possible, taking care not to empty the joints
and without leaving product halos on the surface of the mosaic tiles. Clean
initially using the trowel with white felt (art. 109GBNC) using a lesser
amount of water, making circular movements in both a clockwise and anti-
clockwise direction so as to perfectly seal the sides of the mosaic tiles and
remove any excess grout from the surface. During this phase it is important
to prevent the stagnation of water, promptly soaking it up with a tightly
wrung rigid sweepex sponge (art. 128G0001). This second clean is
essential in order to obtain a smooth, sealed surface, completely removing
the product from the mosaic surface without emptying the joints and drying
any excess water.
During this phase, prevent the water from entering the empty joints,
stopping the cleaning operation a few centimetres before the unfilled joints.
Any holes or imperfections should be promptly repaired when the surface is
dry and the product has hardened.
To facilitate the cleaning operation, we recommend using two buckets full of
water, one for rinsing the felt pad and sponge, as well as to collect any dirty
water, and the other filled with clean water for the final surface cleaning.
Replace the felt pad and sponge when they become soaked with resin and
can no longer be cleaned.
Any halos or residual clear product can be removed from the mosaic
surface after about 24 hours or in any case once the joint has hardened
(depending on the temperatures) using the specific detergents Litonet EVO
(floor tiles) or Litonet Gel EVO (wall tiles).
Read the relative technical data sheet for correct use.
USE OF LITONET EVO AND LITONET GEL EVO TO REMOVE HALOS
Spread the detergent on the surface to be cleaned using the white felt (art.
109GBNC). Let it work for about 15-30 minutes. Then proceed to rub the
surface with the white felt.
Rinse with water and dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
Do not wait for the rinsing water to evaporate insofar as other halos would
form on the mosaic surface.
WARNINGS
• The product can only be used for the grouting of clear or artistic vitreous
mosaics with joints no wider than 3 mm.
• Spread the product in conditions with temperatures between +10°C and
+30°C. Avoid application in conditions with low temperatures and high
relative humidity in order to prevent the formation of surface carbonation,
which may alter the uniformity of the colour.
• During cleaning, prevent the water from entering the empty joints,
stopping a few centimetres before the unfilled joints.
• If the joints need to be filled with additional paste, this must be done
before they are cleaned with water. Any holes or imperfections noted after
cleaning should be promptly repaired when the surface is dry and the
product has hardened.
• Avoid rising the adhesive in the thickness of the joint insofar as it
interferes with the end colour. Any discontinuity in the spreading of the
adhesive will also be visible when grouting is complete.
• Ensure the tools used and the mosaic tiles to be grouted are clean. Given
the translucent nature of the product, any colour interferences will be
visible.
• Promptly remove any excess product from the surface of the mosaic tiles
insofar as the product, once hardened, can only be removed mechanically,
posing serious risks to the end result.
• Mix the two components (A+B) correctly.
• While cleaning, change the water frequently.
• Change the felt pad and sponge when they are impregnated with resin.
• Do not walk on the newly grouted surface to avoid staining the floor with
epoxy resin.
• Do not cover the grouted surface with sheets or other materials to prevent
condensation from forming that could cause surface carbonation of the
product resulting in an uneven colour. Wait at least 24 - 48 hours,
depending on the temperature, before protecting the surface with
breathable materials.
• The product must not be used to grout tanks containing aggressive
substances for which only occasional contact is allowed (see chemical
resistance table in the technical data sheet).
• Do not mix the product with water or solvents.
• For the maintenance and cleaning of surfaces grouted with Starlike
®
Crystal EVO, it is advisable not to use bleach. If not properly diluted and
well rinsed, the grouting may turn yellow which is especially noticeable on
light colours.
• Do not use aggressive detergents during the first 5 days of grout curing
time.
• Do not use the product for applications not stated in this technical sheet.