Use and Care Manual

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Cleaning & Care
Instructions
Please Read Carefully
Island Stone tiles are made with a
variety of natural stone and glass
materials. With proper installation,
followed with a quality sealing
treatment and periodic cleaning, these
tiles will give many years of
satisfaction.
Natural stone and glass tiles are
extremely durable and very easy to
care for. The following guidelines will
assure that your tiles give you many
years of service.
penetrating sealers for
natural stone
• All natural stone should have a
penetrating sealer applied after
installation.
• There are many companies that
make quality penetrating sealers
that protect against stains without
changing the color of the stone.
• Another option is color-enhancing
sealers that offer both penetrating
protection and brighten the color of
the stone.
• Sealers vary from brand to brand
in the way they perform. It is up to
the individual to choose the
product that best achieves the
finished look that is being sought.
• Make a test on left-over material
before application of your chosen
sealer to ensure compatibility.
• Clean all stone before sealing.
Any smudge or stain could become
permanent if sealers are applied
over them.
• Penetrating sealers should be
a p p l i e d i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r
installation and the initial clean-up
t o e n s u r e t h a t n o s t a i n s
inadvertently become sealed in.
• Follow the sealer manufacturers
recommendations for a good finish
to your project.
cleaning of natural stone
• Use pH balanced cleaners or
soap-less detergents and soft
bristle brushes for daily cleaning.
Immediately wipe all spills.
• Most sealer brands have specific
cleaning solutions applicable for
natural stone.
• If heavy duty cleaning is required,
first try to solve with pH balanced
cleaners, which can include
scouring cleaners and poultices
that help extract the stain. Always
test abrasive or untested cleaning
solutions in an inconspicuous area
to evaluate if it is suitable for the
tile.
• If an acidic cleaner is deemed
necessary, a light solution of
sulfamic acid is the safest and
most recommended in cleaning
difficult stone or grout problems.
Be sure to rinse the area well after
cleaning.
glass tile sealing
• Glass tile is impervious to liquids
and sealers.
• Sanded grout used in a glass tile
project should have a penetrating
sealer applied even though it will
have no effect on the glass tile
itself. Urethane or epoxy grouts
do not require sealers.
• Only a water based sealer
should be used, as this will allow a
quick clean-up on the glass tile
surface after application. Use of
proper tools for application to the
grout lines of the penetrating
sealer is recommended.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge with
water will clean most glass tile
areas because of the nonporous
nature of the product.
• For more stubborn cleanups,
commercially available ceramic
tile cleaners may be applicable.
cleaning glass tile
• Use a soft cloth or sponge with
water to clean most glass tile
areas. The nonporous nature of
glass makes it impervious to
stains.
• Be careful not to use and overly
abrasive cleaning utensil.
• For more stubborn cleanups,
commercially available ceramic
tile cleaners may be applicable.
sealer maintenance
schedule
• Follow the chosen sealing
company's recommendations for
regular resealing of natural stone
tile.
• This is usually once a year and
requires a thorough cleaning
beforehand.
reference
• www.aquamix.com
• www.miraclesealants.com
natural stone & glass