How to Protect Stone Floors From Staining

We are working almost daily with stain removal from natural stone surfaces. In fact I would say that in some instances we visit the same house more than 3 times in as many months.

Stains in stone are something that should be left to the professional. Sure, there are many quick fix websites offering advice but let me tell you, if you don’t get it right first time it may be that the tile will need replacement and finding a match is nearly impossible.

Nowadays, Stone Seals and sealants are in abundance, but which one is right for you?

Firstly – Never let the builder, renovator or floor installer apply the seal. The seal is an arduous task that needs careful consideration and correct application. I probably remove over 10,000 sq metrs of poorly applied Lithofin stain stop a year where the application has basically wiped it onto the floor leaving it porous and not sealed at all. So the householder has not only paid for the Lithofin seal but for us to remove it and provide the correct sealer for the stone.

“The Correct Sealer” I hear you cry. Yes, I am afraid to say that they are many types of sealer for many different stone types and what tasks the stone needs to do. Firstly there are water based and solvent based sealers. Other questions to consider are;

Does the stone get heavy traffic?

How often is the stone cleaned?

what type of beverages does the household use?

Any Allergies within the residents?

Type of finish preferred (matt), (Shine) etc?

DO we use water based?

DO we use Solvent Based?

Does the seal ever need topping up or replacement?

You get the picture;

The truth is if you do not use a professional Stone Sealer Applicator such as Marble Master you are usually throwing your money down the drain. A sealant application professional will be able to help you make the correct choice.

We offer warranties with all of our applications of stone sealant. The most common home and office stone seal give a 15 Year Warranty. This means to you that if at any time during 15 years the sealer doesn’t perform the whole product is reapplied FREE of charge.

Our impregnating sealers make treated indoor or outdoor surfaces easier to clean and maintain and to look good for longer. Dry-Treat does this by using nano-technology i. e. engineering at a molecular level. Our flagship product, STAIN-PROOF :

Guards engineering concrete, terracotta tile, cast stone, pavers, sandstone, limestone, brick, slate, marble, granite, porcelain, terrazzo, vitreous tile and grout against damage from water, water borne salts, oil based stains and graffiti;

Makes surfaces stay cleaner;

Stands up to weather and traffic;

Retains a natural look;

Eliminates the occurrence of efflorescence;

Is suitable for a wide variety of home, commercial and industrial applications, including: building facades, floors, walls, stone bench tops, swimming pool surrounds, public areas, patios, garages, kitchens and entertaining areas, and Is backed by a 15 year warranty

Things to Protect while Pressure Washing Your Home!

Pressure washing, popularly called power washing is a wonderful way to clean your house exterior, sideways, walkways, patios, fences, decks and prepare them for new paints or refinishing. The power washing refers to spraying of water in most cases mixed with detergents with high velocity to clean the dirt, chalk like residue, grime, deteriorating paint from surface, and others. Pressure washing is the first and best method to ensure that the coating of new paint will last longer in your home. It is a great way to give thorough cleaning and prepare it for refinishing or repainting. Spraying water at high speeds does the job. But while power washing your home you must take care of certain areas. You should know where you should not use the power jet spray of water to clean the dirt or other such materials. It can be used on siding materials, like wood, vinyl, metals, masonry; but you cannot use it on hardboard or other such materials which need protection from moisture like stucco. Such materials easily get degraded and defaced by water and its high speed impact. If you feel that the previous paint of your home has higher amount of lead and it dates back to some decades ago, then you should be very careful with pressure washing. It is better if your hand over the job to some experience and safer hands than doing it yourself. Leave this job and better engage in some other washing. The professional will take care of it. Safety Operating of Pressure Washing Machine or AppliancesPressure washing is not a child’s play you should be careful with it and appliances while you use it to remove dirt and clean your home. You should always use the equipment with both hands, and never use it on a ladder. Always keeps someone professional or expert in pressure washing nearby when you use the equipment to handle emergency situations. Point the nozzle at least three feet away from the wall and then move closer; don’t spray water on windows panels, the glasses may break with force and come hurling at you to hurt you. Also keep the direction of the nozzle in right direction to avoid spilling and unnecessary push of water under a siding. And more than that the nozzle should never be pointed at anyone when open because the high speed of water and detergents can create trouble for the one who faces it. Don’t jet water at electrical equipments, or naked electric wires. Always wear spectacles or glasses while you use pressure washing equipment. Always keep in mind the following to protect certain things in your home while you use pressure washing:Protect lighting fixture, plants, lamps and any breakable objects around you from pressure washing. Remove obstacles with hands that come on your way and temporarily remove outdoor furniture from edifice. Always clean from top to down and maintain 45 degree angle of water spray. Always dispose of the remaining water with detergents and chemicals properly. Connect the garden hose to the pressure washer. If the apparatus has a detergent dispenser, pour in cleaning solution, preferably a mixture of TSP and water. Proceed with the cleaning from the top down. Wield the wand at a 45 degree angle, and direct the water jet at overhangs, soffits, downspouts and gutters. Then “spray brush” sidings with a steady, side-to-side sweeping motion. The nozzle should be around two feet away from the wall surface, but you can fine-tune this distance by moving slightly backward or forward to obtain optimal cleaning action. As much as possible, aim the spout slightly downward to avoid blasting water up beneath horizontal lap joints of sidings. When cleaning areas around windows, hold the wand in such a way that the water streams at an angle away from windows so water doesn’t get through unsealed in-between spaces surrounding the frame. With a garden hose, rinse the cleaning solution off the sidings with clear water, again working from the top down. If you intend to apply a fresh coat of paint, give the sidings no less than two days to dry up completely.