Surface Treatment Technologies:
Guide for Cleaning, Protecting and Maintaining Natural Stone Polished or Honed Flooring*
Please carefully follow the instructions on the product label. Note that marble and all limestone surfaces are susceptible to acids. Avoid contact with vinegar, lemon juice, wine, acid cleaners, and other acids. Do not use abrasive cleaners on marble and limestone. Scouring pads and powders will produce scratches and dull spots.
Avoid leaching and strong degreasing products as well as products that build up layers. These products alter the appearance and make maintenance more difficult.
Download this guide (pdf) here.
Protective Treatments
Impregnators such as Surface Treatment Technologies SB-SEALER protect against staining by making the stone surface repel water and oil. By keeping water and oils out of the stone surface, these sealers prevent most staining or simplify stain removal After treatment, natural stone surfaces including granite, marble, slate and other stones are easier to maintain and will retain their beautiful appearance for many years. The SB-SEALER provides optimal protection without altering the surface finish. SB-SEALER is completely safe - all solids become inert once the product has dried.
We recommend redoing the protective treatment every 2 to 5 years depending on use and maintenance.
Tips & tricks
- Before treating any surface with an impregnating sealer, the stone must be thoroughly cleaned (see Cleaning/refurbishing section for details).
- Always test the product in an inconspicuous area. Wet surfaces should not be treated. Use impregnators only on completely dry surfaces. Otherwise, the product will not be able to penetrate into the surface properly.
- Do not allow excess amounts of the product to dry or pudddle on the surface. Carefully remove all excess by wiping with a clean cloth.
- If product starts to dry before you can remove excess, rewet with Surface Treatment Technologies SB-SEALER.
- Some stones may turn darker upon application, they will dry to the correct color.
- NOTE: Impregnators do not protect against acid.
- We recommend redoing the protective treatment every 2 to 5 years depending on use and maintenance practices.
Cleaning/refurbishing
Before treating any surface with an impregnating sealer, the stone must be thoroughly cleaned. All deposits and previous care product residue must be removed from the surface and cavities. Floors typically require careful cleaning to remove all dirt and residues. Depending on the degree of dirt, use Surface Treatment Technologies HDCLN (Heavy Duty Spray Cleaner) at full strength. Apply with a scrubber or micro fiber cloth and allow to sit on the surface for 5 to 10 minutes. Brush walls with a scrub brush or power scrubber and wait 5 minutes after application.
After initial application, continue to scrub while adding water. Remove cleaner and water mixture from the surface with a micro fiber cloth or a wet-and-dry vacuum.
Rinse with clear water to remove all product residue. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before applying the protective treatment.
Stubborn types of residue/dirt:
Pretreat the following residue types by first using HDCLN (Heavy Duty Spray Cleaner) as a spot cleaning agent:
- Oil, grease, care product residues
- Tar wax, varnish, paint
- Deeply entrenched oil stains
- Calcium deposits
Before Grouting
Before grouting your grantie, marble, limestone, slate or other stone tile surface, apply Surface Treatment Technologies Econoseal (ESB) to the dry surface. This treatment simplifies removing grout haze because the surface will be water and oil resistant.
Adding sheen
Surface Treatment Technologies CE-Color Enhancer provides a shiny "wet look" on granite, marble and other stone surfaces. It also protects and maintains sheen on polished and honed stone surfaces.
Using CE-Color Enhancer helps matte and dull spots become less visible over time.
*Please note that this information is informal and non-binding. Products must be used according to local conditions and materials. Instructions must be read carefully and followed closely. Where no previous experience is available, or in cases of doubt, test the product in an inconspicuous area.
