STONETECH® surface care products are reliable, high performing and thoroughly tested, giving today’s savvy stone and tile professionals a competitive edge. Depending on the surface, natural stone, tile, grout, and masonry can vary in porosity. PROTECT with a select range of STONETECH natural-look sealers in water-based or solvent-based solutions made for a range of porosity and surface types. CLEAN with specialized daily and heavy duty cleaning solutions designed for various tile and stone challenges. TRANSFORM with all-in-one enhancing sealers that protect and darken, or add shine and restoration products that restore scratched or stained surfaces to a desired finish.
Prevention is better – Don’t Wait - Seal and Protect Your Stone
The best way to prevent stains on stone is to treat it with a STONETECH® protective sealer. Natural stone can be very porous. Sealers repel spills on the surface, giving you time to wipe them away before they have a chance to penetrate your stone.
Some sealers can enhance (darken) your stone while others retain the stone’s natural hue. Also, different stone types require different grades of sealer depending on what you will be using your stone for and what you want your stone to look like. The chart at the end of this booklet will aid you in your sealer selection.
Tile grout is generally cement-based, very porous, and needs sealing as soon as possible. Penetrating grout sealers like STONETECH® Advanced Grout Sealer work best to protect grout joints against water and oilbased stains.
Select the very best cleaner for the job
Once your stone or tile is sealed with a STONETECH sealer, cleaning up is easy.
Just as you wouldn’t wash your expensive car with a harsh ordinary household cleaner, the same applies with your beautiful natural stone or tile. Natural stone demands the same kind of attention - it needs cleaning products that are specifically made for its unique mineral composition. For everyday cleaning, STONETECH® REVITALIZER® Cleaner & Protector cleans with a gentle formula that removes soiling while reinforcing the original protective seal to help prevent future staining.
General spray and wipe style household cleaning products not specifically formulated for natural stone or tile are not recommended. These can break down the sealer, thereby removing its protective properties and making the stone or tile grout susceptible to stains.
Worse yet, many cleaning products, including those that contain abrasives, lemon, vinegar, bleach or ammonia can etch away the polish, degrade the sealer, discolour the surface, or even scratch your stone. Avoid using these products. STONETECH products are scientifically formulated for use on natural stone and premium tile – your investment deserves the best and that is STONETECH.
Etch Marks or Water Stains – Know the difference
While everyday mess, is not the end of the world, many common household items have the power to degrade the beauty of your stone or tile.
Etching is a result of a chemical reaction that occurs when acid comes in contact with a susceptible surface. Etch marks on stone surfaces resemble water spots or a worn polish.
Seemingly innocent everyday spills from orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks are highly acidic and will etch, dull or discolour most marble, limestone, travertine, and grout. Ceramic and porcelain tile, and acid-resistant stones such as most granite, slate and sandstone will typically not etch.
Sealing will give you time to wipe up a spill, but sealers cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave an etch mark or dull spot. Remember to always use coasters and place mats on the acid-sensitive stones.
DOs and DON’Ts
DO use STONETECH® sealers to protect your stone and tile.
DO clean up spills immediately to minimize damage to your stone and tile.
DO use trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware.
DO use place mats under china, ceramics, silver and other objects that can scratch your stone’s surface.
DO place a small rug or a mat at entry ways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.
DO dust or carefully vacuum countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.
DO use coaster under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
DO clean surfaces regularly with STONETECH® REVITALIZER® or STONETECH® Stone &Tile Cleaner.
DO call Rock Solid Countertops for maintenance assistance.
DON’T wait to clean up spills on stone. Clean them up as quickly as possible.
DON’T use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.
DON’T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
DON’T use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for stone.