HOW TO GUIDE: SEALING CEMENT SURFACES

INSTALLATION

Tile adhesive is always recommended for tile installations. Adhesive should be applied at a minimum 5mm to the floor using a notched trowel. A thin layer of tile adhesive should be applied to the back of the tile prior to placing. The tile should be twisted into the wet tile adhesive to remove trapped air prior to tapping with a rubber mallet. Only the use of a white rubber mallet is recommended.  Black rubber may cause permanent marking on porous tiles.

GROUTING

It is advisable and recommended that only clean yellow plaster sand and cement in a 50/50 ratio be used for grouting of cement tiles. Bonding liquids should only be added to the grout mixture if immediate and proper clean-up is possible. Be careful when using pre-packaged grout as these products have plasticisers, latex resins and pigments, which could cause staining if not immediately cleaned up after grouting.

Only small areas at a time should be grouted as cleaning up of the excess grout on the tile surface should be done before the grout has dried.  Dried grout on the tile surface may lead to picture framing and severe staining.

Using acid-based cleaners to remove dried grout on cement tiles will result in tile damage.

CLEANING AFTER GROUTING OR INSTALLATION

In the case of cement tiles and screeds only alkaline and neutral cleaners like STONESHIELD DEEP-CLEAN^™ should be used. Acid based cleaners like STONESHIELD GROUT-LIFT^™ and STONESHIELD BRICK & MASONRY CLEANER should never be used unless an etched or weathered look is required.

WHY CEMENT SCREEDS AND TILES NEED SEALING?

Cement tiles, screeds, self-levelling screeds, oxided concrete surfaces and floors require sealing to protect against staining and wear and tear. Cement surfaces dust and wear without surface protection:

1. Sealing reduces the porosity of the tile or surface, reducing the chance of permanent staining.
2. Sealing protects against chemical attack from acids. (eg. wine, coffee, vinegar, sugar, soft drinks.)
3. Sealing strengthens the surface, providing increased abrasion resistance and surface protection
4. Sealing often improves the aesthetic finish of cement based products, etc.

SEALER RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended sealer for cement tiles,       :        CEMENT-SEALER^™     (solvent-based resin sealer)

oxided cement floors, cobbles & paving             H20 SEAL & SHINE^™   (natural look resin system)

PREMIUM-PLUS™       (solvent-based resin sealer)

Recommended sealer for cement based      :        WALL-CLADDING-SEALER™  (water-based repellent)

wall cladding & stones

SEALER SELECTION

The intended purpose of a sealer is to protect the tile or surface. Different types of protection are required based on the type of floor or tile.

1. Certain surfaces only require protection against staining. In this case a penetrating sealer or repellent would be the correct choice.

Wall Cladding – STONESHIELD WALL-CLADDING-SEALER™

1. Certain surfaces require protection against surface wear and tear as well as staining. In this case a resin type sealer is required. The final surface finish and colour-enhancing or natural look is purely of personal choice.

Cement Tiles,         – STONESHIELD CEMENT- SEALER™

Cement screeds,     – STONESHIELD H2O SEAL & SHINE™

Concrete floors      – STONESHIELD PREMIUM-PLUS™

STONESHIELD CEMENT- SEALER

Description: A premium quality, non-yellowing solvent-based resin sealer that provides a satin finish, superior stain resistance and surface protection. A penetrating sealer that colour enhances and provides a “wet look” finish. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on natural and oxided cement floors, imprint paving, cement tiles, pavers and cobbles. Also suitable for low traffic and domestic concrete floors.

STONESHIELD H₂0 SEAL & SHINE^™

Description : A superior quality natural look, non-yellowing water-based resin sealer that provides a protective surface shine, good stain resistance and ease of cleaning. Seals and shines in one easy step. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on cement tiles, oxided cement floors and imprint paving

STONESHIELD PREMIUM-PLUS™

Description: A premium quality, non-yellowing solvent-based resin sealer that provides a high gloss, premium stain resistance and surface protection. A penetrating sealer that colour enhances and provides a “wet look” finish. For interior use only.

Uses: Suitable on natural and oxided cement screeds & floors, imprint paving, cement tiles, pavers and cobbles. Also suitable for high traffic industrial & commercial concrete floors, including garage floors, warehouses etc.

STONESHIELD WALL-CLADDING-SEALER™

Description: A superior quality natural look, no sheen, no surface film, solvent based penetrating water repellent, designed to provide protection against rain, moisture, general airborne dirt, pollution, mould and mildew. Allows water vapour transmission. Suitable for interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on cement bricks and blocks, fibre cement, concrete and masonry surfaces and artificial stone.

MAINTENANCE:

Only use STONESHIELD DAILY- CLEAN^™ to prolong the life of the sealer.

Re-apply the original STONESHIELD sealer if the surface becomes difficult to clean or staining occurs.

STONESHIELD PROTECT AND SHINE^™ (gloss) and STONESHIELD SURFACE PROTECTOR^™ MATT can be used internally as a protective maintenance polish.

LIMITATIONS:

Do not apply to damp tiles or surfaces.

Allow sufficient time for the grout, tile adhesive, screeds or floor to dry out completely before sealing. Consult the STONESHIELD sealer label for the correct drying times for the sealer selected.

Do not wet tiles or surfaces for at least 24 hours after sealing.

Allow at least 4 – 8 hours drying time before foot traffic depending on the sealer selected.

Do not apply sealer externally if rain is expected within 12 hours.

Store and use between 16°c and 32°c only.