Natural Stones Guide

Introduction

This guide presents guidelines for sealing and maintenance of natural stones coverings, processed with quality and high technology by Decolores. It is noteworthy that natural stones have immense aesthetic, compositional and structural variety, directly reflecting on properties such as porosity, permeability and absorption. Always consult a qualified professional for the application, be it an Engineer, Architect or Building Technician. For best installation results, please read the following instructions carefully before starting. Be sure to consult the technical data sheets of the products used.

1. SEALING

1.1 After Slab Cut

The application of a sealer or water repellent reduces the absorption of water and other staining agents, without altering the aesthetic characteristics of the stone. It must be carried out on the surface and edges of the parts.

1.2 Suggested Products

PRODUCT	SUPPLIER	COVERAGE
Idea Gold	Bellinzoni	900ml covers 10 m² (two layers)
Stain Repellent Nano Effect	Akemi	1 L covers 10 m² (two layers)
Stain Proof	Dry Treat	1 L covers 10 m² (two layers)

Instructions

The surface and edges of the parts must be completely
clean and dry
After cutting, keep the pieces vertically, separated with the aid of a wedge and wait for drying to start applying the sealer. They should be free of dark edges and look the same as before cutting.
It is recommended to use a portable moisture meter, especially on exposed edges, to check moisture content of the material. The ideal humidity is approximately 10%.

Surface: moisten a clean, dry cloth with the product. Apply the first layer of sealer. Wait
10 minutes and remove excess. Apply the second layer after 2 hours of curing.
Edge: Apply two layers of sealer following the above information. A third coat is
recommended after 24 hours

After finishing the application, pieces must dry for at least 8 hours in a dry and ventilated place before handling.

Any Kind Of Wear That Occurs On The Surface Of The Piece Will Leave The Stone Exposed, Without Protection.

If Any Cutting, Beveling, Undercut Or Hole Is Made In The Piece, The Exposed Surface Must Be Immediately Protected With Three Layers Of Sealer Following The Instructions Above.

2. Pieces Bonding

Preferably use epoxy acrylate-based glues. For sealant,
when opting for silicone, use only those with NEUTRAL
cure. Acetic curing silicone may stain clear stones.

3. Post Construction Cleaning

We recommend cleaning with a small dilution of a neutral pH detergent.
Once finished the post construction cleaning, wait for the covering to be completely dry and apply a layer of impregnating sealer, according to the information already mentioned in item 2.

4. DAILY CLEANING

It must be regular and with a small dilution of detergent with neutral pH.
Any potentially staining substance (wine, lemon, oils, greases and the like), spilled on the natural stone surface must be removed immediately.
One should avoid:
- Abrasive and/or chemically aggressive cleaning products uch as caustic soda, kerosene and bleach.
- Contact with oils, greases, paints, oxidizable ferruginous materials, such as iron table legs and steel wool.
- Contact with dust or wet wood fragments.

5. MAINTENANCE

To ensure better protection performance of the impregnating sealer, preventive maintenance must be carried out.

Reapply sealer at least once a year according to the information already mentioned (item 2).
Before application, the surface must be completely clean and dry, without exposure to water for at least 48 hours.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

ABNT NBR 13753: 1996 – Internal or external or floor covering with ceramic plates and using adhesive mortar Procedure.

ABNT NBR 13754: 1996 – Internal walls cladding with cerarnic plates and using adhesive mortar – Procedure.

ABNT NBR 7200: 1998– Execution of coating on walls and ceilings with inorganic mortar – Procedure.

ABNT NBR 14081-5:2012 -Industrialized adhesive mortar for laying ceramic tiles. Part 5: Determination of landslide

ABNT NBR 15012: 2013 – Rocks for building coverings – Terminology.

ABNT NBR 15844: 2015 – Covering rocks – Requirements for granites

ABNT NBR 13755: 2017 -Cerarnic cladding of facades and external walls using adhesive mortar – Design, execution, inspection and acceptance – Procedure.

ABNT NBR 13528-1:2019 – Coating of inorganic mortar walls – Determination of tensile bond strength. Part 1 : General requirements.

North Hollywood, CA

San Antonio, TX