A visually attractive option, natural stone is popular with homeowners for its durability and sleek presence. Its authentic beauty just cannot be matched, but it does demand protection and care. With a variety of natural stone products, it can be a minefield to choose, which is why we’ve put together this handy guide. Read on for our roundup of FILA stone products, whether granite, limestone or marble.
Before applying any products to natural stone
Before you begin, we recommend double-checking the packaging of any wax, cleaners and sealers. The last thing you want is to damage your stone with an unsuitable product, and a patch test should always be done on a small, inconspicuous area. Limestone like marble is an acid-sensitive stone, and some products cannot be used on it due to adverse effects. If in doubt, contact FILA – our team are always happy to advise on our products.
Use a professional cleaner after installation
Once natural stone tiles are laid, the initial cleaning is pivotal to their ongoing care. Failing to perform a good ‘builders clean’ can have a detrimental effect, such as leaving stubborn grout residue on the tiles. A professional cleaner is needed to remove surface dirt and promise straightforward maintenance long term. Use FILA’s DETERDEK PRO for unpolished, acid-resistant stone and you’ll maintain a great finish for years to come. Although a fantastic builders-clean product, DETERDEK PRO should never be used on polished marble or on any other materials that are sensitive to acids. For these, we’d recommend FILA’s PS87 PRO for the basic cleaning of acid-sensitive, unpolished stones or CLEANER PRO for acid-sensitive stones with a polished finish.
Always use a stone protector
The main reason to seal natural stone is to ensure its protection against stains caused by spills. It also provides a window of opportunity if this should occur, allowing you time to clean the spill up. FILA’s MP90 ECO XTREME is a stone protector that facilitates cleaning and hampers the absorption of water. Alternatively, FILA’s FOB XTREME is another popular choice, and both of these sealers are ideal for indoors or out. Whether you have concrete, marble or granite, these protective sealers will safeguard your stone for longlasting wear. In particular, MP90 ECO XTREME is a solvent-free sealer, low in VOC emissions and eco-friendly.
Enhance your stone with a protective wax
Due to the porosity of natural stone, it is common practice to follow on with a protective wax once installed. A wax treatment will provide a waterproof surface as well as enhancing the finish but FILA’s wax products can only be used inside. MATT is FILA’s matt effect wax which helps to maintain the stone and prevent dust and dirt from going inside the surface. Alternatively, SATIN by FILA is a protective satin wax and recommended for the maintenance of natural stone with a brushed finish.
Best cleaner for maintenance
Once natural stone is installed, sealed and waxed, like any surface, it should be maintained on a regular basis. This ensures it continues looking its best, even in high-traffic spaces – there’s no reason natural stone can’t look the same as the day it was laid! CLEANER PRO is the best cleaner for natural stone and is particularly great for those that have a polished finish. Non-foaming and gentle with a pleasant fragrance, CLEANER PRO cleans but never attacks.
Specialist products for patio tiles
Landscaping projects are high on the list as we head towards summer, including the spring cleaning of patio tiles. When it comes to the on-going care of external natural stone, one problem we come across often is rust. Covering un-used furniture and barbeques is one way to tackle the problem, but it doesn’t guarantee rust stains will be stopped in their tracks. In the event rust staining occurs, FILA’s NORUST is a fasting acting rust remover for natural stone.
Thank you for reading our post; we hope you enjoyed and feel equipped to take care of your stone. If you have any questions about any of the products featured in this article, please feel free to contact our team – call on 020 8016 1856 or email us at [email protected]. Thanks again.
