Whether indoors or outside, terracotta and stone can add a touch of elegance to any space. To preserve their natural beauty, however, and protect them from wear, it’s essential to invest in a protective treatment to prevent the absorption of stains.
In this blog post, we explore FILA’s WET ECO, a remarkable product designed specifically for enhancing and safeguarding unpolished natural stone and terracotta surfaces. So, if you’re looking to enhance the finish of a surface and maintain its timeless appeal, keep reading to discover more about our colour-enhancing sealer for a wet look.
Ultimate wet-look protection for terracotta and unpolished natural stone
Imagine the sun emerging after a storm, casting a glow onto natural stone and unveiling a kaleidoscope of colours. If you’re looking for that glossy wet look, this sealer won’t disappoint, plus it’s very simple to achieve.
A colour-enhancing protector, WET ECO is the ultimate solution for revitalising the appearance of unpolished natural stone, terrazzo and terracotta. Not only does this product offer exceptional protection, but it also enhances the shine, transforming a surface’s appearance into a single application.
NB Before we continue, we would like to point out that WET ECO is specifically designed to enhance unpolished stone surfaces only, like the one reported in the picture below.
The main advantages of WET ECO
Here are some benefits of FILA’s best protector for a wet-look finish:
- A water-based sealer and VOC-free, WET ECO is an eco-friendly treatment
- It protects the surface whilst simultaneously enhancing colour and shine
- WET ECO dries fast and is easy to apply
- There’s no need to remove any residues
- WET ECO is resistant to foot traffic
- Treated surfaces are easier to keep clean
- It’s resistant to weathering and will not flake or yellow, even outside
- An easily reversible treatment, if you change your mind, you can remove WET ECO using NOPAINT STAR
Where can WET ECO be used?
WET ECO can be used in various settings to protect and enhance, but it is particularly suitable for outdoor use. You can use it for a range of materials including those mentioned above, plus slate patios and outdoor barbecue areas.
By using this colour-enhancing protector, you can confidently extend its benefits to areas where protection against stains, dirt, and foot is of utmost importance. Additionally, WET ECO not only helps surfaces maintain their aesthetic appearance but it also simplifies the cleaning and maintenance process, which is particularly crucial for exterior materials.
How to use WET ECO
Before application, ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free from any debris or previous coatings.
Step 1 – Preparation
- Gather the necessary materials, including FILA’s WET ECO, a clean microfiber cloth or fleece applicator, and protective gloves
- Shake the WET ECO container gently to ensure proper mixing of the product
Step 2 – Application
- Put on protective gloves to safeguard your hands during the application process
- Pour WET ECO into a bucket and dip a microfiber cloth or fleece applicator into the product
- Start by applying the product evenly onto the surface, working in small sections at a time
- Use smooth, overlapping motions to ensure consistent coverage
- Pay attention to gaps and grout lines, ensuring they are adequately coated
Step 3 – Drying and finishing touches
- Allow the treated surface to dry for 2-3 hours. During this time, WET ECO will fill up the microscopic pores in the surface to allow the protective properties to penetrate the material effectively
- During this time, keep the surface protected from foot traffic, water, and other potential sources of contact or moisture
- Once the surface has fully dried and cured, inspect the results
- You can then apply an additional coat, following the same steps as above 2-3 hours after the initial application
- Once complete, wait 12 hours before walking on the surface
Remember to always refer to the specific instructions provided by FILA for precise application details and recommended drying/curing times. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can ensure that FILA’s WET ECO is applied effectively, providing the desired protection and enhancement to your natural stone and terracotta surfaces.
Preventive measures
Upon applying this sealer, we always recommend maintaining the surface with a neutral detergent like CLEANER PRO.
For surfaces with low absorbencies, such as slate, Botticino, or Carrara marble, it is advised to dilute WET ECO with water and never use it for polished surfaces either. It’s also crucial to check the weather forecast for when you expect to leave the product to cure. Applying the product before rain can compromise its effectiveness and may require reapplication.
Analysis and testing methods
In order to evaluate the performance and efficiency of WET ECO, several tests have been conducted over the years. One of these tests is the UNI EN ISO 10545-12, which assesses the product’s ability to maintain the frost resistance of terracotta.
Other tests conducted focus on the effectiveness of the product’s protection. To evaluate its performance, various staining tests were carried out using the STANDARD EN16301- Stains Resistance Test method for Natural Stone. These tests involved applying different types of regulated staining agents to the surfaces, allowing them to work for 4, 8, or 24 hours before removal.
After the tests, the surfaces were examined to determine if any stains were present. The remaining stains were then evaluated based on their intensity and assigned numerical values. The results demonstrated that WET ECO provides excellent surface protection, as the material exhibited no signs of alteration or damage even after the staining agents were applied.
Accreditations for WET ECO
Impressively, WET ECO carries both GEV certification and the EC1Plus mark, demonstrating its adherence to stringent environmental standards and its support in earning LEED credits.
Additionally, it has obtained the Indoor Air Comfort Gold certification due to being a VOC-free product, which underlines the product’s commitment to maintaining excellent indoor air quality and providing a healthier environment.
Did you know, these other products are also Indoor Air Comfort Gold certified too?
Prevent stains and enable stone and terracotta to shine!
Wave goodbye to discolouration and stains with WET ECO, FILA’s colour-enhancing sealer, for a wet look. A protective treatment, fading won’t be a problem if it’s applied the right way. Why not embrace an age where surfaces stay looking newer for longer?
If you intend to incorporate terracotta or stone into an upcoming project, we hope this article has given you the confidence to try WET ECO for yourself. If you require additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We would be delighted to discuss your project and surface requirements. For further information, you can also download WET ECO‘s technical data sheet here. Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
