CONCRETE & STONEWORK
For example , ECOPROTEC Pre Grout Protection is a barrier treatment designed for use on textured , matt porcelain tiles . It protects the surface of the tile from grout and jointing compound during installation , making it easier for the residue to release and be cleaned out of the textured finish . Its formulation is very different to that of our sealers , which have smaller ‘ actives ’ and , in the case of MPG Sealer , contain nano waxes . The carrier within Pre Grout Protection is mildly acidic . This allows for deeper penetration into the fissures of textured porcelain tiles , where it then dries and leaves the active ingredients behind . As they dry , they cross link within the low points of the glaze . This provides protection against penetration from cement and resin-based grouts , making the removal of any residues much easier . The treatment is completely invisible once cured , so it doesn ’ t alter the appearance of the porcelain . ECOPROTEC Pre Grout Protection is primarily used as a pre-grout solution , but it can also be applied to help assist with ongoing cleaning and aftercare , especially on external 20mm porcelain paving .
Polished porcelain sealers have a completely different formula . As well as having anti stain-based ingredients , they also include a blend of nano waxes that , following application and drying , are polished into the surface either mechanically or by hand . Polishing forces the nano wax into the open pores within the polished surface , giving it an enhanced , smoother finish . For these types of surfaces , we recommend MPG Sealer H2O from our LTP range .
The ‘ actives ’ in ECOPROTEC Pre Grout Protection are too large and will not penetrate a polished surface as efficiently , so they will not work well on this type of surface . Equally , a stone sealer , like our own ECOPROTEC Ultimate Sealer , cannot be used on a textured porcelain surface as it will just dry onto the surface without penetrating . This can often result in a micro film that remains following application and turns white / opaque when exposed to moisture .
Ongoing maintenance Just like indoors , outdoor tiles will benefit from a periodic clean . Keeping the surface relatively
clean will prevent a build-up of dirt in the textured surface . This , in turn , will make ongoing cleaning easier and will maintain the tile ’ s slip resistance . As a general rule of thumb , it ’ s worth cleaning porcelain paving every couple of months or so – ideally , three times during late spring / summer and twice during the winter . Surfaces that are regularly cleaned will be far easier to keep clean . Regular cleaning of inside-tooutside surfaces , like those that run through bifold doors , will also help maintain a seamless aesthetic .
Jet washing may seem like the best method for a fast clean but it will only wash dirt off the surface of the slabs . High pressure water will also damage grout joints . A specialist treatment , like ECOPROTEC General Cleaner , will react with the dirt and organic matter , and will help break it down .
For more advice and information about other ECOPROTEC cleaning and sealing solutions , please visit www . ecoprotec . co . uk or contact the ECOPROTEC technical team on 01823 666213 , email technical @ ecoprotec . co . uk and browse ECOPROTEC TV on YouTube .
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