GETTING TEXTURED PORCELAIN RIGHT
CONCRETE & STONEWORK
Last year saw a significant shift in textured external porcelain, with engineered slabs dominating market growth. Once a niche product, these tiles have become a top choice for external patio installations, especially in more contemporary settings – and deservedly so. They’ re exceptionally durable and resistant to stains, frost and fading. Being dense and low-porosity, they absorb very little moisture, so they stand up brilliantly to heavy foot traffic and our increasingly extreme weather. They also open the door, literally, for seamless home to garden installations, as the same tile can often be used indoors and outdoors- a popular choice for single-level applications through bi-fold doors.
Do all porcelain tiles need to be sealed? As a general rule, no. Only polished porcelain tiles need to be sealed. This is because the polishing process opens up tiny fissures in the tile which can create a porous surface that’ s vulnerable to stains. Polished porcelain tiles aren’ t recommended outdoors because they don’ t provide sufficient grip underfoot. Matt porcelain tiles with a textured finish are the safe and practical option for patio areas, and for seamless installations. However, whilst these tiles don’ t need to be sealed, there
are lots of benefits to be gained from the application of a pre-grout‘ barrier’ treatment.
The benefits of a barrier treatment Tiles that have a textured surface can easily become stained by grout and installation residues, which become trapped in the high and low surface points. This is particularly common in external applications, where brush-in jointing compounds are frequently used. Once these residues build up, the texture of the tile can become congested, and the tile’ s slip resistance may be reduced. Ongoing cleaning and maintenance can also become more difficult. To prevent these issues, we recommend the application of ECOPROTEC Pre Grout Protection.
A water-based treatment that’ s applied before grouting, ECOPROTEC Pre Grout Protection creates a barrier that protects tiles from staining and makes the removal of residues easier. It also makes installation easier, as it extends grout working times by preventing rapid moisture absorption and keeping the grout fluid for longer. A final coat after installation also makes ongoing maintenance easier.
ECOPROTEC Pre Grout Protection is applied to clean surfaces using a broad paint brush, foam roller or light pressure sprayer. It cures in approximately 30 minutes, after which a second coat is applied and left for a minimum of one hour before grouting or pointing. Once grout or pointing is dry, and all residues have been removed, a further coat can be applied to cover both the tile surface and joints.
Additional protection can be provided outdoors with the application of ECOPROTEC Porcelain Paving Enhancer. A water-based, PFAS-free solution, ECOPROTEC Porcelain Paving Enhancer creates a‘ just washed look’ without compromising slip-resistance. As well as enhancing appearance, the finish also provides further resistance to foot traffic, wear and stains.
For more advice, browse ECOPROTEC TV on YouTube, visit www. ecoprotec. co. uk and contact ECOPROTEC on 01823 662722 and technical @ ecoprotec. co. uk
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