STAINMASTER SM411224XTMTLW 12-Inch x 24-Inch Matte Porcelain Marble Look Floor and Wall Tile User Manual
- June 9, 2024
- STAINMASTER
Table of Contents
SM411224XTMTLW 12-Inch x 24-Inch Matte Porcelain Marble Look Floor and Wall
Tile
User Manual
SM411224XTMTLW 12-Inch x 24-Inch Matte Porcelain Marble Look Floor and
Wall Tile
Tile Care & Maintenance
CERAMIC TILE
Routine Care
Tile, whether glazed ceramic or porcelain, should be maintained on a regular
and frequent basis to prevent build-up of soil, grease, residue, soap
detergents, sealers, dampness, liquids, etc., to keep the surface clean and
lessen slippery conditions.
Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles require minimal maintenance. Either can be
cleaned with clear water and/or a pH neutral liquid cleaner (soapless). Follow
with a clear water rinse and wipe dry to prevent film formation. As with most
porcelains, spilled liquids may stain lightcolored products if not promptly
removed. Neither sealing nor acid cleaning is recommended for any STAINMASTER®
glazed ceramic or porcelain tile.
Removal of Sealers/Waxes/Floor Finishes
If you need to remove a topical sealer or floor wax from a ceramic tile you
should use a Tile Sealer & Adhesive Remover. Always test a small area first.
Apply a liberal amount of undiluted sealer & adhesive remover to a manageable
area.
Allow setting without drying until coating or residue softens. Reapply if
necessary, until sealer softens and can be removed. If necessary, agitate with
a white nylon scrub pad. Wipe up the residue with a cotton towel or sponge.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
NOTE: Do not use on Natural Stone products.
CERAMIC TILE GROUT CARE
Penetrating/Impregnating Sealer
Most tile installations use cementitious grouts. This type of grout should be
sealed after installation to prevent the color from staining. The grout should
be sealed with a penetrating/impregnating sealer (often called grout sealers)
which does not contain silicone, as silicone can shorten the useful life of
the sealer. If you are using Mapei® Ultracolor Plus grout, this does not need
to be sealed. If you are using another grout, please be sure to read the
product labeling to validate if the product is pre-sealed.
Epoxy grouts, conversely, are chemically cured and acid resistant and, as a
result, do not require a sealer.
The application of a good quality penetrating/impregnating sealer into the
grout joints of a cementitious grout will not change the natural color of the
grout, but will prevent the penetration of moisture, simplify maintenance, and
help prevent staining or discoloration.
Only the grout needs to be sealed, not glazed floor or wall tiles. Grout can
be sealed 72 hours after installation. There are different grades of
penetrating/impregnating sealers, therefore the useful life and price will
differ between a low quality and high quality sealer.
You may need to reapply the sealer on an annual basis depending on the sealer
quality, traffic patterns, and maintenance routine.
Some sealers have multiple-year warranties for useful life. Refer to the
manufacturer’s warranty, technical & product information for specific details
on product installation, useful life, and product applications (including any
warnings) before use.
Grout Maintenance
Neither sealing the grout nor using a 100% Epoxy Grout will guarantee against
surface buildup or discoloration of the grout. Grout needs to be cleaned on a
periodic basis to remove any surface buildup. Routine grout cleaning can be
done with a daily concentrated household or commercial cleaner depending on
the application.
When heavy duty grout cleaning is required, you will need to use a
professional strength Tile & Grout Cleaner that is capable of removing grease,
soap scum, body oil, mildew stains, algae, and synthetic or acrylic waxes from
the grout joints. However, such a product should contain non-polluting
chemicals and low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels.
Grout Color Restoration
When grout has been stained to the point that it cannot be maintained or
returned to its natural color, you can return the grout back to its original
color or any other color through the use of a “grout stain”. Grout Stains are
epoxy-based products that are specifically designed to penetrate into the
grout and seal the surface with a permanent color. Once the grout has been
stained there is no need to seal it any further with a
penetrating/impregnating sealer. Prior to staining, the grout joint should be
cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, oils, grease or sealers with a
professional strength Tile & Grout Cleaner.
Post-Grout Clean Up
Grout haze is a film that has been left behind on the surface of the tile as
part of the final grouting process. Usually this is buffed off the surface
after the grout has achieved its initial 12 to 24-hour cure. The removal of
the haze is often difficult when buffing with a clean rag or floor machine.
Cementitious grout haze can be successfully removed with Sulfamic Acid, which
is a mild acid that attacks and breaks down cement smears. There are several
products on the market called grout haze removers, which usually contain
Sulfamic Acid.
Sulfamic Acid can also be purchased in powder form and mixed with water to
different strengths by qualified professionals. Similarly, 100% Solids Epoxy
Grout haze can be removed with an Epoxy Haze Remover. These removers are
formulated to safely and quickly remove cured epoxy haze from new tile
installations. Their unique formulation will soften most epoxy hazes for easy
removal without damaging the grout or tile, usually in one application.
Sulfamic Acid or grout removers should never be used on Natural Stone
products.
Sealing
Seal with a breathable, non-film forming masonry sealer, to prevent staining
from rusty downspouts, splattered mud, etc. Sealing is strongly recommended
for dry-stacked applications and/or for harsh environments.