Stain-Proofing With The Faber Gres Protector
Stain-Proofing With The Faber Gres Protector
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are versatile, being installed on walls, kitchen and bathroom floors to backsplashes. They come in numerous colours and designs to meet user style preferences and they set the décor of the room. They are actually similar in many ways, both being clay-based and kiln-fired. Porcelain is essentially a ‘special’ kind of ceramic, since the clays that are used to make it are fired at higher temperatures, and for a longer duration, than ceramic, and they also have a higher density.
The density of porcelain makes it more hardwearing than ceramic, and it is also more impervious to water. Ceramic tiles tend to be more porous. On the other hand, ceramic tiles are easier to cut and provide more flexibility in creating artful and intricate designs. Glazed ceramic tiles offer more customization. The different processes that go into the development of ceramics make them a more affordable option, and they also generally have a textured surface. The hard and dense porcelain tile are suitable for high traffic areas including hallways, while the water resistance makes them ideal for areas like bathroom surfaces, while the softer ceramic tiles which are more comfortable to walk on make them ideal in lounging areas and for buildings in warmer climates. However, the higher porosity and water absorption limits the applications of ceramics for outdoor surfaces.
When it comes to protecting them from stains, the selection should be key, taking their surface characteristics into account. Here, you want a formulation that will deliver the desired protection for these particular installations without compromising their structural integrity. The Faber Gres Protector under review has been developed for ceramics and porcelain stoneware. Here is a look at what it brings on board:
The core mandate of the Faber Gres Protector is protecting the treated installation from staining, and it delivers on the task. The impregnating agent penetrates into the treated surface, preventing liquids from being absorbed by the structure, as well as the stains that they would have formed. It has both water- and oil-repellent properties. This gives the treated surface protection from common beverage stains, pesky wine stains, all through to the stubborn soil stains from greasy residue that accidentally wind up on the surface.
The water resistance of this formulation enables it to be used during grouting. Here is applied before the grouting and washing operations commence. These operations typically involve loads of water, which can easily result in damage to the material. The Faber Gres Protector prevents that from happening by cutting down the amount of water that gets into the structures being worked on, and also has the welcome benefit of preventing grout stains. If you’re using the formulation for this task, first apply it then wait for at least 1 day before proceeding with the grouting.
While providing the stain-proofing properties, you don’t have to worry about the aesthetics of your premises changing. The formulation does not alter the tone or colour of the surface, especially for the light-coloured installations. For the dark-coloured surfaces, it actually enhances the colour and tone of the structure slightly. In addition, the Faber Gres Protector does not yellow over time. This ensures that you get to enjoy the look and feel of the treated surface for long, while still ensuring that it is protected from the staining elements that would have formed unsightly messes.
Dirt-resistant properties
The Faber Gres Protector goes further to drastically cut down the dirt retention capacity of the installations treated with it. Here, it limits the ability of everyday dirt and grime being embedded into the structure. They simply remain on the surface, to be easily cleaned off. This, coupled with the stain-proofing properties of the formulation, contribute to making routine maintenance a breeze.
Routine cleaning of surfaces onto which the Gres Protector has been applied can be carried out using formulations such as the Faber Neutral Cleaner or Floor Cleaner. They will enable you to meet the surface care needs of the premises without compromising on the effectiveness of the product.
The Faber Gres Protector is suitable for ceramic installations, as well as polished, lapped, structured and natural porcelain stoneware. To confirm the compatibility of the product with your particular type of surface, it is recommended that you carry out a spot test on a hidden section of the surface.
The” Food Safe” certification of the Faber Gres Protector makes it suitable for application on kitchen countertops and other tiled surfaces where meals are prepared. These are busy areas with high risks of spills, making the stain-proofing formulation a necessity. You get to provide the required protection to the surfaces without putting the integrity of the food being prepared at risk. Since the Faber Gres Protector is resistant to UV radiation, and can also withstand the weather elements, you can use the formulation to treat outdoor ceramic and porcelain surfaces as well.
Working With The Faber Gres Protector
Before you begin the treatment process, first clean the surface, and allow it to dry. The dirt and grime that’s on the area being worked on is a threat to the quality of the results, as well as the functionality of the stain-proofing agent.
Once the surface is clean, spread a thick coat of the Faber Gres Protector onto the target area. Each litre of product can be used on 10-15m² of surface, and the specific rate for your installation will depend on how absorbent the surface is. 10 minutes after the application, check for any sections with residue or excess product, and redistribute this as needed. Carefully do this redistribution until the surface dries. The Gres Protector is a fast drying agent, and this will take 1 hour. In case a second coat of product is needed, such as when you’re dealing with very absorbent surfaces, then it can be added after the hour passes. However, for floors that have been treated with this product, foot traffic should only be permitted back onto the area after 4-6 hours.
Stain-Proofing With The Faber Gres Protector