New Installation
Sealing is strongly recommended for newly installed natural stone to provide
maximum below surface stain protection. Be careful to select a high quality
sealer to protect your natural stone.

Sealing
A premium natural look penetrating/impregnating sealer is the normal choice
on polished or honed marble, limestone, granite, or where the natural color
of a slate is desired. A stone enhancer sealer is often used on tumbled,
antique stones, or on slate where a darker, enriched or highlighted
character is desired. When choosing either one of these two types of
sealers, make sure the brand you have chosen is formulated to provide
maximum stain protection for stone products. Stone products should be
tested periodically to ensure that the sealer is working effectively.

Penetrating/impregnating stone sealers are a no-sheen, natural look sealer
that can be water-based or solvent-based, good for interior & exterior
applications. Most quality sealers of this type are rated to protect the stone a
minimum of 10 years.

Stone enhancer sealers are also a no-sheen, penetrating/impregnating
sealer that is formulated to darken, enrich, & highlighted the natural color &
beauty of tumbled, antique, or slate products. They  will rejuvenate &
improve the appearance of worn & weathered stone. However, they will also
darken the color of the grout joints. They are, generally, suitable for the
interior & exterior use, & rated to protect the stone a minimum of 3 years.

Routine Stone Care
Natural stone requires a different maintenance routine than traditional,
man-made ceramic tile. Many of the cleaners acceptable for the use on
ceramic tile can stain, damage, or dull stone. Natural stone should be
cleaned with neutral cleaners. Stone cleaners should never contain acid or
bleach. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar & water, will etch & eventually
damage natural stone.

(Stone care products only use cleaners specifically designed for stone.)
These cleaners contain no acids & are concentrated neutral pH cleaners
that will not affect existing sealers or wax-type coatings. A solution of the
cleaner & water mixed to manufacturers instructions should be applied to the
tile surface with a sponge or mop.  On walls, kitchen counters, or vanity tops,
a spray bottle can be used to apply the cleaning solution. Allow sitting for
manufacturers specified amount of time (usually 3-5 minutes). Agitate with a
sponge, synthetic mop, soft bristle brush, or through the use of a
floor-scrubbing machine. Mop up dirty solution & buff dry.

Once the stone has been cleaned, you can periodically apply a Spray-Buff
wax-type floor finish to enhance the beauty & luster of polished stone
(including counter tops). Apply the finish with spray applicator & buff
immediately with a white nylon pad. Reapply as often as needed, depending
on volume of surface traffic & consistency of routine maintenance program.
This product is not designed to restore the original shine, but is intended to
maintain & protect the original shine.

Heavy-duty Stone Cleaning
When stone areas have been neglected, you will need to use a heavy-duty
stone cleaner & de-greaser to effectively remove dirt, grease, grime, waxes,
& floor finishes. These cleaning products are concentrated & designed to
deep clean the stone without damaging it.

Apply the solution of the cleaner & water mix per manufacturer instructions
to the stone surface with a sponge or mop. Allow to stand for
manufacturer-specified amount of time. Agitate with a sponge, synthetic
mop, soft bristle brush, or through the use of a floor-scrubbing machine.
Mop up dirty solution & buff dry. Be sure to change out the cleaning solution
every 100 square feet to avoid reintroducing dirty water during the cleaning
process. Rinse thoroughly with clean water when finished. After cleaning you
may apply the Spray-buff wax-type floor finish to enhance the natural shine.

Stain Removal
Stone Poultice will remove stains & grout haze from stone. Poultice is a fine,
non-acidic, absorptive clay cleaning powder that removes deep-set oil
stains, grease & light cementitious grout haze from polished & unpolished
natural stone. CAUTION: Poultice may dull the shine of the polished stone. If
this occurs you will need to use a marble polish to restore the natural shine.

Restoration
If a marble polish has become dull,  scratched or etched, you can restore
the natural shine though the use of a marble polish. Some marble polishes
are available in kits. The process can be enhanced with the use of floor
buffing machines. The process is generally a re-crystallization process to
remove fine scratches & restore the original shine & polish to the stone. This
is not an application of a topical sealer or wax to cover-up damaged or worn
surfaces.
Care & Maintenance Guide
For pricing information
please call us at (509)
487-4081 Or email us with
any questions at:
wilcoxstone@ yahoo.com
Wilcox Stone Concepts Inc. Is Located At: 3030 E.
Mission, Spokane, WA 99202