After laying:

During grouting make sure all excess grout is removed from the surface with a damp clean cloth or sponge and fresh clean water.  Washing grout off the surface with dirty water and / or dirty cloth or sponge does not clean the surface.  Any grout residues will impair the finish after sealing and will result in a very expensive repair.  Inspect the floor after grouting and cleaning.

Please note:

Cement tiles cannot be cleaned with acidic chemicals as it will damage the tiles irreparably.  Grout must be scrubbed off gently, so as not to damage the tiles.

Choosing a sealer:

When sealing cement or concrete tiles there are generally two types of sealers you may use; they are Top Seal and Smart Seal.  The sealers give different finishes to the tile and protect the tile in a different manner.  It is imperative to check the features of the sealers before choosing.

Always test the sealer on a loose tile first to ensure that the pigment is color-fast before treating the floor.

Sealing with Top Seal

Directions

  1. Take care to read all instructions and tips before the application so that you can plan the application correctly.
  2. Mask off any adjacent areas that needs to be protected during the application.
  3. Ensure that the tile is clean and free from grout, cement, oil, wax and other stains. (Clean with the correct TFC product if necessary.
  4. Ensure that the tile is dry enough to accept the sealer. (wait approx. 8 hours after cleaning)
  5. Using a suitable applicator apply a liberal coat of Top Seal. Do not allow pooling.
  6. Wait approx. 2 hours for the coat to dry (longer in cool conditions)
  7. Apply a second coat or a third coat if necessary

Choice of finish:

Satin – Once you have applied the final coat of sealer, leave to cure to a satin finish.

Gloss – Once the final coat of sealer is cured apply 2 coats of Maxi Shine (not recommended for exterior use.)

Maintenance

  1. For daily cleaning – clean with TFC Quick Clean.
  2. Heavy duty dirt & grime – use TFC Easy Clean diluted with water (see label for dilution rates.)

Always rinse with fresh clean water after cleaning with Easy Clean.

Sealing with Smart Seal

Directions

  1. Take care to read all instructions and tips before the application so that you can plan the application correctly.
  2. Mask off any adjacent surfaces that need to be protected during the application.
  3. Shake very well before use.
  4. Ensure that the floor and grouting are uniformly dry before application. Wait approximately 2 to 4 hours before applying.
  5. Using a suitable applicator apply a liberal coat of Smart Seal to the surface. The surface should look wet for 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Allow to dry for 30 min then apply another (thin) coat. Apply more coats at 30 min intervals (if required)                    until the sealer no longer penetrates and begins to sit on top of the surfaces.
  7. Wipe off any excess sealer after 15 min if it does not penetrate.

Apply more coats at 2 hour intervals (if required), until a uniform even finish is achieved.

Maintenance

  1. For daily cleaning – clean with TFC Quick Clean.
  2. Heavy duty dirt & grime – use TFC Easy Clean diluted with water (see label for dilution rates.)

Always rinse with fresh clean water after cleaning with Easy Clean.

Category: diy