Installation & After-Care - FAQ

Installation & After-Care

13 frequently asked questions

I just had new stone installed - what should I do first?

Wait for grout/mortar to cure (5-7 days for most, 7-14 days for cotto). Then: 1) Remove cement haze with appropriate cleaner (MN Builders' Clean for stone, KF Cement Residue Remover for tiles). 2) Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely (24-48 hours). 3) Apply appropriate impregnator (MN Stain-Stop for stone, KF Protective Impregnator for tiles, TC Impregnator for cotto). 4) Remove excess within 10-15 minutes. 5) Allow 24 hours to cure before use.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Builders' Clean, Lithofin KF Cement Residue Remover, Lithofin MN Stain-Stop, Lithofin KF Protective Impregnator

How long should I wait before sealing new concrete?

New concrete must cure for a minimum of 28 days before sealing. During this curing period, the concrete is still chemically reacting and releasing moisture. Sealing too early traps moisture inside, which can cause: efflorescence (white salt deposits), delamination of the sealer, and reduced concrete strength. After 28 days, clean with MN Power-Clean, allow to dry completely, then seal with MN Stain-Stop or MN Concrete Coating.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Stain-Stop, Lithofin MN Concrete Coating

What weather conditions do I need for outdoor stone treatment?

Apply sealers and impregnators when: Temperature is 5-25°C. The surface is completely dry (no rain for previous 48 hours). No rain expected for next 24 hours. Not in direct sunlight (product evaporates too quickly). Not in frost. Best months in Northern Europe: May-September. Best time of day: morning or late afternoon (avoid midday sun). For cleaning (ALGEX, Outdoor Cleaner): similar conditions but slightly less critical - just ensure the surface is dry and no rain for 24 hours after application.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Outdoor Cleaner, Lithofin TC Sealant, Lithofin TC Impregnator, Lithofin MN Basic Protection

Should I seal stone before or after grouting?

After grouting is standard practice - seal once the grout has cured. However, pre-sealing before grouting can be beneficial for very porous stone (sandstone, some limestone) to prevent grout from staining the stone surface. If pre-sealing: apply one light coat of MN Stain-Stop, allow to cure 24h, then grout. After grouting and curing, clean cement haze, then apply the full sealing treatment. Note: pre-sealing adds cost and time, so it is mainly recommended for very porous or light-coloured stone.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Stain-Stop

How do I keep my grout colour consistent over time?

Clean grout with KF Grout Cleaner after installation (once cured). Then immediately apply KF Grout Protector - this is the key step. The protector prevents dirt and moisture from penetrating the grout, keeping the colour consistent for much longer. Re-apply every 1-2 years. For grout that has already discoloured: clean with KF Grout Cleaner first to restore original colour, then protect. In wet areas: KF Mildew-Away first if mould is present, then clean, then protect.

Recommended: Lithofin KF Grout Cleaner, Lithofin KF Grout Protector, Lithofin KF Mildew-Away

Should I treat the stone before grouting?

Yes, it is advisable to treat the stone with a product like Lithofin MN Stain-Stop before grouting. This helps to prevent grout stains and makes cleaning easier. Ensure the stone is dry and clean before applying the treatment.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Stain-Stop

What should I do for the first clean after installing a new floor?

For the first clean after installation, use Lithofin Wexa to remove any residues from adhesives or grout. This ensures that your new floor looks its best and is properly maintained from the start. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.

Recommended: Lithofin Wexa

How long should I wait before sealing new stone?

It is recommended to wait at least 7 days before sealing new stone to allow any moisture to evaporate. Use Lithofin MN Stain-Stop for effective sealing once the stone is dry. Always check the specific product instructions for the best results.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Stain-Stop

How do I re-seal stone that was previously sealed?

To re-seal previously sealed stone, first clean the surface with Lithofin Wexa to remove any dirt or old residues. After cleaning, apply Lithofin MN Stain-Stop for effective protection. Ensure the stone is completely dry before sealing.

Recommended: Lithofin Wexa, Lithofin MN Stain-Stop

Can I change from one protection product to another?

Yes, you can change from one protection product to another, but it's important to properly clean the stone first. Use Lithofin Wexa to remove any residues from the previous product before applying a new one like Lithofin MN Stain-Stop. Always follow the product guidelines for best results.

Recommended: Lithofin Wexa, Lithofin MN Stain-Stop

What are some renovation tips for old stone floors?

For old stone floors, start by cleaning with Lithofin Wexa to remove built-up dirt. After cleaning, consider applying Lithofin MN Stain-Stop for protection. Regular maintenance with Lithofin products will help preserve the beauty of your stone floors.

Recommended: Lithofin Wexa, Lithofin MN Stain-Stop

When should I strip old coatings from stone?

You should strip old coatings when they become discolored or start to peel. Use Lithofin KF Strip to effectively remove old coatings before applying a new protective layer. Always ensure the stone is clean and dry before reapplying any coatings.

Recommended: Lithofin KF Strip

How do I prepare stone for re-polishing?

To prepare stone for re-polishing, first clean the surface with Lithofin Wexa to remove any dirt and residues. After cleaning, you may need to use a grinding pad for any deep scratches before applying Lithofin Polish. Ensure the stone is completely dry before starting the polishing process.

Recommended: Lithofin Wexa, Lithofin Polish

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