Liuskekivi UKK | Kysymyksiä kivien hoidosta

Q: How long should I leave Anti-Slip on the surface?

Contact time is critical and varies by surface type: Marble/limestone/calcareous stone: 5-8 minutes maximum (acid-sensitive). Granite/basalt/slate: 10-15 minutes (acid-resistant). Porcelain/ceramic tiles: 10-15 minutes. Always test on a small area first to check the effect. Shorter time = less texture change, less anti-slip effect. Longer time = more texture change, more anti-slip effect. Rinse very thoroughly after the contact time.

Q: How do I remove cement haze left after tile installation?

For ceramic/porcelain tiles: use Lithofin KF Cement Residue Remover, undiluted or diluted 1:3 for light haze. Apply, leave 5 minutes, scrub, rinse thoroughly. For acid-resistant natural stone (granite, slate): use Lithofin MN Builders' Clean diluted 1:3. For acid-sensitive stone (marble, limestone, bluestone): use MN Builders' Clean diluted 1:5 to 1:10, pre-wet the surface first, and work quickly. Always rinse very thoroughly after treatment.

Q: How do I remove rust stains from stone?

Use Lithofin Rust-EX — apply undiluted directly on the rust stain. Leave 5-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. On acid-sensitive stone (marble, limestone): use shorter contact time (3-5 minutes) and rinse immediately. On granite/slate/basalt: can leave longer. Repeat for stubborn stains. Important: identify and remove the rust source (metal furniture leg, nail, steel wool fragment) or the stain will recur.

Slate — Frequently Asked Questions

21 questions about caring for slate

What is the difference between calcareous and siliceous stone?

Calcareous stones (marble, limestone, travertine, bluestone, terrazzo) are composed primarily of calcium carbonate. They react with acid — even a drop of lemon juice causes visible etching. They are generally softer and more porous. Siliceous stones (granite, slate, basalt, sandstone) are composed primarily of silica (quartz). They are acid-resistant, generally harder, and more chemically durable. This distinction is the single most important factor in choosing the right care products.

How often should I re-seal my stone?

It depends on the surface type and usage: Kitchen countertops (high risk) — every 1-2 years. Bathroom stone — every 2-3 years. Interior floors — every 2-5 years. Outdoor terraces — every 2-3 years. The water drop test tells you when it is time: place a few drops of water on the surface and wait 5 minutes. If the water beads up, protection is still active. If it absorbs or darkens the stone, it is time to re-seal.

Why should I always test in an inconspicuous area first?

Every stone is unique — even two slabs of the same marble can react differently to a product. Testing in a hidden area (behind a door, under furniture, in a corner) lets you check for unexpected reactions: colour change, etching, darkening, or surface alteration. This is especially important for acid-containing products on stone of unknown composition, and for colour-enhancing products where the effect is permanent.

How much product do I need for my project?

Coverage varies by product and stone porosity. Typical ranges: Cleaners (diluted): 50-200 m²/L. Intensive cleaners (diluted): 5-20 m²/L. Impregnators: 5-30 m²/L (very porous stone like sandstone uses more, dense granite uses less). Apply two coats on very porous stone. As a rule of thumb: for a 20m² room, you typically need 1L of impregnator and 0.5L of concentrated cleaner.

My slate floor is flaking — is that a defect?

Slight surface flaking (delamination) is a natural characteristic of slate, not a defect. Slate is a metamorphic rock with a layered structure — some types are more prone to flaking than others. You can gently remove loose flakes and treat the surface with Lithofin MN Slate-Oil or MN Colour Intensifier to consolidate the surface layers. If flaking is severe or worsening, consult a stone specialist — it may indicate a moisture problem beneath the stone.

What is the difference between MN Colour Intensifier and MN Slate-Oil?

MN Colour Intensifier is a universal colour-enhancing impregnator for all natural stone types. It deepens colour and provides stain protection. Works on marble (honed only), granite, sandstone, limestone, etc. MN Slate-Oil is specifically designed for slate — it penetrates deeply into slate's layered structure for optimal colour development and consolidation. For slate: MN Slate-Oil gives the best result. For other stones: MN Colour Intensifier.

How long should I leave OIL-EX on a stain?

Apply OIL-EX as a thick layer (5mm+) over the stain, extending 2cm beyond the stain edges. Cover with cling film to prevent the paste from drying out. Leave for: Fresh stains (< 24h old): 2-4 hours. Moderate stains (days old): 6-12 hours. Old stains (weeks/months): 12-24 hours. Very deep stains: multiple applications may be needed. After removing the paste, clean the area with MN Wash & Clean. If the stain has reduced but not disappeared, repeat the process.

Recommended: Lithofin OIL-EX, Lithofin MN Wash & Clean

How long should I leave Anti-Slip on the surface?

Contact time is critical and varies by surface type: Marble/limestone/calcareous stone: 5-8 minutes maximum (acid-sensitive). Granite/basalt/slate: 10-15 minutes (acid-resistant). Porcelain/ceramic tiles: 10-15 minutes. Always test on a small area first to check the effect. Shorter time = less texture change, less anti-slip effect. Longer time = more texture change, more anti-slip effect. Rinse very thoroughly after the contact time.

Recommended: Lithofin Anti-Slip

How do I remove cement haze left after tile installation?

For ceramic/porcelain tiles: use Lithofin KF Cement Residue Remover, undiluted or diluted 1:3 for light haze. Apply, leave 5 minutes, scrub, rinse thoroughly. For acid-resistant natural stone (granite, slate): use Lithofin MN Builders' Clean diluted 1:3. For acid-sensitive stone (marble, limestone, bluestone): use MN Builders' Clean diluted 1:5 to 1:10, pre-wet the surface first, and work quickly. Always rinse very thoroughly after treatment.

How do I remove rust stains from stone?

Use Lithofin Rust-EX — apply undiluted directly on the rust stain. Leave 5-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. On acid-sensitive stone (marble, limestone): use shorter contact time (3-5 minutes) and rinse immediately. On granite/slate/basalt: can leave longer. Repeat for stubborn stains. Important: identify and remove the rust source (metal furniture leg, nail, steel wool fragment) or the stain will recur.

Recommended: Lithofin Rust-EX

How do I remove limescale from my bathroom tiles?

On ceramic/porcelain tiles: Lithofin KF Ceramic-Clean is perfect — apply, leave 5-10 minutes, scrub, rinse. Safe and very effective. On granite/slate/basalt: KF Ceramic-Clean or MN Builders' Clean diluted — these stones are acid-resistant. On marble/limestone: DO NOT use acid-based limescale removers! Use Lithofin MN Power-Clean (alkaline) with gentle scrubbing. For heavy limescale on marble: carefully use a plastic scraper, then MN Power-Clean. Prevention: squeegee after showering.

Can I use a pressure washer on my stone?

Yes, but with caution. Keep minimum 30cm distance from the surface. Use a fan nozzle, not a point nozzle. Soft stone (sandstone, limestone, cotto) is more vulnerable — use lower pressure (max 100 bar). Hard stone (granite, basalt, slate) can tolerate higher pressure. Never aim at joints at close range — this can wash out joint sand/mortar. Never pressure wash polished stone (will damage the polish). Chemical pre-treatment with ALGEX or Outdoor Cleaner reduces the need for high pressure.

Does underfloor heating affect stone care?

Underfloor heating can cause stone to dry out faster, which may make some stones more susceptible to cracking and may cause impregnators to cure faster during application. When applying sealers: turn off heating 48 hours before and keep it off for 48 hours after application. The heat can cause the product to penetrate unevenly or dry too quickly on the surface. For daily care: no special considerations — normal products and routines apply.

I don't know what stone I have — how do I choose the right product?

Do the acid test: place a drop of vinegar on an inconspicuous area. If it fizzes, your stone is calcareous (treat like marble — pH-neutral products only). If no reaction, it is siliceous (acid-resistant like granite). If you are still unsure, use Lithofin EASY-CARE for daily cleaning (safe on everything) and Lithofin Stainstop PLUS for sealing (universal sealer). You can also use the Lithofinder wizard or upload a photo of your stone for AI identification.

Recommended: Lithofin EASY-CARE, Lithofin Stainstop PLUS

What is the average cost per m² for commercial cleaning?

The average cost per m² for commercial cleaning can range from €2 to €5, depending on the type of service and the condition of the floors. For stone surfaces, consider using Lithofin products to maintain quality and reduce long-term costs. Investing in proper care can lead to savings in restoration and replacement.

What are the differences between indoor and outdoor stone care products?

Indoor products are typically designed to be less aggressive and safe for use in enclosed spaces, while outdoor products are formulated to withstand weather conditions and UV exposure. Outdoor products often contain stronger protective agents to prevent moss and algae growth. For outdoor surfaces, consider using Lithofin Outdoor Cleaner and Lithofin MN Stain-Stop.

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 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

What should I do for spring cleaning of my outdoor stone?

In spring, it's important to remove any debris and clean your outdoor stone with Lithofin Outdoor Cleaner. This product effectively eliminates dirt, algae, and moss that may have accumulated over the winter. After cleaning, consider applying Lithofin MN Stain-Stop to protect the stone from future staining and enhance its appearance.

When is the best time to seal my stone?

The best time to seal your stone is when temperatures are between 10°C and 25°C. This ensures optimal adhesion and curing of the sealant. Lithofin MN Stain-Stop is recommended for sealing, as it provides long-lasting protection. Avoid sealing during extreme temperatures or rain to ensure the best results.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Stain-Stop

What is a seasonal maintenance calendar for my terrace?

A seasonal maintenance calendar for your terrace should include cleaning in spring with Lithofin Outdoor Cleaner, sealing in early summer with Lithofin MN Stain-Stop, and regular checks for algae and moss in autumn. In winter, ensure that the terrace is free of debris and snow to prevent frost damage. Consistent maintenance will prolong the life of your stone.

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