Unglazed (or 'full-body') porcelain tiles can be surprisingly absorbent despite appearing dense. The micro-pores in the surface can trap dirt, coffee, wine, and other staining agents. This is especially common with textured or structured surfaces. The solution: seal with Lithofin KF Protective Impregnator after installation. For existing stains: deep clean with KF Intensive Cleaner first, then seal. This is one of the most common tile care issues.

Recommended: Lithofin KF Protective Impregnator, Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner

Most quartz composite countertops come pre-sealed from the factory and do not need additional sealing. They are engineered to be non-porous with resin binding. However, over years of use, the surface can become slightly less resistant. Use pH-neutral cleaners only (Lithofin EASY-CARE or MN Easy-Clean). Avoid strong acids, alkalis, and bleach. If the surface loses water repellency after years, a light application of Lithofin Stainstop PLUS can help.

Recommended: Lithofin EASY-CARE, Lithofin MN Easy-Clean, Lithofin Stainstop PLUS

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

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.

Recommended: Lithofin KF Cement Residue Remover, Lithofin MN Builders' Clean

Spray Lithofin KF Mildew-Away directly onto the mouldy grout lines. Leave 15-30 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush or grout brush. Rinse thoroughly. For deeply embedded mould in silicone joints: the silicone may need to be removed and replaced with mould-resistant silicone. Crucially: improve ventilation! Run the extractor fan during and 15 minutes after showering, open windows daily. Without better ventilation, mould will always return.

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

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.

Recommended: Lithofin KF Ceramic-Clean, Lithofin MN Builders' Clean, Lithofin MN Power-Clean

Step 1: Clean with Lithofin KF Grout Cleaner — apply directly to grout lines, leave 5-10 minutes, scrub with a brush. Step 2: For mouldy grout, use Lithofin KF Mildew-Away first. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Step 4: Apply Lithofin KF Grout Protector to seal the clean grout lines — this prevents rapid re-soiling and water absorption. The combination of cleaning + protecting gives much longer-lasting results than cleaning alone.

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

Both are fired clay products, but porcelain is fired at higher temperatures (1200-1300°C vs 1000-1100°C for ceramic), making it denser, harder, and less water-absorbent (< 0.5% vs 3-6% for ceramic). Porcelain is suitable for outdoor use and heavy-traffic areas. Ceramic is typically used indoors. For care purposes, both are treated similarly with KF line products. Key difference: unglazed porcelain can still absorb stains and may need KF Protective Impregnator.

Recommended: Lithofin KF Protective Impregnator

Quartz composite is more practical: non-porous (factory-sealed), consistent colour, very low maintenance, heat-resistant up to ~150°C. Natural stone is more beautiful: each slab is unique, natural veining, develops character over time. Granite is the most practical natural stone for kitchens (hard, acid-resistant). Marble is the most beautiful but high-maintenance. Our recommendation: if you want low maintenance, choose quartz composite. If you value natural beauty and are willing to care for it, choose natural stone with proper Lithofin protection.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Stain-Stop

It depends on the stone. Natural stone (marble, granite, limestone) is generally heat-resistant and can tolerate hot pans, but thermal shock from very hot cookware can potentially cause cracking in some stones. Quartz composite should NEVER have hot pans placed directly on it — the resin binder can discolour or crack above 150°C. Best practice: always use trivets or heat pads on all countertop types. This is especially important for marble (which can yellow from heat) and quartz composite.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Basic Protection, Lithofin MN Stain-Stop, Lithofin TC Impregnator

For tiles in a shopping center, implement a maintenance schedule that includes daily cleaning with Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner and weekly inspections for damage. Use Lithofin MN Stain-Stop for sealing to protect against stains and ensure the tiles remain attractive and safe for shoppers.

Recommended: Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner, Lithofin MN Stain-Stop

To ensure child and pet safety when using Lithofin products, always apply the products in a well-ventilated area and keep them out of reach during and after application. It is advisable to wait until the treated area is completely dry before allowing children or pets to access it. Always check the product label for specific safety instructions.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Easy-Clean

When using Lithofin products in temperature extremes, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal application conditions. Avoid using products in freezing temperatures or extreme heat, as this can affect their effectiveness and safety. Always allow products to acclimate to room temperature before use.

Recommended: Lithofin MN Easy-Clean

Similar technology but different result. Sintered stone (Dekton, Neolith, Lapitec) is pressed and fired at even higher temperatures than porcelain tiles. It has virtually zero porosity and comes in large-format slabs (up to 320×160 cm). Care is similar to porcelain but edge chipping is the main concern.

Those grey marks from pans or utensils are metal deposits on the surface, not scratches. Apply Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner with a non-scratch pad and rub firmly. The marks come off easily because sintered stone is harder than the metal.

Sintered stone is extremely hard (hardness 8) but brittle at edges and corners. Point impacts — like dropping a heavy jar on an edge — can cause chipping. Unlike natural stone, chips cannot be sanded smooth and are difficult to repair invisibly. Handle edges with care during installation and use.

No. Sintered stone has zero porosity and is completely stain-proof, acid-proof, and heat-proof. No sealer will bond to the surface. Simply clean with Lithofin KF Intensive Cleaner or any pH-neutral cleaner. It's the most maintenance-free countertop material available.

Dark polished finishes show fingerprints noticeably. Use Lithofin EasyClean spray for quick daily cleaning — spray and wipe with a microfibre cloth. For a streak-free finish, buff dry immediately after wiping. A matt or textured finish hides fingerprints much better than polished.