Product Selection Guide
Granite
The strongest and most commonly used natural stone. High density and abrasive hardness, frost proof, citric acid resistant, long wearing.
*DO NOT use Sealers in wet areas (showers, pool, surrounds, etc.), for exterior installations, or on polished surfaces. Residential Applications: HMK® P323 is not needed for polished surfaces in light traffic areas. HMK® R163 and R166 are for professional use only.
Tumbled Stone & Marble
Tumbled stone and marble not only look beautiful, they are also very hard and durable. To ensure their long-lasting beauty, a preventitive maintenance program is needed.
HMK’s Three Step Program allows to properly
- Clean the tumbled stone/marble after installation.
- Protect against dirt, food, and liquids.
- Maintain its natural beauty in an easy, safe, and economical way.
*DO NOT use Sealers in wet areas (showers, pool, surrounds, etc.), for exterior installations, or on polished surfaces. Residential Applications: HMK® P323 is not needed for polished surfaces in light traffic areas. HMK® R163 and R166 are for professional use only.
Marble, Limestone, Tavertine, Onyx, Agglomerate, Terrazzo
Marble,Limestone, Travertine and Onyx
Even though there are differences among these materials in regard to the “wearability”, i.e. absorption, compressive strength, abrasive hardness, etc., they can still be considered as one for ease of understanding.
Agglomerate and Terrazzo
Agglomerate and Terrazzo can be made of different aggregate chips such as marble, granite, quartz or onyx, in a cementitious or resinous (epoxy, polyester) matrix. Both the aggregate and matrix determine their hardness, durability and absorption. To guarantee their long-lasting beauty, a Preventive Maintenance Program is needed. HMK®’s Three Step Program allows to (1) clean the surface after the installation, (2) protect it against infiltration of dirt, liquids, food, and (3) maintain the natural beauty in an easy, safe and economical way.
*DO NOT use Sealers in wet areas (showers, pool, surrounds, etc.), for exterior installations, or on polished surfaces. Residential Applications: The use of HMK® P323 Polish Preserver is optional, since the wear due tp foot abrasion is minimal. Furthermore, a polished finish should be limited to dry areas only to avoid slipping, and should not be used in kitchens and on counter / vanity tops due to citric acid etching.
Slate, Quartzite, Sandstone, Cantera, Indiana Limestone
This group of natural stone distinguishes itself by:
– A natural cleft, rough surface with slate and quartzite.
– A higher water absorption and lower resistance to abrasion with sandstone, cantera, Indiana Limestone. Both the natural cleft surface and higher absorption make these materials especially prone to staining (even during installation), dirt retention, and wear.
*DO NOT use Sealers in wet areas (showers, pool, surrounds, etc.) OR for exterior installations. Residential Applications: For kitchen and counter / vanity top installations HMK S37/S39 Sealers are recommended for the best protection and ease of maintenance. NOTE: Pre-Treating these natural stones is advisable due to their higher absorption and / or cleft surface.
Ceramic & Porcelain Tile
Ceramic
Both glazed and unglazed ceramic and mosaic tile do absorb water, dirt, and oil, therefore need protection and maintenance. Furthermore, foot traffic will wear the surface and slip accidents may occur, unless a regular care system is incorporated and maintained.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile has an extremely low absorption of less than 0.5% (impervious) and dense composition; still, there are concerns regarding dirt and oil, slipperiness, and care of grout joints.
*DO NOT use Sealers in wet areas (showers, pool, surrounds, etc.), for exterior installations, or on Polished/Glazured surfaces. *HMK® S235 may be applied to semi-vitreous or non-vitreous Glazed and Unglazed ceramic due to their porosity. Please test. Residential Applications: HMK® R163 and R166 are for professional use only.
Quarry Tile, Terra Cotta (Terra Cotta, Saltilla, Brick Paver)
Quarry Tile, Concrete
Unglazed Quarry tile is often being used in food preparation and large commercial areas where staining and foot abrasion are of great concern. Concrete will stain readily and loose its color pigments unless properly cared for.
Terra Cotta, Saltillo, Brick Pavers
The water absorption is higher compared to ceramic/porcelain tile and natural stone which means they stain more readily. These materials require drying times of 2-3 weeks or even longer depending on installation and are often susceptible to efflorescence, caused by incorrect cleaners and moisture.
Exterior Applications
Water and moisture are the main factors contributing to the decay of installations. Efflorescence (white deposits on the tile surface), mildew, and algae are also direct results of moisture presence. Tile loosening, spalling, blistering, and grout cracking is due to the wet/dry and freeze/thaw cycles.
*DO NOT use Sealers in wet areas (showers, pool, surrounds, etc.), for exterior installations, or on polished surfaces. *HMK S235 may be applied to Unglazed Quarry Tile due to its higher porosity. Please test. Residential Applications: “Kitchen / Food Areas”: This recommendation will produce a more protective and visually attractive finish, though has to be performed and periodically cared by a professional.