EXPLANATION

The test is used to determine effectiveness of sealers used on porous tile or stone surfaces.  The test is intended to be used two ways

1.         To offer the customer and installer a method for assessing field performance prior to installation.

2.         To offer manufacturers a method for substantiating claims for performance from an independent entity.

SAMPLE MEDIUM

Tile or stone samples from the box untreated.  Any dust or debris should be removed with dry paper towel.  Should tile or stone be sealed by submitter, this will be noted on test report.

STAINING SOLUTION

Hot coffee (black), red wine, mustard, catsup, Wesson oil, soy oil, **Formula 409 full strength.

PLACEMENT

Tile or stone should be large enough to accommodate all staining contaminants, allowing placement a minimum of 2” apart.  Whenever possible, tile/stone submittal should be 144 sq. inches or greater to allow sealed and unsealed contaminant stain test to be performed on the same tile sample by sealing one half and leaving one half unsealed.  When smaller tiles/stones are submitted, submit identical tiles/stones from same batch or lot.

PROCEDURE

Select two samples or set of samples of tiles.  Leave one sample(s) as is; treat other sample(s) with sealer according to sealer manufacturer’s instructions (including cure time).  Apply staining solutions to both treated and untreated sample(s).  Staining solutions should remain on samples for four (4) hours.  After four (4) hours use absorbent paper towel to wick up remaining or excess surface staining solutions.  Follow with tap water scrub using white nylon scrub pad and 10 scrubs (one (1) scrub is back and forth once) use absorbent paper towel to dry off excess moisture.  Allow tile/stone to air dry at least 24 hours at room temperature before assessing stains.

**Formula 409 is used as alkaline cleaner staining solution to determine sealers resistance to breakdown when exposed to alkaline cleaning solutions.

FIELD EVALUATION

Performance of sealer after test as mutually agreed upon by customer and installer.

MANUFACTURER CLAIMS

Independent entity evaluation using performance chart as contained herein

CAUTION AND SUGGESTED STANDARD TILES FOR MANUFACTURER’S TEST

Caution:          Due to variations in different ceramic tiles and stone tiles, performance tests cannot duplicate all conditions and therefore sealer performance can vary.  In critical applications, field-testing is recommended.

Suggested Standard Tiles:  

Quarry – Dal Q40 6” x 6”

                        st1:City>Saltillo – Dal Super Saltillo 12” x 12” unsealed part #317294

                        Marble – Walker Zanger White Venatino 12” x 12” x 3/8”

                        Granite – Walker Zanger Ciallo Veneziano 12” x 12” x 3/8”

                        Limestone – Walker Zanger Alhambra 12” x 12” x 3/8”

TILE STAIN ASSESSMENT FORM ONLY FOR MAUFACTURER’S TESTING

SUGGESTED STAIN PLACEMENT NOT TO SCALE

I – Improved    H – Heavy Stain    M – Medium Stain    L – Light Stain    O – No Stain   

REPORT THE FOLLOWING