Whether you have just built an entirely new home, undergone an extensive renovation, installed a pool or had your garden transformed, we understand that this has been a major investment and you want to make sure that it lasts a lifetime!

So let’s talk about maintaining your stone surfaces, because unfortunately even sealed surfaces need to be maintained.

Assuming you have just had your stone, tile or concrete surfaces sealed with our premium impregnating sealant #JUSTSEALIT, this guide will provide crucial information that will assist you in taking care of it.

CURING TIME
FIRST 30 DAYS

First and foremost, it is important to understand that for the first 30 days the sealer will be curing very slowly. It is gradually being absorbed into the material, becoming one with the minerals embedded in the surface. To ensure the sealer is fully absorbed, it is important not to use any chemicals, cleaning products or pressure cleaners on the surface for 30 days.

If the treated area is a construction site, or planting is to be completed during this important period, please cover the newly treated surface in protective builders plastic. This will assist in protecting the surface from heavy traffic, wheel barrows and other potentially damaging elements, allowing the sealer to be absorbed and to properly cure.

General foot traffic is fine throughout this period – you can safely walk on a Prestige Surfaces’ sealed surface with clean and dry shoes as soon as the surface is touch dry. For anything heavier, please allow 48 hours – this applies to furniture, pots and vehicles.

AFTER 30 DAYS

So, let’s move forward 30 days from the sealant being applied. You may have noticed a beading effect when water touches the surface. This beading will settle down over time – usually in a few weeks and in some cases a month. In some cases, this beading will not happen at all – natural surfaces will vary in their density and composition, so all of these instances are completely normal.

At day 30, we know how excited you are to fire up the pressure cleaner, pull out the hydrochloric acid and get rid of those tannins that have been bugging you for the last 30 days. STOP and put the gun down! Exercise caution with pressure cleaners, and only use them when suggested by our team. Incorrect use can leave lines and marks, and you could be doing damage to the stone and the grout.

Ongoing, your stone will generally only need gentle washing with the appropriate cleaners. Maintaining the surface by re-sealing periodically will leave your stone strong and beautiful.

MAINTAINING - STONE & CONCRETE

EXTERNAL CLEANING

FOAM SPRAYER METHOD
(for both Stone Wash & Power Foam)

1. Fill the canister with #JSI Stone Wash or #JSI Power Foam.
2. Attach to your garden hose, spray and let the solution do the work.
3. Scrub the solution with #JSI Pad Holder Pro + Green Pad or garden broom for course surfaces (exposed aggregate).
4. Rinse off with garden hose any remaining detergent. 

WATERING CAN / BUCKET METHOD
(for both Stone Wash & Power Foam)

1. Mix solution add approximately four capfuls (50ml) of this product to 9 litres of water in watering can (best) or bucket.
2. Apply & spread Evenly pour the solution over the surface, then spread with a broom or #JSI Pad Holder Pro + Green Pad to ensure full coverage. Agitate and scrub the surface for removal of dirt & grime.
3. Rinse Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water from hose.

FOR STUBBORN ORGANIC STAINS

Safe method for cleaning organic stains from paving (Timber stains, algae, bird poo, berries, leaf litter, etc).

1. Mix solution in a watering can, combine 1 litre liquid pool chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) with 5 litres of water.
2. Prepare surface Lightly dampen the surface with clean water.
3. Apply & spread evenly pour the solution over the surface, then spread with a broom or #JSI Pad Holder Pro + Green Pad to ensure full coverage.
4. Dwell time Leave for 30-60 minutes to allow the chlorine to break down organic matter.
5. Rinse Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water.
6. Neutralise Apply #JSI Stone Wash or #JSI Power Foam to remove any remaining chlorine residue.
7. Final Rinse Rinse again to wash away the neutraliser.

Tip: For future cleans, use this soft wash method and only use high pressure for rinsing (not for scrubbing) to avoid damaging the surface or sealer. Take care around plants and other vulnerable surfaces.

INTERNAL CLEANING

For general cleaning of internal surfaces it is important to ensure that you use neutral pH cleaners, or in some cases, alkaline or bleach can be used if needed.

We strongly advise that you refrain from using acidic cleaners, such as vinegar, to prevent damage.

For large areas, add 1-2 capfuls of #JUSTSEALIT 4L Stone Wash (or 3-4 capfuls of 1L Stone Wash) to a 9L container of water. For smaller areas, add 1 capful of 1L Stone Wash (or a splash of 4L Stone Wash) to a 5L container of water.

Apply the cleaning solution to the surface and agitate with a quality mop or floor pads, such as a microfiber flat mop (e.g., Sabco SuperSwish Spray Mop).

For smaller surfaces such as counters, hearths and benchtops, apply a small amount of the diluted cleaning solution and wipe with a microfiber or non-abrasive cloth.

*Always test process in a small inconspicuous area first.

MAINTAINING - WOOD

WOOD CLEANING

Safe method for cleaning organic stains from paving (Timber stains, algae, bird poo, berries, leaf litter, etc).

1. Apply & spread mild neutral PH detergent solution to the surface, then spread with a broom of #JSI Pad Holder Pro + Green Pad to ensure full coverage. Agitate and scrub the surface for removal pf dirt & grime.
2. Rinse. Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water from hose.