Sealing a porous surface with an impregnator is essential in order to protect it from stains. It also makes ongoing cleaning much easier. However, the additional application of a specialist wax finish, like Mapei’s UltraCare Finish Opaca and Lucida, further enhances protection – and provides the opportunity to enhance and alter appearance.
UltraCare Finish Opaca is a protective wax with a matt finish, whilst UltraCare Finish Lucida has a glossy finish. Both treatments create an additional wear and stain resistant finish and can be applied to all types of unpolished natural and engineered stone, terracotta and quarry tiles installed indoors. As well as providing high wear protection, polymers and waxes within the finishes also provide superior transparency, elasticity and reduced slip.
In addition to protecting tiles from dirt and grease, the waxes also protect against acid-based stains from lemon, vinegar, cola and other acidic liquids, alcoholic drinks and ink stains. On an acid sensitive material, this can provide a crucial “window of protection” against acid etching; the wax finish stops the immediate acid aggression, allowing for the spilt liquid to be wiped away, avoiding damage to the stone.
The benefits of the finish also go beyond protection. They can be used to alter the appearance of tiles, temporarily. The finish can then be removed and changed, or completely removed back to the original surface. For example, UltraCare Finish Lucida can be applied, buffed to create an ultra-glossy finish, and then removed using UltraCare HD Cleaner. UltraCare Finish Opaca can also be buffed to achieve a satin-type finish.
To maintain the tiled surface and finish applied, a pH neutral cleaner, like UltraCare Multicleaner, should be used and the finish “topped up” by diluting the wax with water 1:1 and applying periodically after maintenance.
Mapei’s UltraCare range offers a complete system of cleaners, sealers and maintenance solutions. All products have high coverage rates and many feature water-based, EMICODE: ECI Plus-certified formulations. The range also features products from Mapei’s Zero Line, with CO2 offset in the entire lifecycle. For more information, please contact: