Congratulations on your purchase of Q-Seal Natural Stone.  Q-Seal Natural Stone is as easy to care for as ceramic tile – it never needs to be sealed or resealed, makes grout clean-up easier, and there are no harmful chemicals to deal with.

Overview
The top surface of each tile is protected by Q-Seal, a permanent protective sealer that is water, stain and chemical resistant, and features an anti-microbial ingredient that is proven to inhibit the growth of stain and odor-causing mold.  Q-Seal is baked into the stone, not painted on like ordinary sealers, so Q-Seal Natural Stone will never need re-sealing.

Applications

• RESIDENTIAL:  Q-Seal Natural Stone can be installed on all interior walls, floors and counters, including wet areas such as backsplashes, countertops, bathrooms, and shower enclosures.
• LIGHT COMMERCIAL:  Q-Seal is recommended for light commercial applications.
• SLIP RESISTANCE:  Q-Seal may improve the slip resistance of stone in both dry and wet applications.
• DO NOT use Q-Seal for exterior applications.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL TILES MUST BE INSPECTED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION FOR VISUAL DEFECTS OR NON-CONFORMITIES IN THE Q-SEAL PROTECTIVE SEALER. INSTALLATION OF TILES THAT HAVE APPARENT VISUAL DEFECTS OR NON-CONFORMITIES IN THE Q-SEAL PROTECTIVE SEALER VOIDS THE Q-SEAL FOREVER LIMITED WARRANTY.

Installation

Follow generally accepted practices for the installation of natural stone.  The following instructions are specific to Q-Seal Natural Stone.

Grout

• Grout Release:  Grout release is not necessary.  Q-Seal makes clean-up simple and easy and protects against grout and mortar staining.
• Grout Hole Fill-In:  Q-Seal will allow grout to fill-in holes on the tile surface.  For tiles with a high concentration of holes to be filled-in, we recommend a stain-resistant grout so that the entire tile surface is protected.
• Grout Sealer:  Stone or grout sealer will not damage or compromise Q-Seal.  Sealer inadvertently applied can simply be wiped off with a soft cloth.  Sealer that is allowed to dry can be carefully removed using rubbing alcohol and a soft rag or sponge.  Rinse area clean with water and a sponge.
• Stain Resistant Grout:  Use of a stain-resistant grout will ensure that the entire installation is protected.
• It is NOT recommended to use Q-Seal Natural Stone in an un-grouted installation as stains and water can penetrate through the unsealed edges of the stone.

• Fabricating the surface of the tile (ex: bullnose, chipping) could remove Q-Seal in that area.  We recommend applying a penetrating, enhancing sealer on the machined edge.

Q-Seal’s stain resistance is superior to other sealers, but it is not stain-proof.  Q-Seal protects the tile surface by delaying the penetration of spills, allowing you a reasonable time to clean-up without adverse affects.  Independent testing confirms that most food and beverage spills will not leave a permanent stain if cleaned up within 4 hours of contact.  However, mustard should be wiped up soon after contact.

Cleaning

Q-Seal is chemical resistant, so special stone cleaners are not necessary.

• Use a non-abrasive liquid cleaner for everyday use.  Always rinse area with water to remove remaining cleaning solution.
• For stubborn stains, soak the area for 10 minutes using a non-abrasive liquid cleaner that contains bleach.  Clean area with a wet sponge and then rinse the area with water to remove remaining solutions.  Repeat if necessary.  Poultice-type cleaning methods can also be used for more difficult stains.
• DO NOT use liquid or powdered abrasive cleaners.
• DO NOT clean with scouring pads, steel wool, or other abrasive implements.
• DO NOT use commercial power cleaning equipment.
• WARNING:  Drain and oven cleaners contain caustic chemicals that may damage Q-Seal.  In the event of a spill, clean and rinse any affected areas soon after contact.

Q-Seal is abrasion resistant, but care must still be taken to prevent surface scratching.  In addition to cautions on the use of abrasive cleaners and implements:

• DO NOT use the tile as a cutting surface.  Use a cutting board to protect the tile.
• DO use felt floor protectors on legs of chairs, sofas, tables and other easily moved furniture.

Q-Seal will never need resealing for as long as you own your home.  Please contact your dealer or visit www.q-seal.com for complete warranty information. Installation of tiles that have apparent visual defects or non-conformities in the Q-Seal protective sealer voids the warranty.