With the choice of finishes available on stone these days, Lithofin’s technical team reports that grout residue embedded in the surface of more textured stone has become a highly topical issue.

In most cases, stones are sealed perfectly well with impregnating sealant after they have been installed by the fitter, but the surface texture of the stone traps cementitious residues from the grout. It cannot be left like that or the fitter will soon be receiving a phone call. But what can be done about it?

Firstly, Lithofin would recommend that several unlaid stones are sealed at the same time as the floor area. After the appropriate curing time, these can then be tested prior to starting work on grouting the floor. Slurry grout across these spare tiles and if the grout cannot be removed from the unlaid tiles clearly it will not be possible to remove it from the floor area.

If the test slurry grouting shows there is going to problem, another suitable method of grouting the floor will need to be used – probably grout guns or hand pointing.

This will take longer, which is not ideal, but will be quicker and will probably result in a floor that looks more professionally finished than trying to remove residual grout from the whole surface of a texture stone floor.

Lithofin offers training courses that deal with a whole range of issues, like the one above, that can help installers circumvent problems by identifying potential problems before they can occur. The courses also encompass the full Lithofin product range, knowledge of which will provide installers with a comfort factor of knowing which product to use for which application.

Lithofin – the original products for cleaning, sealing and maintaining natural and artificial stone

These courses are available at the Lithofin head office in Alresford, Hampshire, and include demonstration time together with all the valuable hints and tips.

Training can also be arranged at one of Lithofin’s many distributor outlets if required. These will usually be hosted by the company’s Technical Manager, Bob Sewell, or experienced local technicians. Again, all aspects of installation, renovation and problem solving are covered.

For architects and designers, Lithofin is happy to provide specification meetings for larger projects that require maintenance programmes and is always willing to take its RIBA CPD presentations to architectural practices.

Visit the website, www.lithofin-uk.co.uk, for more information on the training and CPD programme offered and to see the whole Lithofin product range. To set up local training call 01962 732126.

Initiatives such as the training are, says Lithofin, giving it a significant increase in its client base currently and it is dealing with a high level of enquiries for its products.

The Lithofin brand is held in high regard for the reliable performance of the product range, which gives peace of mind to users. The company believes this reputation is the key to the success of the range, along with its full technical support for both professional users and domestic customers.

After experiencing an encouragingly positive start to 2014, Lithofin says it is looking forward to an exciting year ahead with many projects already underway.

Lithofin helps you care for your customers

EcoBuild last month (4-6 March at ExCel London) provided an opportunity for Lithofin to launch its new Maintenance Kits for Quartz and Natural & Artificial Stone Kitchen Worktops, as well as Natural & Artificial Stone Fireplaces.

These kits provide all the products needed to maintain surfaces in tip-top condition in one convenient package. Visit the website (www.lithofin-uk.co.uk) for more information, including Method Statements covering maintenance programmes.

Lithofin continues to innovate specialised treatments within the range as it intends to continue to be the pioneering brand for the treatment of natural and artificial engineered stone surfaces.