I cannot stress enough how important it is to mask off correctly prior to undertaking any Marble, Limestone, Slate, Travertine or indeed any other hard floor polishing, cleaning or Maintenance.
If you fail to mask off properly you will live to regret it. It is also very important to mask off with the correct materiel's for the item you are masking.
Why is it so important? Well let us look at a few scenarios:
Aqua Mix Products are in the main water based but they will also do just as much damage used in the wrong dilution ratio. You still need to mask! Take no chances!
So what are we using to Clean, Polish or problem solve with? Ask yourself?:
1. What is in the products?
2. Once you have established this look at the surrounding areas and what could be affected by those products?
Examples:
Sealing & Coating Removers to strip old sealers or polishes - These will also strip skirtings, doors and some kitchen units so either mask or remove them!
Honing powder - These act like Liquid Sandpaper to strip a few microns off the floor so you are using a brush or pad to apply if you do not mask surrounding woodwork, wallpaper and doors to name a few the honing powder will splash off the brush or pad and act like a mini sandblaster.
Acids - Not only strip cementitious properties they are also capable of stripping aluminium and other metals. In some cases with the stronger acids such as Brick Acid sometimes the fumes alone are enough to affect metal!
Alkalines - High Alkalines will remove polished surfaces.
Plain Water - Now you all think I am mad! but it is without doubt the most common thing to damage modern kitchens because if you do not effectively mask or remove plinths and end panels the water will wick up inside the chipboard and swell them so they are virtually impossible to put right without replacing!
Above are a few scenarios there are literally dozens!
The upshot is it may take some extra time to mask but ultimately it is quicker than putting damage right or more importantly paying to have it put right.
Kev Martin
Marblelife Ltd
