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What are the causes for stains in the MORTEX® product and how to avoid them ?
Causes for the stains
When the MORTEX® product is applied in a very structured manner with the formation of micro cavities of varying sizes, penetrations of fatty liquids or other liquids are possible at these openings.These places are indeed weak points for the coating and its protection. It is essential to treat these cavities carefully to avoid possible penetrations. If the protective products (varnishes, oils, etc…) are applied by means of a normal treatment (roller or brush…), they will not penetrate these cavities, as these products are too thick. It is imperative to push them by tapping with the brush/paintbrush to treat the edges of these cavities as well as the bottom.
We therefore experience a lateral capillarity phenomenon at these places, from underneath the protection, causing a stained substrate. The latter can only dry through the small openings formed by the micro-cavities in question. Grease can never escape.
For “technical” layers (floors, showers, etc…), the presence of an open-pored support (cavities) is already an application deficiency. This weakness impedes the tightness of the system and will tend to clog up in these areas.
The presence of stains in some places and not in others proves that the protection (varnish or other) is effective where it is well applied.
The stains are only present in places that have not received protection. It is therefore imperative to dab the varnish or other protection into these small untreated cavities. These untreated cavities should of course always be avoided.
Smooth surfaces can also be affected if the protection is not applied correctly.
The right application to avoid stains
We therefore always recommend that a sample be taken and validated to determine the finish (structured, smooth, etc.) according to the future use of the site.E.g.: for a shower and/or a worktop, we always recommend a smooth finish to avoid clogging and facilitate maintenance.
It should be taken into account that these cavities are sometimes difficult to protect because some of them communicate through their bottom. It is in these cavities that dirt (dirt, soap, cleaning residues, oily products, hair dyes, flour, butter, etc.) will settle. The micro-cavities create a possible passage for water.
It is therefore essential to seal the surfaces carefully, avoiding the presence of large micro-cavities, and to apply the protection according to the rules of the art