Friday, January 15, 2010

Maintenance Of The CTi Product Lines
by Ethan Schneider

Hallmark system including stone trowel and acrylistain systems with 150 or 155 sealers:

The Hallmark system is designed to be hosed off on exterior applications.

Use a mild detergent such as dawn dish soap and water. A nylon deck brush can be used to loosen dirt and debris.

For more stubborn stains such as tannic acid left from falling leaves, you can use a solution of household bleach and water. The mix ratio is 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Allow the mixture to sit on the stained area for 10 to 15 minutes then gently scrub with a nylon brush and rinse off with fresh water. A power washer can be used with a 45 degree tip held approximately 2 feet above the surface so as not to damage the coating.

Note: Do not use solvent based cleaners such as Pine-Sol, Goo-Gone, or any other type of solvents on 150 or 155 sealers. If you have difficulty cleaning or removing stains consult with the technical department for assistance.

Rust or stains caused by iron oxides usually associated with lawn fertilizers can be removed with a product called "Rustaid". "Rustaid" can usually be purchased at stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Manards, Ace Hardware, or online. It comes in one gallon jugs and is simply sprayed on the rust stains and then rinsed off with plain water.

Duraflek systems with Aquathane 6000, Proseal 200 , or Rapid Armor can be cleaned with a mild detergent such as dawn dish soap and water. Stubborn stains can usually be removed by cleaning with a bleach and water solution (same as above) 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Allow the mixture to sit on the area for 10-15 minutes, gently scrub and rinse off with fresh water.

Since both the 6000 and 200 are chemical resistant urethanes most household cleaners can used to clean them. In extreme cases you may be advised by CTI to use certain solvents or chemicals to remove stains. Please consult with technical department for assistance.