UltraCare, the finishing touch for your tile & stone installation

So, you went the extra mile, installing your gorgeous tile or stone to exacting specifications. You made sure the mortar was the right one for the job. You took pains to ensure flatness and clean lines, with a high-end grout that gives it a professional look. But… did you forget the sealer?

Some high-end grouts might offer good cleanability and protection against the elements, but there is nothing like a good sealer to ensure your superior quality tile or stone installation maintains a high aesthetic for the long haul. To that end, MAPEI’s UltraCare line of products was built to meet every conceivable need, from limiting efflorescence to impeding latex migration.  

What is efflorescence?

According to definition, efflorescence is the migration of soluble salts to the surface of a porous material, such as concrete or brick. In French it means “to flower out.” This is why it is sometimes referred to as a “bloom.” Portland-cement-based setting materials and grouts, concrete subsurfaces, and many natural stones and clay tiles contain free lime and/or soluble salts. These minerals are brought to the surface by capillary action and become visible after water has evaporated. Although efflorescence can clog the pores of a surface and cause spalling, it is mainly considered a cosmetic/aesthetic issue.

What is Latex migration?

Latex migration (leaching) is less common than efflorescence and more difficult to remove. It can appear as a white residue on polymer-modified grout, especially if the grout is subjected to excessive moisture before the latex polymers can coalesce (cure). The material can be a sticky, gooey material that can have a vinegar/sour smell… or no smell at all. Sometimes, latex leaching can be mixed with efflorescence, making identification and removal challenging.

The UltraCare line was developed to deal with these issues and more, with a host of high-performance, user-friendly and cost-competitive products. MAPEI is proud to own the chemistry of this line, allowing for complete control of the entire production process of 23 products in all, divided into four categories: Sealers, Cleaners, Finishes and Problem-Solvers. Each category is packed with high-performance, easy-to-use products that get results. 

Problem-Solvers

The products within the Problem-Solvers category consist of:

• Grout Release, a sacrificial coating that protects the tile from grout stains and reduces the risk of grout haze.
• Epoxy Grout Haze Remover, made to safely remove tough epoxy grout haze, without the harmful or toxic effects of other products.
• Heavy-Duty Sealer & Coating Stripper, the “big brother” to the Epoxy Grout Haze Remover. It is made to safely remove latex-based paint, urethane finishes, adhesives and epoxy residue.
• Cement Grout Haze Remover, which works effectively on all cement-based grout haze, as well as removing mortar residue.
• Sulfamic Acid Crystals, which removes efflorescence, cement-based grout haze and mineral deposits.
• Grout Refresh, which color-seals grout and is available in 40 MAPEI grout colors.  

Sealers

The Sealers category is composed of several penetrating/impregnating sealers that produce a natural, unchanged appearance to the surface. They also are vapor-permeable, allowing water to “breathe” out of the surface while remaining water-repellant, and are available in both water- and oil-based options.

• Penetrating Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer is water-based and offers standard protection that repels dirt and beverages.
• Penetrating SB Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer is solvent-based and is made to penetrate deep into dense surfaces, protecting against staining from both water and oil-based contaminants. Both products have a five-year wear rating.
• Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer offers premium water-based protection that repels staining caused by both water and oil-based contaminants.
• Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer is a VOC- compliant, solvent-based sealer for use on dense surfaces. Both have a 15-year expected wear rating.
• Enhancing Stone Sealer and Enhancing Plus Stone Sealer provide high-performance protection and deep color enhancement to stone and grout. Both enhancers are solvent-based and 100% VOC-compliant.
• Grout Maximizer, a liquid polymer additive for sanded and unsanded grout mixtures, optimizes resistance to water and oil-based stains.
• Grout Sealer is a water-based penetrating sealer designed to protect against most common stains on sanded and unsanded grout.

Finishes

The Finishes category consists of High-Gloss Sealer & Finish and Low-Sheen Sealer & Finish. Along with sealing and protecting the surface, both products can provide a change in surface sheen. Plus, they produce a scuff- and mar-resistant finish that is easily maintained.

Cleaners

The Cleaners category offers a variety of cleaning products: 

• Concentrated Tile & Grout Cleaner is a highly concentrated, neutral cleaner for daily maintenance and cleaning of natural stone, tile and grout. Plus, it won’t harm the protective sealer.
• Three products – Everyday Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner; Everyday Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner & Resealer; and Everyday Stone Clean & Polish – are great for maintaining natural stone and quartz countertops, tile backsplashes and grout.
• Heavy-Duty Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner is a highly concentrated, alkaline cleaner and degreaser. It’s made to quickly dissolve organic soiling, such as dirt, grease and oil. It is safe for use on all, ceramic and porcelain tile, grouts and natural stone, including polished marble. Also, it removes cement grout haze, acrylic and urethane grout residue, and synthetic floor finishes.
• Abrasive Surface Cleaner doesn’t require any dwell time and uses mild abrasive qualities to remove ground-in dirt, grime, rust stains, mineral deposits and light grout haze from ceramic tile, porcelain tile and natural stone surfaces. Abrasive Surface Cleaner can work in combination with Heavy-Duty Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner to provide the “one-two punch” of a powerful, alkaline cleaner with added abrasive qualities. Excellent for use on heavily textured and hard-to-clean surfaces, it removes most factory-applied waxes and “transit coatings.”
• Acidic Tile & Grout Cleaner is a concentrated cleaner, made to safely remove cement grout haze, mortar residue, mineral deposits and efflorescence from tile and grout.

Since their introduction to the market eight years ago, MAPEI’s line of UltraCare products has quietly been making gains into wholesale distribution, retail and web presence, building a strong and loyal supply base. By offering high-performance products, combined with excellent representation and technical support, MAPEI has set the bar high for care and maintenance products for stone, tile and grout. Talk with your MAPEI sales representative today to find out more.