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Frequently Asked Questions

  Can we make our ceramic tile less slippery?
  Can we use vinegar to clean marble floors?
  Do all impregnating sealers smell like petroleum?
  Do you have an environment friendly enzyme drain opener?
  Do you have anything to remove stickers?
  Does grout in between tile and stone need sealing?
  How can I remove a water ring from our hardwood / antique table or floor?
  How can hard water residues be removed from tile and bath tubs?
  How can we clean copper and brass?
  How can we clean dirty wall paper?
  How can we clean fireplace door glass?
  How can we get our marble to shine again?
  How can we get rid of finger marks on stainless steel?
  How can we prevent graffiti from happening again?
  How can we protect and restore antiques?
  How can we remove epoxy grout residue?
  How can we remove graffiti from our brick wall?
  How can we remove mould?
  How can we remove vinyl or carpet floor glue from the sub-floor?
  How come the colour of our grouting varies?
  I over applied the sealer and now have a dull, sticky residue, what can I do?
  Our Mexican tile floor is worn and dull, what can we do?
  Our concrete floor shows efflorescence powder, what can we do?
  Our leather couch is dirty, what can we do?
  We do not like the colour of our grouting, can we change it?
  We have an oil stain in the natural stone, what can we do?
  We have chewing gum in the carpet, what can we do?
  We have scratches in our marble, can that be fixed?
  We need to replace the silicone seal around the bathtub, what is the easiest way?
  We spilled wine on our marble, what can we do?
  We would like to paint our walls, what do we do?
  What are impregnating or penetrating sealers?
  What can I use to clean gold plated faucets?
  What can we do about dirty awnings or garden umbrellas?
  What can we use to clean dulled / tarnished silver products?
  What do you have to hide cracks or chips in ceramic tile?
  What floor surfaces need protection from dirt or wear?
  What sealer do we use, where, and how much?
Can we make our ceramic tile less slippery?
When a choice of flooring is made, it is most important not to make decisions based on looks and colour only, but also to consider the use of the area. Many "glossy" products, like polished marble, high shiny ceramic tile, and also vinyl surfaces can make surfaces a skating ring, specifically when wet. If your floor is slippery, we suggest that you first change your floor cleaning detergent, and clean once with a suitable floor stripping detergent for whatever flooring you have, meaning Vinyl Floor Stripper, Marble Stripper, etc.. These products will not damage the flooring, but simply remove whatever should not be on the surface to begin with, like polishes, waxes, dirt’s, but also residues from household cleaners, leaving a completely "bare" surface. If your floor is still slippery, then it is time to take action. Our assortment includes HG Permanent Anti-Slip, an etching product that will "attack" the glaze of ceramic, enamel, marble and other similar products, having as a result a less glossy, therefore less slippery surface. HG assortment also includes thorough cleaner and floor stripping agents for all various floor coverings.
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Can we use vinegar to clean marble floors?
No, most definitely not. Marble and other calcareous natural stones, like travertine, limestone and terrazzo will be dulled by the use of acids. Vinegar is a mild acid. Vinegar has no dirt-lifting capabilities, and ... belongs in salads! In order to maintain the luster that most consumers like about their marble, use only specifically developed cleaning agents to ensure both gloss and protection. HG Marble Neutral Cleaner, HG Marble Wash & Shine , HG Stone Floor Soap , HG Marble Bathroom Cleaner and HG Marble Stripper.
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Do all impregnating sealers smell like petroleum?
As the base of solvent sealers is "oil", therefore only most solvent sealers smell like petroleum. Being of oil-base, and oil being a product that is able to penetrate surfaces deep, solvent sealers offers great endurance and longevity, but have the scent as a negative. Solvent sealers are best protectors from water based dirt. Fluor carbon products on the other hand, are so called water based (borne) products that virtually have no scent, but have as negative that surfaces are not penetrated as deeply, and therefore do not offer great endurance. Waterborne sealers offer best protection from oil, fat and greases, HG Top Protector and HG Stain Protector.
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Do you have an environment friendly enzyme drain opener?
Yes, we do HG Enzyme Drain Maintainer, is a liquid drain opener based on enzymes (bacteria that break down proteins), a usually slower but more environment friendly way of dissolving clogged drains in kitchen and bathroom sinks. The Enzyme Drain Maintainer, when used from time to time, will keep internal piping clean and therefore avoid blockages. For faster action we have HG Liquid Drain Opener, a biodegradable and also septic safe product. This product may safely be used in urinals, bidets and toilet bowls, as when applied, the temperature only raises by 5-10%, therefore eliminating the risks of ceramic or enamel cracking.
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Do you have anything to remove stickers?
Residues from stickers can usually not be removed with regular household cleaners, but need the help of a solvent. HG Sticker Remover is a solvent that offers great help to remove stickers, asphalt stains from concrete, ballpoint ink, lipstick, rubber scuffs, tar, tape, car undercoating, and also spray snow.
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Does grout in between tile and stone need sealing?
Grout, in most cases is a cementuous material that fills the gaps between floor- and wall tiles. These gaps are necessary to account for any size differences between tiles and stones. Grout between floor tiles is usually calcareous material, silica sand and colour pigments. Wall grouting usually does not contain silica sand. Being as absorptive as sand and calcium, when not protected dirt and liquids will easily penetrate grouting. When made wet, the dirt’s are usually transported further into the grouting. Only the use of a specific grout cleaning material is usually able to lift the dirt from the grouting. However, in order to prevent grouting from taking on dirt, it is imperative to apply the best possible grout sealer. In cases were the floor consists of an absorptive stone or tile, the use of a higher quality penetrating sealer will not only protect the tile or stone, but also the grouting. Only epoxy grouting does not require sealing. Within HG assortment we have HG Grout Protector and HG Super Grout Protector
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How can I remove a water ring from our hardwood / antique table or floor?
Specifically older untreated but even varnished hardwood surfaces can take on moisture that leaves light or white stains or rings. Varnishes or lacquers will dry out, and tiny cracks can leave the wood underneath exposed to dirt and liquids. When a wet cup or something hot is put on such a surface, white rings or white haze can form. Sometimes they will disappear by themselves, but often they need help. HG Meubeline, available for dark coloured and for lighter coloured wood surfaces, will feed the colour back into the wood. Often this can be achieved with a single application, but older stains might require several treatments, eventually blending the stain. We suggest protecting treated surfaces with HG Hardwood Polish, or waxes to avoid future staining. When moisture stains have turned from white to black, the moisture has caused the wood to rot in that area. In that case only sanding and refinishing will help.
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How can hard water residues be removed from tile and bath tubs?
The gritty residue that builds up on shower walls, tubs, sinks, shower doors and plastic curtains is caused by calcium in the water, better known as lime deposits or hard water deposits. To remove these residues, an acid is needed. As the residues in these locations is seldom only calcium, but most often combined with soap residues and body oils, an simple acid is often not enough to do the clean up. HG Hagesan Blue, is a mixture of chemicals, specifically developed for the removal of the above problems. (Not suitable on marbles or other calcareous stones, here use HG Marble Cement & Lime Film Remover) Once the residues have been removed we suggest going to a more moderate cleaning agent to maintain the clean and sanitary look, HG Shower & Washbasin Spray, HG Scale-Away or HG athshine.
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How can we clean copper and brass?
Copper and brass may safely be cleaned with HG Copper Shine Cloth. When a cleaning cloth alone is not enough, HG Copper Shine Polish may be used to hide scratches and to protect from tarnishing. Larger and awkward object of copper, brass and bronze can best be cleaned HG Copper Shine Shampoo, before protecting with HG Copper Shine Polish.
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How can we clean dirty wall paper?
Ensure that the wallpaper is vinyl coated and suitable to be washed. HG Intensive Cleaner is suitable for plastic, paint and wallpaper, and will remove finger marks, nicotine and many other types of dirt, leaving your wallpaper look like new. Ink and marker, as well as some other types of dirt might require HG Sticker Remover.
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How can we clean fireplace door glass?
Besides getting to the dirty glass, for which often many screws have to be removed, most common glass cleaners are not able to remove the baked on soot from flames to the glass, and possibly leave residues that again will bake to the glass when the fireplace is turned on. HG Stove Glass Cleaner is specifically developed to clean the dirty glass from cooking stoves and fireplace inserts.
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How can we get our marble to shine again?
Like all surfaces, marble and other natural stones, will wear and therefore slowly lose their luster. Sand, shoes, shopping carts, dragging of furniture are all factors that will cause dulling and damage. With marbles and other calcareous natural stones, like travertine, limestone and terrazzo, there is also another factor that can cause surfaces to dull, namely the use of unsuitable cleaning agents. Depending on the damage to the marble, it may be able to be restored. Some restoration may not be able to be done by the un-trained. Removing deep scratches should be left to a specialist, who will use a sequence of diamond disks to grind and polish until the damage has been repaired. Slight dulling because of the use of unsuitable cleaning agents can often be done by the home owner with medium to excellent results, or by applying HG Marble Shine Finish. HG has developed a "step" program with very detailed instructions, guiding people with simple steps to achieve results. (see Marble & Natural Stone Restoration / Step program.
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How can we get rid of finger marks on stainless steel?
No matter how good a cleaning job is done with most household cleaners, finger marks do not seem to disappear. Our hands and fingers leave an acidic residue that most cleaners do not respond to. The trend for stainless steel refrigerators, cooking stoves, countertops, barbeques and range hoods in modern homes required new cleaning agents. HG Stainless Steel Quick Shine, will clean and leave no trace of finger marks.
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How can we prevent graffiti from happening again?
Besides getting preventive help from a pit-bull terrier, we offer a sealer to be applied over surfaces. We suggest, even if there is no graffiti present, to clean the surface first with an appropriate cleaner or graffiti remover, to ensure a completely clean and absorptive surface. Then apply HG Anti Graffiti Coating, leaving a dense layer of protection within the surface.
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How can we protect and restore antiques?
Specifically wooded antique objects that show fading, stains or dull can be restorer and should again be protected. Old layers of wax or polish can be removed with HG Furniture Wax Remover. White water stains can be restored by feeding the colour back into the wood by applying HG Meubeline. One application might be enough, but also several applications might be needed depending on the severity of the stain. Larger areas of fading could be treated with HG Hardwood Garden Furniture Restorer that will restore the natural colour, is easy to apply and offer long term enhancement. For more topical enhancement and protection HG offers a thick HG Bees Wax, in 3 colours, dark brown, yellow or white, for extra gloss. HG Liquid Antique Wax, in 2 colours, dark brown and yellow, that offer a hard dirt-repellent glossy layer, based on Carnauba waxes.
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How can we remove epoxy grout residue?
In order to avoid sensitive cementuous grouts from soiling, sometimes epoxy grouting is used. Epoxy is a by product from oil, that offers great protection from dirt, mould and mildew, and is often used in commercial, industrial and institutional uses, like in between tiles around swimming pools, commercial kitchen applications, car showrooms, etc.. Because most surfaces have some absorption, when grouting with epoxy, some of the material will "wash" into the pores of tiles, like porcelain or others. When not cleaned up immediately, the coloured residue in the pores will be either impossible or most difficult to remove. We suggest HG Spot Stain Remover Recommendation: when epoxy grout is to be applied, ensure that the surface be sealed with HG Porcellanato Protector prior to application of epoxy grouting, to ensure easy release of residues.
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How can we remove graffiti from our brick wall?
Waking up one day to discover that something you own was smeared up with graffiti is disturbing. In case where solvent paints where used, and depending on what sort of surface this was applied, is the most difficult. In most cases paint strippers or other solvents are needed, and sometimes using the appropriate solvent or stripper can also damage or dull the surface. Water based graffiti is easier to remove with cleaners. In either case we offer HG Graffiti Remover; a water based cleaner that has proven to be an excellent product. When applied over the surface, and left to activate, best results can be achieved by using water pressure to "blast" the graffiti out of the stone.
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How can we remove mould?
Mould and mildew are caused by warm and moist air, and develop quickly on a great variety of surfaces, like textiles, canvas tents, awnings, but also in the grouting between bathroom tiles, silicone seals around tubs and sinks. HG Mouldspray is extremely effective to remove mould and mildew from grout, silicone, plaster, drywall and rubber, and offers long lasting results. To attack mould and mildew on textile and canvas products use HG Stain Away for Mildew in Textiles.
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How can we remove vinyl or carpet floor glue from the sub-floor?
In order to install new flooring, the old flooring, including the glue needs to be removed. If neglected, a subfloor with glue residues might not only be un-even, but even repel new adhesives from other flooring. When installing ceramic or natural stone over subfloor that had carpet or vinyl flooring previously, the subfloor needs to be reinforced and often the contractor will apply extra plywood or wire-mesh over which to install the tile or stone. If new carpet or vinyl is to be installed, we suggest removing the old carpet or vinyl, scraping as much as possible glue with a putty knife or such. Then apply HG Glue Remover to dissolve the balance of the glue residue, leaving a surface clean enough to install carpet or vinyl with new glue.
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How come the colour of our grouting varies?
Uneven grout colour can be caused by several circumstances; 1. If grouting was mixed too thin, or diluted further while in the grouting process. 2. If too much water was used to remove grout residues after grouting, or removed too quickly. Under no circumstances are HG Grout Protector and HG Super Grout Protector able to discolour grouting, but they might possibly enhance and already uneven grout colour.
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I over applied the sealer and now have a dull, sticky residue, what can I do?
Penetrating sealers can only be left on the surface as long as absorption of the stone is available. When left too long, and the stone has absorbed all it can handle, any surplus of the sealer has no other place to go then dry up on top of the surface, therefore leaving a sticky and dull appearance. It is therefore important to follow manufacturer directions. These residues can and need to be lifted with a solvent cleaning agent, like HG Spot Stain Remover. Removing the residue with a solvent will normally not affect the protective capabilities of the sealer within the stone, but only lift the residue.
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Our Mexican tile floor is worn and dull, what can we do?
Mexican tile and terra cotta are usually very soft man-made materials, that need a protective sealer. Now-a-days, most Mexican tiles are offered pre-sealed. In the past most Mexican Tiles were sold "raw" or un-sealed. Depending on the manufacturer or tile dealer, various sealers were offered for use. In most cases the consumer does not know what sealer was applied in the past. In order to avoid a new coat of sealer being repelled by the old sealer, we suggest the following safe way to restore your Mexican Tile surface. Ensure that the surface is completely clean and free from dirt and dust, by first sweeping or vacuuming, and subsequently cleaning with HG Cotto Remover. Upon drying, one or more coats, at right angles from each other, may be applied from HG Cotto Shine Seal. HG Cotto Shine Seal is an acrylic polymer polish that will bond with any sealer previously applied, leaving a from a satin sheen finish to higher gloss depending number of coats applied. To ensure proper cleaning and protection us: HG Cotto Clean & Shine.
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Our concrete floor shows efflorescence powder, what can we do?
Moisture from the ground and other areas activate minerals within cement and concrete. These minerals show on the surface of cement and concrete surfaces by leaving a white powdery residue, that even after sweeping or mopping will return quickly. Within HG assortment HG Limex will offer great and long-lasting results.
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Our leather couch is dirty, what can we do?
Like many surfaces leather will take on dirt and stains. Not all stains left in leather for lengthy periods of time can be removed. HG Leather Deep Cleaner will clean many leathers very well, and might possibly remove all the stains. This product is not suitable for nubuck and suede. New leather surfaces, including nubuck and suede should be protected from dirt’s by spraying HG Leather Guard. To keep leather surfaces flexible and protected, HG Leather 4 in 1 may be applied (not suitable for nubuck and suede).
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We do not like the colour of our grouting, can we change it?
Yes, but only if it is regular cementuous grouting, and not epoxy, the colour of the grouting can be changed, unless the grouting was sealed with a grout sealer. We do not recommend changing the colour of grouting in between porous natural stones and marbles, to avoid staining of the stone or tile because of the grout colourant. In order for grout colourants to be able to bond to grouting, it is most important to clean existing grout with HG Grout Cleaner. HG offers 4 colours of HG Grout Colourant, complete with tools and simple and clear directions. Upon completion and drying, we suggest sealing the cleaned and coloured grouting with HG Grout Protector or HG Super Grout Protector.
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We have an oil stain in the natural stone, what can we do?
When an oil stain has occurred in a natural stone surface, like a granite countertop, or a slate floor, it is most important NOT to use any regular household detergent to try and clean, as these are not able to lift oil, grease and fats, but the use of these will most likely transport the stain deeper into the stone. Oils can normally only be retrieved by the use of a solvent cleaning agent. Solvents, being also made from oil, are able to "dilute" oil stains, and then with the help of brushes and wet-vacuum cleaners, oil dirt’s can be retrieved most often. Where oil stains have penetrated very deep, the use of a solvent poultice can otherwise help out. A solvent poultice, while penetrating into the surface, forms a protective crust on top of the surface, therefore reducing moisture loss. Poultice have a very long action time, but are often better on only smooth surfaces, to avoid leaving residues of the poultice in the surface itself. HG offers HG Spot Stain Remover and HG Oil & Grease Absorber poultice
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We have chewing gum in the carpet, what can we do?
We all know how it feels to have chewing gum on the soles of your shoes. Chewing gum in carpets and other surfaces attracts and hold dirt. It does not take long for some chewing gum residue to show completely black. Most cleaners are not able to attack chewing gum, and therefore alternatives are needed. Like candle wax, also chewing gum can be frozen to a crisp, crumbled with a knife, and then lifted quickly by vacuuming. Instead of using ice-cubes, HG has developed HG Chewing Gum Remover, a gas the instantly freezes chewing gum and allows crumbling and quick vacuuming. HG Chewing Gum Remover has been used successfully on carpets, clothing, etc.
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We have scratches in our marble, can that be fixed?
Yes, almost all scratches can be fixed. The deeper the scratch, the more time and effort it will cost to repair. In case of deep scratches, only the use of several grits of diamond disks is able to restore and slowly grind away the scratch. We suggest calling a professional.
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We need to replace the silicone seal around the bathtub, what is the easiest way?
After many years, silicone seals around bathtubs, shower basins, and sinks will slowly dry out and loose its flexibility, therefore often breaking a watertight seal that it once made. Silicone seals will also slowly loose their colour and fade. All reasons to remove the old silicone seal and replace with fresh seal. Upon trying to remove, one will quickly discover that this is easier said than done. After finally having removed the bulk, a nasty residue is still left on the edges of tub, tile and other surfaces. HG has developed HG Silicone Seal Remover. Upon application of this product with the needed application tools, enclosed, silicone will simply dissolve into a matter that can be wiped up with a wet cloth, and leaves a surface ready for a fresh sealant.
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We spilled wine on our marble, what can we do?
Marble consist basically of calcium carbonate and a variety of other minerals and deposits. Calcium carbonate is easily attacked and dissolved by acids. Wine, like vinegar, many juices, lemonades, and cola’s as well as many household cleaners, contain small quantities of acids that therefore attack the marble and slowly dull it. The concentration of acid in wine is fairly large and therefore quickly damages marble. Besides acid, specifically red wine has a tremendous of dye. When wine is spilled, two problems occur: the dye will stain the marble, and the acid will damage the gloss level. This also means that there is no simple 1 step solution to fix this problem. The red dye in this case will require a bleaching agent, while the "dull ring that is left, will require restoration with either diamond disks, if not polishing powders, or at least crystallization. (See Marble & Natural Stone Restoration)
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We would like to paint our walls, what do we do?
Depending what was is on the wall, steps need to be taken. In case there is wallpaper on the wall, this would need to be removed with HG Wallpaper Remover before painting can be done. If the wall already have paint, they need to be cleaned thoroughly with HG Paint (preparation) Super Cleaner, this will remove all residues from nicotine stains, finger marks, cooking deposits (degreasing), as well other atmospheric dirt. After cleaning surfaces should be checked for other repair work.
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What are impregnating or penetrating sealers?
Penetrating or impregnating sealers can be made from solvent- or waterborne formulas, either on Fluor carbon, silicone or acrylic polymer base. Selection of the appropriate sealer depends on the application requirements. Whatever product chosen will put a barrier within the porous product, therefore eliminating dirt and/or liquid penetration. Within HG assortment we have impregnating sealers for Marble and other calcareous stones, Granite, Quarry tile and slate, Mexican Tile and Terra Cotta.
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What can I use to clean gold plated faucets?
Many surfaces have protective coatings or lacquers to protect from tarnish or finger marks. It is important NOT to use cleaners that attack the coating. HG Bathshine and / or HG Marble Bathroom Cleaner are completely safe for cleaning. Cleaning of gold jewellery is best done with HG Gold Shine Cloth. Tarnished or scratched gold or gold-plated materials and jewellery can be restored with great results with HG Gold Shine Balsam.
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What can we do about dirty awnings or garden umbrellas?
Depending on the dirt and material that the awning or umbrella is made of, we suggest using HG Stain Away for Mildew Stains, on textile or canvas materials to remove mould and mildew stains. For more general cleaning and removal of atmospheric dirt we suggest HG Sunshade & Parasol Restorer. Either product is not able to restore faded colours, but are merely great cleaning agents.
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What can we use to clean dulled / tarnished silver products?
A small quantity of acetone may be used to remove protective polishes, if present. In other cases we suggest cleaning with HG Silver Shine Cloth. Worn or scratched areas of real silver or silver plated can be restored with HG Silver Plating Polish, a milky liquid that contains real silver. Silver and silver plated cutlery and jewellery may also be cleaned by allowing 5 – 10 seconds in HG Silver Fast-Shine Dip. Larger objects of silver or silver-plated can be cleaned by a dilution of HG Silver Immersion Bath. After cleaning we suggest treating objects of silver, silver-plated but also copper and brass with HG Silver & Copper Polish-No-More-Finish, to prevent dulling and blackening.
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What do you have to hide cracks or chips in ceramic tile?
First one should ask how a crack in the tile was able to develop. Unless something heavy was dropped, otherwise the crack would be due to an inferior installation or subfloor. In that case we suggest calling the installer. If the chip or crack was due to something heavy dropping on the tile, improvements can be made. Unfortunately damages usually can not be completely restored, but with HG Tile Edge & Repair Glaze, available in 10 colours, cracks and chips can be made virtually invisible. All required tools included in the kit.
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What floor surfaces need protection from dirt or wear?
Most surfaces can and may be protected by some means, but specifically porous surfaces need protection to avoid staining and liquid dirt absorption. In case of porous flooring materials, we recommend the use of penetrating (impregnating) sealers. Sometimes even surface (topical) sealers are applied over top of penetrating sealer to further protect or beautify.
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What sealer do we use, where, and how much?
Selection of impregnating or penetrating sealers is made based on a variety of factors, including:
  • what to protect from
  • in what circumstance
  • how much longevity is expected or needed.
  • based on allergy or scent sensibility.
  • is change in colour or gloss required or to be avoided.
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