Frequently asked questions
FAQs : Installation & Maintenance
*MSNSP = Marmiro Stones® Natural Stone Pavers
Cleaning & Removing Stains
Liquid Chlorine
- Wet Surface
- Apply liquid chlorine
- Scrub surface with a hard bristle brush
- Rinse off surface
DO NOT let it dry on the surface.
If this does not work, please contact Marmiro Care® Team.
Phone: 201-285-7015
E-mail: info@marmirocare.com
Use RSR-2000 by Alpha Advantage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the back of the tube.
Liquid Chlorine
- Wet Surface
- Apply liquid chlorine
- Scrub surface with a hard bristle brush
- Rinse off surface
DO NOT let it dry on the surface.
If this does not work, please contact Marmiro Care® Team.
Phone: 201-285-7015
E-mail: info@marmirocare.com
Option 1: GST International Degreaser Pro
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Wet surface
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Apply Degreaser Pro with a pump sprayer
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Scrub surface with a hard bristle brush and let dwell on the stone for three minutes
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Rinse off surface
* NOTE: you may need to repeat this a few times for more stubborn stains
Option 2: Any over the counter degreaser
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Wet surface
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Apply degreaser with a pump sprayer
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Scrub surface with a hard bristle brush and let dwell on the stone for three minutes
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Rinse off surface
* NOTE: you may need to repeat this a few times for more stubborn stains
Use Concrete Dissolver. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wooden furniture marks:
- Liquid Chlorine
- Wet surface
- Apply liquid chlorine
- Scrub surface with a hard bristle brush
- Rinse off surface
DO NOT let it dry on the surface
Plastic / Rubber furniture marks:
- Hot water and a scrub brush
Use a 2000-PSI surface cleaner with a power washing attachment.
Liquid Chlorine
- Wet surface
- Apply liquid chlorine
- Scrub surface with a hard bristle brush
- Rinse off surface
DO NOT it dry on the surface
Use SRW’s Efflorescence Cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use hot water and GST International Clean Concrete
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Scrub surface with hot water, Clean Concrete, and a scrub brush. This step may need to be repeated several times before it removes the marks fully.
Use water and GST International Pro Grade
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Scrub surface with hot water, Pro Grade, and a scrub brush. This step may need to be repeated several times before it removes the stain(s) fully
Prior to power washing, we recommend contacting your sales rep for alternative cleaning methods, such as a surface cleaner, wide-angle wand, certain cleaning solutions, etc. depending on the area of the project and type of cleaning that needs to be done. Should your sales rep confirm power washing is the next step to try, we suggest testing a small sample first, (of sandblasted products specifically) as doing so incorrectly could remove the sandblasted finish on the surface, creating streaks throughout. This is something that would not be noticeable until the area is dry.
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Rule of thumb: A power washer should be used to rinse, not to remove anything.
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The key is to keep the nozzle on a low setting at a reasonable distance, and not too close to the stone.
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It is important to note that power washing can possibly blow out polymeric sand in the joints – the joints may need to be refilled afterward. Refill joints based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use a 3000-PSI power washer with a turbo nozzle. Clean the entire stone “east to west” and “north to south”.
Due to the variables in nature, natural stone can tend to hold moisture, causing water marks. This does not affect the structural integrity of the product and will dissipate over time.
Sealing & Grouting
It is not necessary or required to seal, however, two main reasons why sealing is mainly used is to enhance the stone in color or to protect. You may want to consider sealing if you will be entertaining a lot, cooking, or have a lot of trees around the area.
This will depend on the client. Re-application is based upon client expectations and natural variables such as traffic, sunlight, and weather elements. On average, you should re-seal every 3-5 years. Marmiro Stones is distributors of two sealant brands that have been successful over many years with our product line: GST International and Miracle 511. Upon sealing, the client can choose to seal with an invisible or enhancing sealer – both offer the same protection with a different aesthetic.
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Invisible or enhancing sealer?
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Invisible: A penetrating, yet breathable sealer that does not change the look of the stone.
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GST International Stain Block Elite
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Miracle 511 Impregnator
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Enhancing: A penetrating, yet breathable sealer that will change the look of your stone.
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GST International Wet Look Low Sheen
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Miracle 511 Seal & Enhance
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Of note: You will still see marks from leaves, food, suntan lotion, etc. after sealing. The idea is to seal so the area will be easier to clean, as nothing should be able to penetrate beneath the stone after the fact.
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No — it does not allow the stone to breathe if it is sealed. It is also not necessary to seal the sides of each stone.
No – sealer is applied on site post-installation by your installer or a Marmiro Care team member.
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Tape off the field pavers and cover them with plastic.
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Roll sealers on the borders.
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Next day, tape the borders and cover with plastic.
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Spray the field pavers in a circular motion.
Some helpful tips:
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Seal during a time where there is no rain or strong sunlight.
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Apply the sealer during temperatures above 32°F.
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Wipe up the excess. If you do not wipe the excess sealer that has not penetrated the stone, you will be left with a thin, clear film and the stone will become susceptible to a change in slip co-efficiency.
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Sanded/Unsanded Grout: When using sanded grout, allow for 1/8″ grout joint or more. When using unsanded grout, allow for 1/8″ grout joint or less.
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Polymeric Sand: Any size grout joint is acceptable. Tamping is recommended to consolidate all sand into the joints.
Yes – since the product will be darkened with the enhancing sealer, it is susceptible to retaining a bit more heat. Testing a sample is recommended before making the final decision on the type of sealer to use for your space. We also encourage you to visit our testing (www.marmiro.com/test-results) to view heat testing on our full product line /with and withut an enhancing sealer applied.
Test Results
Always grout clean seal.
- Keep in mind if you are using an enhancing sealer, the grout will be enhanced as well.
Always grout clean seal.
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Keep in mind if you are using an enhancing sealer, the grout will be enhanced as well.
When applied correctly, the sealer will not change the slip co-efficiency of the product, unless purchasing a sealer specifically with the intention of changing the texture.
Working with Your MSNSP
When determining the finished side of the stone vs. the back side of the stone, you will note blade marks and rust on the back side. If this is not clear on some pieces, please consult with your sales rep for clarification.
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It is important to note that there are finishes as part of our product line that have texture / grooves. The bamboo, wave, and sandblasted finishes are the textured sides and should be installed facing out. Since antiqued finishes can be a little tricky in terms of texture, please consider the darker side of the product the finished side, as the finished side gets brushed over after being tumbled in the machines. You can also look out for blade or rust marks as mentioned above, or please contact your sales rep for assistance.
Black Beauty Ultra Fine Sand.
Take a grinder and start with an 80-grit sandpaper, move to a 100-grit sandpaper, and finish off with a 120-grit sandpaper.
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- The deeper the scratch, the lower grit sandpaper that should be used to start off.
- 80-grit will work the scratch out, 100-grit will soften the sandpaper scratches, and 120-grit will buff the area for a finished antiqued / brushed look.
- For a little more of a finish on an antiqued marble specifically, you can work your way up to a 220-grit sandpaper.
- For honed, you can finish with a 320-grit sandpaper.
- For polished, you can finish with a 440-grit sandpaper.
- For sandblasted, it is recommended to eliminate the processes above and touch the area up with a small sandblasting handgun.
• Option 1:Sandpaper. Wrap sandpaper around a wooden block and lightly run along the edge.
• Option 2:Variable speed grinder. Run 60-grit sandpaper lightly along the corner only, avoiding the surface and face of the stone
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For smaller pitting or chips, please contact your sales rep for the best grout match to the product.
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For larger pitting or chips, please contact your sales rep for an on-site glue kit including epoxy glue and hardener (Superior V-Max SV-9). Follow the instructions below:
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Ensure the area is dry and clean. Temperature should be no warmer than 85°
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Take ¼ of the container of glue and mix in a dime size of hardener – the matching stone dust will already be mixed in.
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Mix thoroughly on a flat piece of wood or cardboard with something flat like a putty knife or spatula. Mixing in the container will not allow for everything to mix completely.
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Fill the holes as needed and scrape away the excess. The filler should be dried within 15-20 minutes of application.
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* NOTE: Once the mixture becomes harder and tough to spread, it will no longer be of use and more should be made. Cleaning the tool, (putty knife or other) will help with an even application.
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Should you have any questions on this, please contact your sales rep or Caitlin Gooney at caitlin@marmiro.com.
Use a diamond tip core bit and water.
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Pro tip: Place a piece of plywood on top of your MSNSP and drill through that first and then into the product itself to prevent the stone from chipping upon impact. Using water during this process will also help for a clean cut.
Yes – you can use a tamper on a low setting with a rubber mat or a vibratory roller. Please expect 5-10% chipping or breakage on any sandblasted products after tamping.
Maintaining your MSNSP
Yes – calcium chloride or potassium chloride are recommended. This will be less harsh on the products and not leave a residue behind.
Yes, Any MSNSP will work with radiant heat, no matter the thickness. Follow the instructions of the heating element company.
Use a shovel or snow blower if possible. If a plow is needed, a rubber bottom is recommended.
Your MSNSP straight from the crate will age over time, no matter the color, finish, or application. The aging process will depend on the finish and the natural elements. For example, you will notice more of a difference in your sandblasted product over time than you will your antiqued product, although they will both ultimately age. You will notice a difference within roughly six months to a year post-installation.
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Be sure to ask your sales rep for photos of the product you are considering freshly installed, as well as after a year or two to make an educated decision on which Marmiro Stones product works best for you.
Cleaning and Sealing: The Process
DAY ONE:
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Apply Clean Concrete, then Pro Grade. Use a soft scrub brush where you have deeper marks like rust or excessive dirt.
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Use 200-250° hot water and a 4000 PSI power washer with a surface cleaner – overlap your motions “North & South” and “East & West”. A wand with a 40-degree attachment will be needed to clean 12” from the surface along any walls.
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Clean off dirt / debris with cold water and a spray handle.
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Apply polymeric sand where needed. If there is no mortar joint, no polymeric sand is needed.
DAY TWO:
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The area must be completely dry to apply the sealer. Blow off any leaves, dirt, or debris.
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Use a low-pressure hand pump and apply sealer slowly, moving in a circular motion, (think of the Olympic rings).
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Be sure to wipe up any excess sealer that is left on the surface prior to it drying – all MSNSP’s have low absorption rates, so the sealer may not soak in right away and with one coat. A couple coats may need to be applied for the desired look, specifically with the enhancing sealer. Be sure to wipe away excess sealer in between coats to be sure the slip co-effiency does not change.
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It is important to note that sealer will enhance the color of your grout as well if you have a mortar joint. Grout prior to sealing if desired.
For further questions, concerns, or assistance on your project, please reach out to support@marmiro.com.
To schedule your cleaning & sealing service, please reach out to info@marmirocare.com.
*Please note: This service is primarily available in the Tri-State Area at this time. Scheduling this service in our southern regions may be scheduled further out. If you are inquiring about a project down south, please contact your sales rep directly first to discuss. We look forward to servicing all markets very soon
On Site: Tips and Tricks
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Always inspect materials within 48 hours of delivery to make sure everything is intact. Contact your Marmiro Stones sales rep with any questions or concerns.
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Make note of the QR code labels on each crate, which include English and Spanish installation guidelines, our most recent hardscape catalog, and pattern layouts.
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If French Pattern or Washington Pattern pavers were selected for the project, these must be installed according to the photo exactly for the maximum usage of everything ordered. Not following the pattern will result in a surplus of one specific size leftover when completed.
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When installing any size pavers, be sure to pull from 3-4 crates at a time to properly blend the variations within the product.
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When installing any coping, lay coping out based on color range prior to mudding down to properly blend the variations within the product.
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Be sure to install the selected “finished” side up – the sandblasted, bamboo, and wave finishes are the textured sides. For any questions on this, please reach out to your Marmiro Stones sales rep.
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Butter the entire back of the stone – end to end – with mortar. This will ensure that no water can fill the underside of any of the MSNSP and pop them out of place over time.
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Do not glue your coping on concrete gunite pool bond beam.
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Expansion joints are required in between the pool coping and decking for separate settlement in the coming months, as well as grout in between each coping piece. Failure to have these joints will potentially result in cracking through both areas.
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Veneer with epoxy and mesh on the backside may require grinding down in order to adhere properly.
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A minimum of a ¼” joint is recommended for all driveway paver installations.
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Test a small sample prior to power washing your MSNSP.
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Do not use acid under any circumstances.
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If you plan to seal, be sure to thoroughly clean the area(s).
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Wipe up extra sealer before it dries on the surface, potentially changing the slip co-efficiency.
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Be sure to cover your installed areas with a plastic tarp if possible during the construction process to keep the product clean.