StoneLux® is the proven repair system for artificial and natural stone both indoors and outdoors. Scratches, cracks, fissures or holes can be repaired quickly and are virtually invisible. On this page we have summarized a variety of practical tips and tricks for the professional use of StoneLux® on various materials.
- Working with Transpa Flow material
Transpa-Flow repairs can be more highly polished than standard coloured repair materials. Use Transpa-Flow as the topmost layer on high-gloss, highly polished stone surfaces. The initial yellowish of the liquid material disappears completely after curing. Transpa-Flow is mixable with other repair materials to achieve material transparency. If there are air bubbles in the material, burst them by briefly swirling over them with a gas flame or pierce with a sharp pointed object
- Working with colour materials
Colours have an “earthy” appearance - for a similar colour to that of natural stone. When using black, red or yellow, watch out for a reduced layer thickness or lower depth of penetration and reduced hardening depth. Modern artificial stone can be better matched by mixing with colours from the StoneLux®Tile range; always mix the darker colour into the lighter colour to achieve the right shade (this also leads to less material waste). Hardening (curing) of the repair site through contact with oxygen leads to a matt finish. A shiny gloss finish can be obtained by covering the repair with a transparent foil prior to hardening.
- Working with base material
For deep repair, use a filling material to reduce the depth of the defect.
- Working with crystals
Depending on the condition of the stone, either mix the repair material within the repair site, or sprinkle directly over the surface. Transparent crystals brighten the colour because more light penetrates the material. Mixing the crystals into the repair material will give it a lumpy consistency. A minimum of half the repair crystals must be embedded into the repair material, otherwise they will be torn out during subsequent planning and finishing. In the case of superficial sprinkle-application of the crystals, proceed as follows:
Step 1: Apply a thin layer of the repair material and cure to harden.
Step 2: Apply the second coat, sprinkle the repair crystals over it and cure harden again (ensure that the crystals stay on the surface and do not sink).
- Protective Foil Covering
Always roll out the foil or let it drop gently over the repair surface; do not press or smooth out with your fingers (this prevents underfilling of the repair point). Replace the foil immediately if it is scratched. The foil can also be used as a mixing surface (this allows direct colour comparison on the stone surface itself).
- Diamond Tools (PrepSet)
Always use the instruments at maximum speed for a better processing quality and for less wear on the diamond heads; also do not press too hard and apply at an angle (to further reduce wear).
- Plane
The magnetic holder means that both sides of the blade can be used. Planing from the side reduces wear on the blade and requires less force.
- Cannula/Needles
You can leave the cannulas/needles on the syringes without adversely affecting the repair material even after application (if the point has hardened, simply cut it off and/or replace it).
- Primer
Always close immediately after each use and always store upside down (to ensure efficient use/practise and to reduce material loss, as the primer is liquid and volatile). Prior to the next appplication, remember to check the pen tip for dirt or colour contamination, especially before repairing light-coloured or white stone (if necessary, use a separate, clean pen).
- Polishing Paste
Shake well before use. Always apply with maximum pressure and in a rapid circling motion (for optimal shine).
- Cleaning Solution
Always close immediately after each use (to reduce the loss/wastage because the liquid ethanol is volatile). Also use cleaning solution to clean all instruments.
- Retouching
Always work in, together with StoneLux® repair material (not solvent-resistant).
- Abrasive cloths
Always use moistened cloths (leads to minimal abrasion/wear and gentler work accuracy). For marble, check abrasion resistance in advance and if necessary avoid the use of abrasive cloths with 2400/3200 granulation (this will prevent a possible abrasion halo).
- Work clothing and cloths
Ensure that only "lint-free" textiles are used (no fluff, “fuzz“ or “bobbling“) so there is no contamination while working with invicon product materials.
- Twinlux Do not touch when applying light to the exposed repair material (leads to fixed stains and therefore reduced light output).
- Check type of repair required
Sprinkle the defect (repair area) with water - if it is invisible, use of Transpa Flow will be sufficient. If the defect remains visible, mix with colours and repair fully.
