Sealer
Our products are sealed with a water based, high performance sealer that chemically reacts with the concrete to create a harder, more resistant surface.
It is the most technologically advanced and up to date sealer available on the market with the added benefit of ultra low VOC making it also a green choice. The sealer requires periodic recoating every 3-5 years, however this is ultimately dependent on the wear and care of the product
Short Term Care
Within the first month the sealer is still curing as it acclimates in its new environment. During this initial month it is imperative that any water or liquids on the surface are wiped up immediately as it can be more prone to staining if not cared for and cleaned properly.
By taking extra care in this first month and getting into a routine of how to care for the piece, it will ensure that the piece remains beautiful for years to come.
A very light coat of coconut oil can be applied after installation to give the piece additional protection against stains. Subsequent light coatings of coconut oil can be applied every few months to support the longevity of the product.
Cleaning
Cleaning of the product is simple. Please use a damp soft sponge/microfibre cloth with very mild cleaners or other water-based cleaners. Do not use products that contain trichlorethane, methylene chloride or have high alkaline/pH levels. Avoid cleaners with a citrus cent, citrus ingredients, acidic based, bleach-based, gumption or Jif. Abrasive cleansers or scrubbers such as (but not limited to) 3M scrubbing pads and Scotch-Brite scourer pads should not be used. Staining/discoloration can occur overtime when using products mentioned (or similar).
Please follow the below steps for cleaning:
- Dampen a soft sponge/microfibre cloth and wipe the surface
- Apply a mild ‘Green’ detergent or other water-based cleaner to the surface *please see recommended list below
- Give the surface a light scrub and then heavily rinse with water to remove all excess
- Give the piece another wipe with clean water making sure all the cleaning residue has been removed
- After cleaning the surface, ensure it is dry before placing objects on top of the surface *very important
Avoid forceful scrubbing if you notice stains or marks as this will result in damage to the sealer.
Please see list below of recommended cleaning products:
- Cleaning vinegar and water
- Simple Green
- Stone neutral cleaner
Scratching
Do not drag, slide or throw objects on to the concrete piece. This includes, but not limited to items such as; handbags, groceries, washing basket, ceramic serving dishes, mugs, chopping boards, boxes, pans, and firewood. Scratches in the sealer could occur if this happens. It is always best to pick up and place an object down.
Be gentle when placing items down onto the piece or moving them across the piece.
Never cut directly onto the piece. Once the sealer is scratched/pierced this is when it becomes more susceptible to staining. By being aware and avoiding putting anything hard, heavy, rough or dragging items across your top, will help avoid marks or scratches in the sealer.
Using items such as placemats, decorative mats or tea towels as a protective barrier can assist. Small stick-on felt pieces could be applied to the bottom of objects to minimise possible scratching.
Trapping water or other liquids
If items such as, but not limited to; vase, pot plant, hand soap, bottle of oil etc. are sitting on the surface of the piece, it is highly recommended to place something underneath, such as a decorative dish/plate.
When water or other liquids drip down or through these objects, the water or liquid can become trapped between the surface and the object, with nowhere for the liquid to go but into the concrete.
Depending on the object, once the object is removed, the piece/sealer may be able to breathe out this moisture, however if it has been there for a while or the liquid contains staining agents, it may mark or cause discoloration. If there are noticeable areas like this, do not cover them up, please leave them uncovered and try to let it breathe.
Hairline Cracks
Hairline cracks are defined as cracks, generally smaller than 1mm in width that do not threaten the integrity or stability of the piece nor prevent the continued and normal use of the concrete product. Hairline cracks are possible and are considered an inherent part of the product, not a defect. It is possible for hairline cracks to occur at any time during the life of the concrete product, but are usually not a common occurrence.
Chips
While durable, both concrete and natural stones like marble are ‘brittle’ materials, as opposed to ‘elastic’ materials (since it’s not plastic). Whilst it is difficult to chip, it is possible, so we recommend being careful around the edges. Use extra care with pots and pans around edges.
Heat
As with almost all types of benchtop surfaces, do not place hot pots or pans directly onto the benchtop or chop directly on the piece. Please use trivets or chopping boards.
Staining
Clients should use normal care with respect to water, oil, and food. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible, and immediately for acidic or highly staining agents such as lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, wine and coffee. While the sealer is resistant to a vast array of chemicals there is always a chance something could stain the surface, as it is a natural product.
Weight
Avoid excess weight being placed on the piece (for e.g. standing on the piece). This more so applies for areas with no support underneath such as overhang on a kitchen benchtop, the centre or edge of a dining table top or bench seats.
Additional Guidance
Bathroom
Whilst following the Care & Maintenance Guide for all products, there are a couple of other tips for Bathroom products, in particular areas around cleaning and trapping water and other liquids.
For Integrated Sinks in Bathroom Vanity Tops or Trough Style Sinks, if the sink has a waste plug, it is important not to use strong/harsh cleaning products and to avoid using a rough sponge or scourer to clean the waste. Also avoid forceful scrubbing on or around the sink as this will result in damage to the sealer. How the waste is cleaned will also affect the concrete area around it therefore it is recommended to follow the same steps under the Cleaning section of this guide.
If there is water pooling down the sides or at the bottom of the integrated sink or trough style sink, wipe it dry. This will aid in the long-term appearance of the piece and minimise possible discoloration.
It is important to follow the steps under Trapping Water and Other Liquids to ensure certain objects are not sitting directly on the piece or have some form of decorative dish/plate underneath to minimise the chance of marking or discoloration.
If products are used such as oil-based foundation, oil-based body products, nail polish remover or products with staining agents and they have been spilt on the piece, wipe it up as soon as possible. Leaving this could cause marking, staining or discoloration.
Kitchen
Integrated kitchen sinks and drain grooves/ramp may require ongoing upkeep of these particular elements to ensure they look as new for years to come. Concrete is a product that needs a little extra care to alleviate potential scratches or stains, as it is a sealed natural stone.
This care is more so required when integrated sinks and drain grooves/ramp in kitchens are made as these features are specifically there for draining liquids and foods as well as normally placing heavy, sharp or hot items into/on them. We offer integrated kitchen sinks and drain grooves/ramp that have been designed in a way to be tapered to help drain liquids. However with use, it is more than likely there will still be water pooling. Pooling of certain liquids and foods is what can lead to marking and staining overtime, therefore it is recommended the same precautions and procedures in the Staining section of this guide are taken. Aesthetically they are beautiful features, it is recommended clients assess their needs and if these features are viable options.
Support
Here at Crosini, we truly value our clients and offer lifetime technical advice, support and assistance for all of our products.
After Delivery, Installation or Collection
After the first few weeks/month of your custom piece being delivered, installed or collected, the sealer may still be curing and hardening to provide a tough protective surface, therefore it is highly recommended to take extra care in this first month as per the Short-Term Care section.
By taking extra care in this first month and getting into a routine of how to care for the piece, it will ensure that the piece remains beautiful for years to come.
If trades are scheduled to be onsite, it is important they are informed that the concrete piece should be left untouched with no items to be left on the piece. Trades can often use it as a bench to put their food or tools on, not knowing about the benchtop or product. Please ask trades to stay off the concrete piece.
If the piece is damaged by trades, please refer to the sand and re-seal description below. Should someone scratch, stain or chip the piece, or overtime there is general wear, an option is for us to come out to try and repair the piece.
Firstly, we ask that photos be sent to us. For chips, a grout mix can be created to fill the chip. It will not completely disguise the area but will certainly patch what has been chipped away.
If there are stains or scratches in the piece, in most cases, the piece will need to be sanded back and re-sealed. The sooner we are notified about the above, the higher the chance the repair can be rectified
Continued
If there is noticeable general wear, there is an option for the piece to be rejuvenated to improve the overall look and performance. This is by sanding and resealing the piece.
During the sand and re-seal process, whilst everything will be done to repair the piece and bring it back to its original condition, this will depend on the extent of the damage done to the piece. We will endeavour to repair the piece to the best of our ability. As the piece will be sanded back to a certain point, new variations and pinholes could appear. The sealer would then fill any pinholes.
Warranty
12 month structural warranty – During the first year after installation, Crosini at its sole option, shall repair or replace its product if it fails to maintain functional structural integrity for the intended purpose of the product solely due to a manufacturing defect.
This applies only to Crosini products that have been handled, fabricated, installed and maintained in the manner recommended by Crosini. Hairline cracks, surface scratches and chips are not included as part of this warranty, nor is structural damage caused by severe impact or damage stemming from loss of support and/or excessive deflections by the supporting cabinetry or hardware. Crosini shall have sole and final right to determine whether a warranty claim is valid.