FLEXISTONE
LIGHTWEIGHT BENDABLE STONE
info@theflexistone.com Australia: +61.407.777658 USA: +1.720.297.1652 Thailand +66.80.971.2200
INSTALLATION AND ADHESIVES
INSTALLATION:
Flexistone Veneer can be glued to surfaces using most standard laminate adhesives that have a thick body or foaming quality. Prior to applictaion of the glue clean, brush and de-grease the receiveing surface of dust, oils or any other contaminates. In some installations, and depending on the adhesive used, it may be neccessary to prepare the Flexistone veneer with solvent or recommended primer by the adhesive manufacturer. We recommend making a test area with any adhesive prior to final application.
PRESSING:
Flexistone Veneer has a natural, rough split surface with a tolleranceof up to 2mm. Thickeness equalizing additions protect the veneers from being damaged. Proven are 7mm thick rubber plates with a shore grade of 50 and a tempurature resistance of at least +80 degrees Celcius, press time is approximately 6 minutes. Depending on the press configuration, the pressure has to be carefully set.
ADHESIVES:
Knowledge of the special adhesives, and the respective surface for which they are recommended, is critical in obtaining superior installation when using Flexistone veneer. We recommend testing the selected adhesive prior to proceeding with installation. Humidity and tempurature of the environment is to be evaluated first. If the applcation is outdoors, consideration to the thermal expansion should be taken into account. Flexistone is a veneer, so it must expand and contract, which is recommended by the adhesive manufacturer, and the bond must be tested by the installer prior to final installation.
RECOMMENDED TYPES OF ADHESIVE AND FILTERS:
- Polyester-based gas filler putties
- Epoxies
- Silicone (with primer only)
- Polyurethane wood glues
- Thick latex-type adhesive, thin set (use only where air drying can take place)
-Construction grade multi-purpose adhesives (eg. Liquid Nails or PL Premium Polyurethane or similar)
Note: The back of the Flexistone Veneer may require a filler-type adhesive in some cases. Polyurethane wood glues work well for most applications to fill gaps. For wet environments such as shower and bathroom applications, the use of epoxy is best.
TILING:
Flexistone Veneer can be used to create a tiled effect by leaving a grout joint between cut pieces of material. Test results have shown the use of water based epoxy grouts work well to fill between the cut veneers. By removing the material just under the grout joint, a deeper grout can be acheived if desired. Epoxy grouts are available in many colors to match or coordinate with the different colors of Flexistone. On final clean up of the epoxy with a sponge, the epocy can also be used to seal and fill the Flexistone surface. It is recommended in the installation that the entire surface of teh Flexistone be sealed with epoxy as a final step to ensure complete satisfaction.
SEALERS:
Flexistone Veneer can be sealed in the similar maner as most slate and/or stone tiles. Please follow manufacturers' instructions for best results. A sealants are offered in varying degrees of luster or sheen, we recommend that you confirm the reflectance prior to complete intallation to get the desired effect.
RESIN, GLUE & SEALERS FOR FLOORING & EXTERIOR APPLICATION
1. POLYESTER RESIN SHEETS (PR):
Flexistone veneer sheets are mainly constituted of fiberglass & polyester resin. There are three kinds of resin, norman sheet grade resin, fire retardent resin, and ultraviolet resin.
2. FR RESIN SHEETS (FR GRADE):
FR resin sheet is made from fire retardent polyester resin. The main constituent of the sheet is resin which in this case is based on Isophthalic resin manufactured by the physical addition of halogenated additives and antomony trioxide to give fire retardent properties with reference IS 6746. This resin has added advantage of chemical resistance to several acid and solvents etc. It is recommended for use where fire hazards are one of the main considerations besides the requirement of chemical corrosion resistance.
3. POLYESTER RESIN SHEETS (TRANSLUCENT UV GRADE):
Flexistone veneer sheets are mainly constituted of fiberglass and polyester resin. Sheets made from Ultra Violet resin are translucent and made from Ultra Violet resin.
4. MONO STONE VENEER:
This material is made with cotton fabric & Ethylene Vinyl acetate copolymer glue which is white emulsion and is water based. The final product is called Mono Stone Veneer because it is 100% eco-friendly and without any solvent based glue. This product is environmentally safe and is very flexible as compared to noemal polyester resin material.
5. STONE VENEER ON MDF & HDF:
Heat Press is required to press stone veneer on MDF/HDF under 10 tons of pressure and 120 degrees Centigrade . Heat to activate the glue for 2-5 minutes for good industrial results. Glues recommended are PU hot melt glue or water based polymer Emusion, also called Ethylene Vynil Acetate polymer glue. The glue can be found in the local market.
Recommended websites for Glues & Sealers:
NOTE: The companies mentioned above are multinationals and the local dealers can be contacted in your area. Websites can be visited for recommended glues for fiberglass and polyester resin sheet application on MDF & HDF. Companies may recomend white emulsion polymer gkue or polyurethane foaming glue or polyurethane double component non foaming glue, depending on the hot press
machine available with the user.
6. STONE VENEER ON CONCRETE OR MORTAR, CEMENT, PLASTERED WALL OR GYPSUM BOARD, EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR:
Epoxy based grouts available in the market with flexible component are recommended. Contact the local dealer/engineer of the area or visit these websites www.mapei.com or www.laticrete.com or local suppliers of similar products.
7. THE SELF ADHESIVE STONE VENEER:
The self-adhesive Flexistone product is coated with pressure sensitive glue. The oressure senstitive glue paper is available from Germany and can be made available on request.
8. SEALERS & IMPREGNATORS:
A the stone veneer needs sealer & impregnators for stain and scratch protection. The sealer and impregnators available in the market are polyurethane matte or glossy, water based sealers and impregnators, solvent based sealers and impregnators or silicone based sealers and impregnators. All these sealers are similar to the ones used in sandstone and slate industries. Please visit www.miraclesealant.com, www.wacker.com or www.akemi.com for your local dealer. A stone sealer impregnator is a penetrating sealant that provides protection against both water and oil borne stains. These properties are chemically referred to as hydrophobic and oleophobic effects. The sealing properties normally last for several years. This property is particularly important in confined or occupied areas and in large scale projects where clean air standards are strictly enforced.
9. FLOORING:
Flexistone Veneer with more quartz content is suitable for flooring on MDF & HDF and is being produced at present in Europe and Asia. If samples are are required thet can be forwarded on buyers's courier account.
10. EXTERIOR APPLICATION SEALER COMPANY:
Please vist this website www.lantania.it and request details on TWINSTW (Name of sealer) for exterior application.