Care and Maintenance

The B.A.T. range of Tiling Trims is vast yet nevertheless covers trims for nearly any installation purpose.

Whether Ceramic Tiling is completed out of neccessity i.e: to comply with local requirements or out of the desire to create a difference in domestic scenario the intended end result is an installation that looks both professional and one that is appealing to the eye.

However what sometimes begins as an installation that looks first class can end up unsightly and embarrassing to the end user.  Faulty workmanship and/or incorrect maintenance of the installation can spoil and otherwise faultless installation.

Although B.A.T. TRIMS are designed predominantly with the intention of “problem solving” and “dressing up” otherwise bland installations of both tile and other surface finishes the surface finishes offerred are mainly for decorative purpose only.  Proper care must be taken in the maintenance of the trims both during installation and additional preventative maintenance must also occur.

 

PROPER CARE DURING INSTALLATION: 

During the course of trim installation there are two critical points at which utmost care must be taken to avoid damage to the trim.

These are when the trim is cut and during the grouting process.

 

CUTTING:

Cutting of your Tile Trim should generally always be done with a Hacksaw.  Although still a relatively simple method it must be taken into account that the use of trims within an installation is still fairly minimal as opposed to the number of tiles being installed.  A hacksaw balde with btween 28-32 teeth per inch will cut best.  Although Diamond Blades will cut your tiling trims in most cases the speed of the Diamond Blade is too high and will result in molten metal clogging up the blade – not only shortening the life of the blade but also giving an un-even and often unsightly cut. 

 

GROUTING:

Grouting of Tiling works is quite obviously an integral part of any installation.  However some people are unaware that the incorrect application and washing up of grout can harm Tiling Trims within the installation.

Most grouts being cement based are alkaline in nature.  Alkaline substances left on anodised powder coated or chrome plated surfaces for a prolonged time act as an “etch” irrepairably burning the surface of the trim.

Therefore when grouting IMMEDIATELY wipe away excess grout with a clean damp sponge from the finished surface.

 

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND CONSTANT CARE:

It is essential that all surface finished trims are regularly maintained to preserve their finish for an extended period of time.

Although all trims covered in this website have a particular surface finish and those surface finishes alone are generally resilient to damage regular care and cleaning will help maintain not only the quality of the finish but also the appearance.

Cleaning methods can quite often vary depending on the degree of contamination however hand cleaning is always considered the best.

All Anodisied Powder Coated or Chrome Plated finishes should only be washed with warm soapy water.  Fibre brushes may be used to remove loose dirt  and grime however abrasives such as emery and sand paper as well as scotch brite materials should NOT be used.

Additionally acidic or alkaline cleaning agents are not recommended as they can damage the surface finish.

Where greasy or oily deposits are on the surface white spirit ( such as mineral turpentine ) may be used in conjunction with a soft cloth.

No matter which cleaning method is employed all cleaning should be concluded by washing / rinsing with fresh clean water.

If you are unsure of which method to use please contact us.