Smaltochimica presents Smaltoclean

This line of products for the treatment of lapped and polished surfaces is capable of restoring stain resistance performance and reducing the sensitivity to chemicals.

In recent years, ceramic tiles have evolved from the status of a commodity to a material that combines powerful aesthetic impact with the highest levels of technical performance. This change is attributable both to digital decoration and to the advent of large sizes and surface finishing treatments such as lapping and polishing.

Porcelain tiles stand out for their exceptional technical performance such as mechanical strength, chemical resistance, durability and stain resistance.

However, the polishing process often leads to a significant deterioration in terms of cleanability. Polishing, and to a lesser extent lapping, removes a few microns from the surface layer, opening up the micro-porosity typical of both glazed and unglazed porcelain. If they are not adequately protected, these open pores are easily attacked by dirt and chemical and physical agents, compromising the integrity of the product.

With this in mind, Smaltochimica has developed Smaltoclean, a complete line of products for the treatment of lapped and polished surfaces capable of restoring stain resistance performance and reducing the sensitivity to chemicals typical of porcelain tiles. Smaltoclean products significantly improve the treated surface’s resistance to coloured, acid and alkaline staining without leaving rings or altering the gloss level or sheen.

The range consists of:

• an acid pickling agent that prepares the surfaces by removing residues left from the polishing process and creating micro-roughness that ensures excellent adhesion of subsequent treatments;
• specific colloidal-based treatments which fill and seal open porosities;
• a series of dyes that can be added to protective treatments to enhance the finishing of dark coloured products;
• innovative formulations capable of producing an in-situ post-vitrification process in a small thickness which restores the integrity of the surface compromised by polishing treatments.