HOW TO ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PROTECT A MOSAIC WITHOUT CHANGING ITS ASPECT
Index:
- Why it is important to protect a mosaic with a sealant or a water repellent?
- Elements to consider before choosing a product for sealing and waterproofing a mosaic
- How to protect a mosaic – Winkler Skermo Terrazze
- How to treat a mosaic with Winkler Skermo Terrazze – application
Why it is important to protect a mosaic with a sealant or a water repellent?
Mosaics are a pure form of art, they require precise knowledge, creative inspiration, commitment and talent, as well as a huge amount of time. All of these factors lead to real artworks, unique pieces made also to last centuries. These artworks can be extremely beautiful, as well as fragile and delicate. Many factors can come into play damaging or ruining a mosaic if not properly protected and treated. The most common are water, moisture, bacteria, and algae. Furthermore, nowadays more and more mosaics are crafted and intended for external use, which makes their protection a key point in order to achieve long-lasting properties.
Elements to consider before choosing a product for sealing and waterproofing a mosaic
When selecting a product for treating and waterproofing a mosaic, there are several crucial elements to consider. Mosaic artists meticulously choose different types of smalti, tiles, or glass, understanding that each material possesses unique properties and contributes to a distinct final result. Similarly, the colours of the mosaic tiles are chosen specifically to achieve the intricate pattern and finishing idea envisioned by the artist.
For these reasons, two very important elements to consider before choosing a sealant are:
- Ensure the product doesn’t alter the colours of the mosaic tiles, especially porous ones.
- Confirm the product doesn’t create a “pellicula” (a visible film or layer) on the mosaic surface.
It’s fundamental that the mosaic’s appearance remains exactly the same as it was before the treatment.
How to protect a mosaic – Winkler Skermo Terrazze
Skermo Terrazze is a sealant and water-repellent developed by Winkler Waterproofing Systems, an Italian waterproofing company with over 30 years of experience.
Extremely easy to apply, Skermo Terrazze protects the mosaic for over 10 years.
Its main features are:
- Ready to use and easy to apply
- Water-repellent treatment for the mosaic’s external use
- Deep penetration properties for more than just a surface protection
- Protection against saline atmospheres
- Protection against efflorescence, algae, bacteria
- 100% solvent-free, no mask required
- 100% Made in Italy
How to treat a mosaic with Winkler Skermo Terrazze – application
Skermo Terrazze is applied with a roller or brush on the entire surface, insisting on the grout lines. Fifteen minutes after the application, use a clean cloth to remove any excess product that hasn’t been absorbed. Protect the mosaic from water for 18 hours after application. Winkler Skermo Terrazze is used worldwide. This video, made in collaboration with the famous mosaic artist Silvia Jencinella, shows the extremely easy application procedure.
