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Are really real stone sheets?
Yes, real natural stone with a resin and fiberglass substrate.
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How is it possible to cut the stone into such thin sheets?
The production is based on a manual process of peeling the stone surface, not of cutting.
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This type of sheets can be obtained from any stone?
No, only from stratified materials that allow the removal of individual surface layers, such as slates, mica and quartzite, sandstones.
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Are there identical sheets?
No, natural stone changes every time. If you order several sheets, they will be taken from the same block of stone and in sequence, to have a greater continuity in the texture. Approximately 500 m2 of material can be obtained from a single block.
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Which are the measures of the sheets?
120x60 cm and for some materials 240x120 cm.
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Which is the thickness of the sheets?
The surface is naturally splitted, therefore variable from 1.5 to 3.0 mm.
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Which tools can be used to cuts the sheets?
Normal tools for wood or for metal, or diamond-coated.
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What can be used for glue the sheets?
Standard adhesives for laminate, possibly creating thickness.
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Can be installed outdoors?
Yes. If under sunrays, the thermal expansion and the type of adhesive used must be taken into account. The sheets are tested for temperatures from -25 ° C to +50 ° C.
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How to install them?
Please see the Installation page.
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Are waterproof?
Yes, but like all natural stone, they absorb water. They can be rendered hydro-repellent with a surface treatment using products such LOTUS and LOTUS EXTRA.
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Are resistant to fire?
Are not flammable. On request, there is also a fire-resistant version up to ~ 400 ° C.
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Can be bended?
Yes, usually with a maximum radius of 35 ~ 40 cm on the 120 cm side.
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Can be backlighted?
For some materials there is a backlit version, with a transparent resin substrate.
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Can be installed and backlit without a support?
The use of a transparent support is always recommended. Semi-transparent synthetic panels better spread light over the entire surface.
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How to glue the backlit sheets to the support?
Using transparent adhesives specific for the support to be used. Spread the adhesive evenly over the entire surface of the support with a smooth spatula.
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How do the backlit sheets can be lighted?
With lamps and light sources possibly not in spots form, to avoid possible color changes over time of the most illuminated areas. Always prefer diffused lighting.
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Are resistant to abrasion?
Some materials, such as slates, are particularly soft and easily scratched. Resistance can be greatly increased by treating the surface with the special scratch-proof product LOTUS EXTRA.
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Can be used for floors?
Theoretically yes, but because of the low thickness and the delicacy of some materials, it is not recommended in high traffic areas. However provide the equalization of the thicknesses by interposing rubber sheets of the type used for the parquet between the material and the floor.
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And for the ceilings?
Surely. In this case, being very light, they are the ideal solution for safety and earthquake protection.
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Can be installed in humid environments, showers, saunas, swimming pools?
Yes. We recommend the LOTUS or LOTUS EXTRA waterproof treatment.
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Is the LOTUS treatment to be renewed?
In case of treatment with LOTUS hydro-oleo-repellent, it is recommended to renew with one hand every two years. In the case of anti-scratch LOTUS EXTRA treatment , the duration is practically unlimited, and must be renewed only in case of strong exposure to wear.
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Does the LOTUS treatment change the color of the materials?
Classic LOTUS does not change the color. LOTUS EXTRA, on some materials, slightly enhancing the color. However, a test on a sample is recommended before treating the entire surface.
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When should the treatment be applied?
Indifferently before or after installation. If applied before, it can prevent accidental stains and scratches.
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How to clean the surfaces?
Use a mild or slightly alkaline and non-aggressive detergent, and a brush, a sponge or a soft brush. Never use rough sponges or abrasive objects. Do not use acids.
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Are the sheets self-supporting?
No, the thickness is too low. Must be glued onto a support.
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What to do in case of accidental damage?
Can be repaired using powder material and glue. Please see the Installation page..
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How to get 45 ° edges?
It is preferable to glue the sheets on a support and then cut the support to obtain the parts to be joined at 45 °. If necessary, finish the edges with very fine sandpaper.
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Is it necessary to leave joints between sheets?
Normally no. Leaving joints or installing sheets in contact depends on personal taste. If high temperatures are expected, for example in the case of dark materials installed outdoors in very hot and sunny areas, Joints can be used to manage the linear thermal expansion.
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How much does a sheet weigh?
It depends on the material. On average, a 120x60 cm sheet weighs about 1.5 ~ 1.6 kg (~ 2 kg / m2).
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Which are the tolerances in sheet sizes?
Typically 1 ~ 2 mm in the two dimensions, and 1 ~ 2 degrees on the vertices.
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How are the sheets packaged?
Usually in cardboard boxes, for a maximum of 20 sheets per box of 120x60 cm, and of 5 sheets of 240x120 cm.