Itaúnas

Techniques for improving Branco Itaúnas

It is a metamorphic rock geologically known as garnet-bearing monzogranite gneiss. Composed of 50–55% alkali feldspar and plagioclase, 25% quartz, and 5–10% garnet (a purple mineral). This material exhibits excellent resistance to chemical attack based on ABNT-NBR 16596:2017. Tests showed resistance of more than 24 hours to the acids covered by this standard. This material is classified as a 6 on the Mohs scale, making it an excellent choice for outdoor areas, countertops, stairs, and sinks. Attention should be paid to these environments during the waterproofing process, as it has pronounced porosity combined with ferruginous minerals such as muscovite, garnet, and pyrite, which can result in yellowish oxidation stains and damage the aesthetic appearance of the coating.

Product technical data

Note: This material can be processed in polished, raw, brushed, honed and flamed textures and depending on the installation location and exposure to water, it is necessary to carry out the hydro-fugitive process more intensely to avoid the appearance of post-installation oxidation.

INFORMATION TO THE MANUFACTURER (marbler)

Branco Itaúnas is an easy-to-use material for marble cutting, gluing, finishing, and installation. These are some of the reasons why it's a favorite among marble workers.

Cutting Method: We recommend the Performace 350 mm OS — 31SS sec saw blade for this purpose. For granite, a 350 mm granite cutting saw from the Diapar DP-1015 brand (supplied by Mello), or another similar one with the same characteristics.

Waterproofing Valle Nevado has medium porosity and oxidizing iron minerals in its chemical/mineralogical composition. Therefore, to ensure its long-lasting aesthetic appearance, a good protection process with water repellents or hydro-oil fugitives is required. This process should occur after the pieces are manufactured, whether countertops, floors, or internal or external thresholds.

Protection recommendation: with the surface clean and dry and with the help of a brush, apply a layer of waterproofing to all surfaces (tops, skirts, countertops, sills and windowsills and floors).

Note: in the case of floors, sills and window sills, it is necessary to waterproof all sides.

Recommended Products: 

In Brazil = Rock Sheid Nano, by Chemistone / Nano Effect, by AKEMI / or Idea Gold, by Bellinzonni.

International: Idea Gold – Bellinzoni, Stain Proof – Alicante, Proseal – Tenax.

Adhesive bonding: to ensure the best adhesion quality, we recommend the following adhesives:

Brazil and abroad: Adhesives such as Fix Top components A and B, Tenax brand, Blitz Mástique, Bellinzonni brand, Marmofiz, Argacon brand.

NOTE: It is important to strictly follow the proportion of glue + catalyst recommended by the manufacturers. In this case, we recommend using a pigment to match the color pattern of the material.

Installation on sink countertops: We recommend installing countertops made of this material with corner brackets every 70 cm. Fixing should be done with gray or black PU40 polyurethane glue. Do not use industrial silicone, as this glue may stain the countertop surface.

Laying internal and external floors: When installing flooring, protect the polished surface and edges with waterproofing to prevent oxidation stains. Installation should be done with white ACIII mortar. After installation, grout with flexible grout, and after the mortar has cured, we recommend applying a layer of waterproofing to the entire area.

Post-installation cleaning and protection: All post-construction cleaning must be carried out using water and neutral detergent to remove residue; the use of acidic detergents is not permitted, as this type of detergent damages the waterproofing protection applied to the parts.

Recommendation: Quartzolit post-construction cleaner, Post-construction floor cleaner detergent – ​​Bellinzonni, PCS Alkaline – Piso Clean, Basic Cleaner detergent – ​​AKEMI brand.