Itaúnas

Techniques for improving Branco Itaúnas

Branco Itaúnas is a rock from Medeiros Neto – BA, Brazil. It is a metamorphic rock geologically classified as garnet-bearing monzogranite gneiss, composed of 50–55% alkali feldspar and plagioclase, 25% quartz and 5–10% garnet (a purple mineral). It shows excellent resistance to chemical attack under ABNT NBR 16596:2017, with tests showing resistance above 24 hours to the acids covered by the standard. It is rated 6 on the Mohs scale, which makes it an excellent choice for outdoor areas, countertops, stairs and sinks. In these areas, attention should go to waterproofing, since it has marked porosity combined with iron-bearing minerals such as muscovite, garnet and pyrite, which can cause yellowish oxidation stains and damage the appearance of the surface.

Product technical data

Note: this material can be supplied in polished, natural, brushed, honed and flamed finishes. Depending on the installation site and exposure to water, a more intensive water-repellent treatment is needed to prevent oxidation after installation.

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 Performance 350 mm OS – 31SS segmented saw blade for granite, the Diapar DP-1015 350 mm granite saw blade (supplier: Mello), or a similar blade with the same characteristics.

Waterproofing Branco Itaúnas has medium porosity and iron-bearing, oxidizing minerals in its chemical/mineralogical composition. To keep its appearance over time, it needs good protection with water repellents or oil-based water repellents. This should be done after the pieces are fabricated, whether countertops, floors, or indoor or outdoor thresholds.

Protection recommendation: with the surface clean and dry, use a brush to apply a coat of sealer to all surfaces (tops, aprons, backsplashes, thresholds, 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 in this material on support brackets every 60 cm, fixed with white PU40 polyurethane adhesive. Industrial silicone must not be used, as it can 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.