Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the composition of Diamastone?
2. What is the composition of Marmastone?
3. What are the fields of application for Diamastone and Marmastone?
4. Can Marmastone and Diamastone be used for special designs such as symbols and logos?
5. How durable is Diamastone and Marmastone?
6. Can a knife scratch Diamastone?
7. Are Diamastone and marmastone heat resistant?
8. Are Diamastone and Marmastone combustible materials?
9. Will acids and alkalis affect Diamastone?
10. What kind of cleaning agents are used to clean Diamastone and Marmastone?
11. Can Diamastone be used in food preparation areas?
12. Does Diamastone require a sealer?
13. Does Marmastone require a sealer?
14. Can I specify that there be no grout joints between tiles?
15. What should be the minimum size of the joints (mm) for flooring?
16. Can Diamastone and Marmastone be used outdoors?
17. Is SMDS an environmentally concerned company?
18. Can I combine Diamastone and Marmastone with other materials?

Q - What is the composition of Diamastone?

A - Diamastone is a stone surface made from pure, natural quartz. Diamastone offers the natural beauty of quartz with up to six times the strength and durability of granite. Approximately 95% of Diamastone is mined quartz crystals, one of nature's hardest materials. Quartz is combined with high-quality engineered polyester resins and pigments to produce a natural stone without the high maintenance.

Q - What is the composition of Marmastone?

A - Marmastone is a stone surface made from natural marble. Its composition is approximately 95% marble chips and or dust, mixed with engineered polyester resins and color pigments to produce a product that is more resistant to scratches and abrasion than marble in its natural form.

Q - What are the fields of application for Diamastone and Marmastone?

A - Fields are:

Flooring
Kitchen countertops (Diamastone only)
Bar tops
Bathroom vanities and shower walls
Interior wall cladding
Staircases – treads and risers
Windowsill skirting
Tables, desks, furniture tops, etc
Fountains, planters, columns
Wall bases and transition thresholds
Fireplace panels
Commercial transaction tops

Q - Can Marmastone and Diamastone be used for special designs such as symbols and logos?

A - Diamastone and Marmastone are ideal for water jet cutting, with quite spectacular results. Intricate patterns can be cut to form pieces of art that can be installed as feature areas in applications such as corporate logos on walls and floors. Using an AutoCAD system, you can create a pattern which can be reproduced. The high-pressure water provides the cleanest and sharpest edge to allow for a very thin grout joint or brass strip inserts.

Q - How durable is Diamastone and Marmastone?

A - Diamastone and Marmastone are resistant to cracking and chipping. Diamastone is also resistant to staining and scratching.

Q - Can a knife scratch Diamastone?

A - It is always recommended to use a cutting board as the quartz surface will dull the knife blade.

Q - Are Diamastone and marmastone heat resistant?

A - Diamastone and Marmastone are more heat resistant than most stone surfaces. However, not unlike stone material, sudden and rapid temperature changes can affect the surface. Therefore, we suggest that hot pots and pans not be placed directly on the surface. We recommend the use of hot pads or trivets when using electrical cooking appliance and hot pans. Although our products are deemed heat resistant, damage can occur from extremely hot pots or repeated exposure to high heat.

Q - Are Diamastone and Marmastone combustible materials?

A - Marmastone and Diamastone are non-combustible surfaces and rate as Class A-1 according to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.

Q - Will acids and alkalis affect Diamastone?

A - Only the acids between pH 1-3 and alkalis between pH 11-14 cause damage on the Diamastone surface. Please note that the acids and alkali of these values are, dangerous and harmful and are not readily available outside of laboratory conditions. When exposed to acids and alkali of other values for less than 24 hours, no trace of any damage has been observed.

Q - What kind of cleaning agents are used to clean Diamastone and Marmastone?

A - In cleaning floors, the first step is to remove any dust or dirt by dry sweeping and vacuum cleaning. Neutral detergents should be used in daily care. In cleaning counters, simply wipe with hot water and a neutral detergent using a damp cloth. Grease, grime, and make-up spills will easily be removed. Just ensure to use non-abrasive cleaners. A little elbow grease can go a long way in removing even the most stubborn food stains. To remove adhered material such as gum, nail polish and even dried paint – scrap off excess with a plastic knife, and then use a damp cloth to remove all excess residues.

Q - Can Diamastone be used in food preparation areas?

A - Diamastone is non-porous and is perfectly suited for kitchen and food preparation areas. Quartz surfacing is free of mold and bacteria; and therefore is ideal for such applications in hotels, restaurants and homes.

Q - Does Diamastone require a sealer?

A - Since Diamastone is non-porous, a sealer is not recommended. A stone impregnator is recommended for light colors and textured surfaces.

Q - Does Marmastone require a sealer?

A - Since Marmastone is marble based, a topical finish is recommended as a protective barrier against attack from acids, alkali, salts and harsh cleaning products.

Q - Can I specify that there be no grout joints between tiles?

A - Butt joining the tiles is not recommended.

Q -What should be the minimum size of the joints (mm) for flooring?

A - Recommended grout joints to be 2-5mm for the products 300x300mm size, whereas 5mm for 600x600mm products.

Q - Can Diamastone and Marmastone be used outdoors?

A - Some have installed Diamastone and Marmastone outdoors, but we do not recommend the application as our materials have not been approved for prolonged exposure to atmospheric agents and UV rays.

Q – Is SMDS an environmentally concerned company?

A – We at SMDS are committed to protecting the environment and to the responsible use of natural resources. We are acting on this commitment by working with manufacturers and suppliers that adopt eco-friendly processes and policies. For more information please follow the Eco Facts link.

Q – Can I combine Diamastone and Marmastone with other materials?

A - Diamastone and Marmastone can be used in combination to achieve spectacular results.