Conditions
Duty of Care
The client has a duty of care for the product once it is in their possession. If a client damages the product (including, but not limited to chipping, scratching or staining) once it is in their possession, the client is responsible for this and it is not a product fault. We do not offer exchange, replacement, return or refund for a product damaged by the client
Each piece has a unique colour variation, pin-holing (surface holes) surface variation. These characteristics have no bearing on the structural integrity of the concrete piece. Clients should expect colour, feel, finish, and aesthetic of their final product to look different from photos. As Concrete is a natural and hand-crafted material, colour and batch variance should be expected. No two products will be exactly the same. This is due to different formwork and mouldings, different pouring techniques, projects being processed and sealed differently. All of these factors, along with environment, material and supplier changes, could effect the final colour and finish.
No ongoing maintenance is required when a client looks after their concrete product. The below advises on the best way to protect and maintain your original concrete product.
Scratching
Do not drag, slide or throw objects on to the concrete piece. This includes (but not limited to) items such as handbags, groceries, washing basket, serving dishes, plates, mugs, chopping boards, boxes, pans or firewood. Scratches in the sealer could occur if this happens. It is best to pick up and place an object down. Be gentle when placing items down or moving them across the piece. Never cut directly onto the piece. Once the sealer is scratched/pierced this is when it becomes more susceptible to staining. By being aware and not putting anything hard, heavy, rough or dragging items across your piece, will help avoid marks or scratches in the sealer. Using items such as place mats, decorative mats or tea towels as a protective barrier can assist. Small stick-on felt pieces can be applied to the bottom of objects to minimize possible scratching. Once scratched, it is not possible to remove this.
Cleaning
Cleaning couldn’t be easier. Damp soft sponge, very mild cleaners or other water-based cleaners are all you need. Do not use products that contain trichlorethane, methylene chloride or have high alkaline/pH levels. Avoid cleaners with a citrus cent, citrus ingredients, acidic based, bleach-based, gumption or Jif. Abrasive cleansers or scrubbers should not be used. Staining/discolouration can occur overtime when using products mentioned (or similar). After cleaning the surface, ensure it is dry before placing objects on top of the surface. Avoid forceful scrubbing if you notice stains or marks as this will result in damage to the sealer.
Staining
We recommend our clients wipe up spills, foods or liquids when they are noticed. Try not to leave spills, foods or liquids on your piece for a period of time. Acidic liquids or products with staining agents such as (but not limited to) lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, oil, red wine, turmeric, coffee etc. can result in staining/discolouration if left on. For products such as cooking oil, hand soap, hand cream, liquid foundation, bio oil, hand sanitizer, flower vase etc, place these objects onto a decorative dish or plate and not directly onto the concrete, that way if they drip down or leak, the dish/plate will catch the residue and not seep into your concrete over time. If staining occurs, the stain is not able to be removed.
Trapping water or other liquids
If you have items such as (but not limited to) a vase, pot plant, hand soap, bottle of oil etc. sitting on your surface, it is best to place something underneath, like a decorative dish or plate. When water or other liquids drip down or through these objects, the water or liquid can become trapped between your concrete surface and the object, with nowhere to go but into the concrete. Depending on the object and type of liquid, once the object is removed, the sealer may be able to breathe out this moisture, but it may also mark or cause discolouration. If you notice areas like this, don’t cover them up, leave them uncovered and try to let the sealer breathe. If this occurs but the markings are still visible, it is not possible to remove this, it has become trapped in the sealer or concrete. For Outdoor Tables, do not place a table cover over your Table, just leave it bare, as covering your table may cause moisture to be trapped.
Heat
Do not place hot pots, hot pans, hot baking trays, hair straighteners etc directly on the surface as this can damage the sealer. Use something like a chopping board or trivet as a barrier.
Hairline cracks.
Hairline cracks are defined as cracks, generally smaller than 1mm in width that do not threaten the integrity or stability of the piece nor prevent the continued and normal use of the concrete product. Hairline cracks are possible and are considered an inherent part of the product, not a defect. It is possible for hairline cracks to occur at any time during the life of the concrete product, but are not a common occurrence