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Marble Surface

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • WHAT IS FORMULA 131?
    Formula 131 is a revolutionary water-based, breathable coating that offers exceptional protection for natural stone surfaces. This innovative formula creates a thin, durable layer that protects against acid etching from common household agents that can cause damage, such as lemon juice, vinegar, and coffee. Additionally, Formula 131 prevents surface staining from everyday items like red wine, ketchup, and mustard. Its unique composition ensures that the natural beauty of the stone is preserved while providing unparalleled defense against both etching and staining substances.
  • WHAT PROTECTION DOES FORMULA 131 PROVIDE?
    · An “invisible” seal that does not significantly alter the stone’s natural color, shading, or feel. · Anti-etching protection · Stain protection · Water Protection · Acid rain protection (for external applications) · Environmentally safe (no harmful emissions or VOC’s) · Anti-graffiti properties · Food Safe
  • HAS FORMULA 131 BEEN INDEPENDENTLY TESTED?
    Yes – See PDF for complete summary of independent testing.
  • IS FORMULA 131 PATENTED?
    US Patent, Patent No. US 10,532,956 B2, issued date January 14, 2020. A Patent has also been filed in the EU.
  • WHAT DOES FORMULA 131 PROTECT AGAINST?
    Formula 131 protects against acidic substances that could spill and etch or stain the surface of your marble, such as common household items such as lemon juice, vinegar, coffee, soy oil and Formula 409, ketchup, mustard, cooking oils, and more. This coating prevents any of these products from penetrating your stone for at least 24 hours and protects your investment in your or your customers’ homes.
  • IN THE EVENT OF A SPILL, HOW LONG WILL FORMULA 131 PROTECT NATURAL STONE AGAINST ETCHING?
    All spills on your natural stone surface should be cleaned up as soon as observed. Formula 131 has been tested for up to 24 hours using a wide variety of household stains and etching agents such as coffee, mustard, ketchup, red wine, soy oil, and Formula 409. The 24-hour acid test has been performed and corroborated by the TCNA in an independent test.
  • IS FORMULA 131 FOOD SAFE ?
    Yes – See PDF for Food & Drug Compliance Information.
  • IS THERE A CALIFORNIA PROP 65 WARNING?
    No, our product does not contain any PFOA or PFOS. As well as any other prohibited chemicals.
  • DOES FORMULA 131 PRODUCE A STRONG ODOR?
    No, Formula 131 is a water-based product with little to no odor.
  • WILL MY SKIN HAVE AN CHEMICAL REACTION TO FORMULA 131?
    Gloves should be worn during the application process to avoid direct contact with the skin. Formula 131 is a water-based product that's gentle on the skin and designed to minimize irritation for most users. However, in the event of contact with the skin, it should be washed off immediately.
  • IS FORMULA 131 EASY TO APPLY?
    Formula 131 can be easily applied by the fabricator/distributor before in-home installation or onsite at the consumer’s home by a trained technician. In-home application can typically take about one hour. Formula 131 is delivered in 2 parts to aid in the ease of mixing it by combining the proper ratio of 3 Parts A with 1 Part B.
  • WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED APPLICATION CONDITIONS FOR FORMULA 131?
    The ideal temperature range for application includes ambient temperatures between 45-85ᵒF; high humidity slows dry time; high temps (90°F environment = higher exterior surface temps) may require an accelerated rate of application and application in direct sunlight at those temperatures should be avoided.
  • WHAT IS THE CURE TIME FOR FORMULA 131?
    Under normal temperature and humidity conditions, Formula 131 dries to the touch in 1 hour. In open-air, a minimum 12-hour wait is recommended before exposure to stain agents/rain, etc. High humidity and/or cool temperatures will slow the time to full cure.
  • WHAT IS THE APPLICATION METHOD?
    All application tools will be provided within the Formula 131 product kits, see the application instruction video for details.
  • DOES THE SURFACE OF THE NATURAL STONE NEED TO BE PREPARED BEFORE APPLICATION? DOES THE SURFACE NEED TO BE CLEANED?
    The surface should be clean of any dust or other sealers must be removed and the surface cleaned before application of Formula 131. Thoroughly wipe the stone surface with a high evaporation rate solvent such as ethanol or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. NOTE: Acetone should not be used, as it can discolor the raw stone.
  • CAN FORMULA 131 BE APPLIED TO VERTICAL SURFACES SUCH AS FULL-HEIGHT BACKSPLASHES?
    Yes, vertical application is the same process as on horizontal countertops.
  • CAN FORMULA 131 BE USED IN AN OUTDOOR APPLICATION?
    Yes, when applied properly, Formula 131 can protect your stone from staining and etching providing protection against acid rain (test results are available).
  • IS FORMULA 131 FOR USE IN WET AREAS SUCH AS SPAS OR SHOWERS?
    Formula 131 is designed for all to yield a matte, natural look of honed or tumbled stone. It can be used in wet areas such as showers, but is not recommended for submersion; i.e. spas or hot tubs.
  • HOW MUCH SQUARE FOOTAGE CAN ONE GALLON OF FORMULA 131 COVER?
    An average of 250-300 SF per gallon should be expected but may vary depending on the stone type and porosity.
  • WHAT CAN I USE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MY FORMULA 131 SURFACE?
    Clean the Formula 131 surface coating using a wet sponge with Dawn dish soap or mild dish detergents. Avoid using chemicals such as strong alkaline cleaners, acetone, oven and drain cleaners, and chemicals with high levels of ammonia, chlorine bleach, etc., which will damage or remove the coating. Coarse abrasive such as steel wool, and even aggressive scrubbing with a magic eraser will remove the coating from the surface.
  • CAN YOU USE ANY TYPE OF SEALER BEFORE OR AFTER APPLYING FORMULA 131 TO YOUR MARBLE?
    No, do not apply Formula 131 on your marble after applying any type of conventional sealer. Once Formula 131 is applied it is not necessary to apply an additional sealer.
  • CAN YOU REPAIR SMALL SCUFF MARKS, CUTS, OR SPOTS WHERE FORMULA 131 HAS BEEN REMOVED?
    Yes. The damaged area may be easily removed, reapplied, and repaired in the field. Repair kits are included with the purchase of a Formula 131 product kit.
  • WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF FORMULA 131 AFTER MIXING THE 3:1 RATIO INTO ONE CONTAINER?
    In a sealed container, the Formula 131 will be good for at least two years. Separation is normal and to be expected. Simply re-stir the Formula 131 thoroughly (do not shake) until there is no buildup of any ingredients on the bottom of the container before using again.
  • WHAT WILL REMOVE FORMULA 131 FROM THE MARBLE SURFACE?
    Chemicals such as strong alkaline cleaners, acetone, oven and drain cleaners, and chemicals with high levels of ammonia, chlorine bleach, etc, will damage or remove the coating. In addition, coarse abrasive’s such as steel wool, and even aggressive scrubbing with a magic eraser will remove the coating from the surface. Avoid spilling these things on your coated surfaces unintentionally to avoid damage to the finish.
  • DOES FORMULA 131 YELLOW OR LOSE TRANSPARENCY DUE TO THINGS LIKE SUN EXPOSURE?
    No. Formula 131 is very UV light resistant and will remain completely transparent to allow the natural colors of your marble to show and stay true to its nature.
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