Decorative elements

Can decorative elements be glued to a painted wall, or does the paint have to be removed?
Before applying the adhesive, it is not necessary to completely remove the paint from the wall, but the surface should be dry and thoroughly cleaned of any loose or frizzled paint fragments, as well as any release agents and grease. For optimal adhesion, we also recommend priming the wall surface beforehand.
Can upholstered panels serve as a bed headrest?
Absolutely yes, upholstered panels are a very popular solution as bed headrests. They provide soft and comfortable support while reading or watching TV, and add an elegant look to the bedroom. They can be used to create simple, uniform headrests, as well as more complex compositions for the entire wall.
What thicknesses and sizes are available for upholstered panels?
Upholstered panels from the basic Mollis, Puffin, and Deco Academy ranges are available in a variety of sizes, depending on the brand and series selected. All upholstered panels from our standard range have a uniform thickness of 3.7 cm. Non-standard sizes are available only for investment orders.
Can upholstered panels be ordered to size and in custom shapes?
In our regular offer you will find a wide range of shapes, sizes and fabrics. We carry out projects beyond the standard offer only as investment orders, with a certain logistical minimum. We will be happy to adapt raw materials, shapes and dimensions to your individual needs. Architects and designers are welcome to contact us directly.
How to care for upholstered panels to avoid dirt and damage?
Upholstered panels require gentle treatment. Regular vacuuming with a soft vacuum cleaner attachment or a dry cloth will effectively remove accumulated dust. If stains appear, it is essential to act quickly using mild cleaning agents. After removing the stain, drain excess moisture with a clean cloth and then thoroughly dry the damp area with a hair dryer set to a warm or cool setting. It is important to avoid vigorous rubbing, excessive use of water, and strong detergents, which could damage the delicate structure of the material.
Can upholstered panels be arranged in various configurations and create unique patterns?
Yes, upholstered panels can be freely arranged in a variety of configurations, creating unique patterns and stunning geometric compositions. It is possible to creatively combine panels of different shapes, sizes and colors to achieve a fully personalized effect. We recommend juxtaposing elements made of the same fabric or of complementary materials (available in the Duo series), which will ensure a harmonious whole arrangement.
How to install upholstered panels?
Installing upholstered panels is relatively simple. They are usually attached to the wall using mounting adhesive or Velcro. The installation does not require any specialised tools – all you need are basic measuring instruments and, if necessary, a glue gun.
Do upholstered panels improve the sound and thermal insulation of a room?
Upholstered panels have a beneficial effect on the acoustic and thermal properties of a room. However, it is worth remembering that they are primarily a decorative element of the interior.
What materials are upholstered panels made of?
The upholstered panels in our range are made of MDF board, high-quality polyurethane foam, and fabrics. Many types of fabrics are used to upholster the panels, including velvet, knitted, woven, and corduroy, depending on the model and collection.
Can wall slats be painted?
Stegu slats are available in a wide range of veneers - from natural oak structures to modern patterns and textures. We recommend choosing a model that perfectly matches the color scheme and style of the interior. We advise against painting the wall slats from our offer, because the moisture contained in the paint can damage the veneer and negatively affect the aesthetics of the product.
Are slats moisture resistant and can they be used in bathrooms?
The moisture resistance of the slats depends primarily on the material from which they are made. MDF slats are not recommended for rooms with higher humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. An excellent alternative, on the other hand, are slats made of synthetic or specially treated composites, which are characterized by much higher resistance to moisture. Before making a purchase, it is worth reading the product specifications carefully to be sure that the chosen material will be suitable for the planned application.
How to clean wall slats?
Caring for wall slats is usually simple. Just wipe them regularly with a dry cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using water and strong detergents, which can damage the surface of the slats.
Can slats be trimmed?
Yes, the slats can be cut to fit the specific dimensions of the wall. A wood saw with fine teeth is usually used for cutting. Trimming should be done carefully, making sure that the edges are even and aesthetically finished.
How are wall slats installed?
Installing wall slats is quick and easy. We recommend attaching the slats to the surface using mounting adhesive that is suitable for the material in question. Depending on the selected model of slat panels, this will be HDF or felt. In the case of slats on a felt background, it is also possible to screw them to the wall, but please note that the screw heads may remain visible on the felt surface, which may negatively affect the aesthetics of the finish.
Do wall slats improve room acoustics?
Wall slats have a positive effect on the acoustics of a room by reducing reverberation and leveling external noise. The best effect can be achieved by installing the slats on a surface containing sound-absorbing materials (such as mineral wool).
What materials are wall slats made of?
Stegu wall slats are made of MDF and covered with decorative paper. In the case of panel slats, the built-in background is made of HDF or felt, depending on the slat model. All components come from reputable suppliers.
What kind of adhesive should be used to install Wood Collection wooden panels?
We recommend using a specialized wood adhesive for installing wooden elements.

Bonding, grouting, impregnation

How to remove unwanted grout residue?
If the tile has been freshly stained, remove the grout immediately. Once the grout has set, it becomes virtually impossible to remove. There are specialized products available on the market for removing stains from tiles caused by contact with cement mortar. They are very effective at removing cement, but it is important to remember that such products will affect both surface stains and properly applied grout, as well as the tile itself. In the case of old grout, it is necessary to remove it mechanically by scraping it off thoroughly.
What is the best temperature for bonding tiles to an exterior facade?
The temperature that allows for the fewest errors during bonding is 10-15 ºC. Under these conditions, cement adhesives have the highest adhesion and achieve the best properties during setting. During installation, it is also necessary to avoid rain, strong wind, and intense sunlight.
How many days after laying and grouting the tiles can they be coated with impregnating agent?
We proceed with impregnating the wall surfaces after the adhesive and grout (if any) have completely dried, usually no sooner than 14 days after completion of installation. This period may vary and depends on temperature, humidity, exposure to external weather conditions, etc. Impregnation before the water in the adhesive and grout has evaporated may result in efflorescence and dulling of the cladding. We recommend that you carefully read the installation instructions on the packaging of our products, as well as the manufacturer's recommendations for the construction chemicals used.
How to properly prepare grout to ensure its durability?
It is best to prepare the grout in a clean bucket. This minimizes the risk of unsightly efflorescence, i.e., white deposits. It is important to prepare it in smaller portions, about 2 kilograms at a time. This amount will allow you to use it within 15-20 minutes. On cooler days, without sun and wind, this time can be extended to up to 30 minutes – this is the time during which the grout retains its properties and you can apply it without any problems. The ideal grout should have the consistency of wet sand – exactly like the bottom of a sandbox. When you squeeze it in your hand, it should form a stable ball that does not leak water. When dropped from a small height, such a ball should break apart. Always follow the water proportions indicated on the grout bag. This is the key to achieving optimal consistency and durability. Remember that you must not add water to the finished mortar once some of the grout has been used! Although this may make application easier, it will drastically reduce its strength on the wall. Sometimes, depending on the outside temperature, it may be necessary to add a little more water, but always do this at the very beginning of the mortar preparation.
What can be used to paint tiles when cutting is necessary?
Cut marks and any damage or chips can be concealed in two ways. The first method involves using a homemade water-based grout and liquid dyes, commonly available in DIY stores. The second solution is to use so-called engobes - ready-made dyes used for coloring products in manufacturing plants.
How and what is the best way to grout tiles (e.g. Jura, Rodos, Cambridge)?
Grouting is done using ready-made grouting compounds or dry mortars to be mixed with water. The grout should be prepared according to the instructions on the package and mixed with a low-speed mixer. The spaces between the tiles are filled with a tool called a grout float or a grouting trowel (8-12 mm). Another option is to use a cartridge with a grouting tip and fill the empty spaces by squeezing out the ready-made grout. In both cases, care should be taken not to stain the tile surface with grout. It is absolutely unacceptable to grout by rubbing the mortar over the entire surface of the cladding – a surface stained in this way may be difficult or even impossible to clean.
How to impregnate tiles – by spraying or brushing?
The spray method is mainly used to impregnate tiles with a high moisture absorption coefficient (e.g., gypsum tiles). This allows us to evenly cover the entire surface of the material, which is difficult to achieve with a brush, which quickly loses the impregnating agent and does not provide uniform coverage. In addition, the spray method is more efficient. For tiles with a low moisture absorption coefficient (e.g., concrete tiles), it is recommended to impregnate them with a brush. For porous surfaces, it is advisable to carry out the maintenance process twice. For concrete tiles, a mixed method can also be used – spray the agent on a small area and then spread the excess with a brush to prevent streaks. To choose the right impregnation method, we recommend that you read the installation instructions included with the tile packaging and follow the recommendations of the construction chemical manufacturer.
Is it possible to change the color of the grout by adding dye? If yes, in what way?
No, it is not recommended to change the color of Stegu grout by adding dyes to the mortar. Such an action carries a number of possible complications: 1) Lowering the mechanical strength of the grout, resulting in greater susceptibility to cracking and crumbling. 2) Uneven distribution of the dye, resulting in unsightly discoloration and staining. 3) Decreased resistance to moisture. 4) Problems with adhesion to surfaces and tiles. We recommend selecting grout in the color that best matches the selected tile.
Is it possible to dilute the impregnation with water or another agent?
We strongly advise against such action. Impregnation preparations are ready-to-use products by definition. Dilution of the preparation worsens its technical parameters, including its durability. The use of diluted impregnation may also lead to differences in color or differences in the gloss of a given surface.
Which impregnating agent should you choose for gypsum tiles?
We recommend Stone Care impregnating agent for gypsum tiles. For materials with a high moisture absorption coefficient (such as gypsum), the best results are achieved using the spray method.
What should I do if the adhesive binds too quickly (after about 15 minutes in 23°C)?
There are several methods to slow down the setting of mortar: 1) Mix smaller batches of glue - so as to use all of it before setting begins. 2) Use the maximum amount of water allowed by the manufacturer to prepare the mixture. 3) Use heavily cooled water - heated water from a sunny container will set the adhesive faster than very cold mains water. 4) Stir the mortar more frequently with a slow-speed mixer. However, it is not recommended to add more water to the adhesive mortar than recommended by the manufacturer on the package - this may reduce the mechanical strength of the adhesive and increase the risk of efflorescence.
When should adhesive be wiped off the tile surface?
Cement adhesive or cement mortar should be removed immediately after staining, using a clean, damp cloth. Allowing the mortar to dry may leave local discoloration. Stains from silicone or polymer adhesives should be removed after they have dried, e.g., using a wallpaper knife or scraper.
W jaki sposób impregnować płytki – metodą natryskową czy pędzlem?
Metoda impregnacji zależy od struktury materiału. Metoda natryskowa najlepiej sprawdzi się w przypadku produktów o nieregularnej fakturze oraz produktów fugowanych - tak, aby dokładnie pokryć całą powierzchnię okładziny i spoiny. W przypadku płytek o gładkiej strukturze wystarczająca będzie impregnacja za pomocą pędzla lub wałka malarskiego.

Conservation

Jak czyścić płytki betonowe?
Do standardowego czyszczenia wystarczy ściereczka do kurzu lub odkurzacz - z miękką końcówką, aby uniknąć uszkodzenia płytki. W przypadku większych zabrudzeń, m.in. z tłuszczu, należy wykonać czyszczenie za pomocą preparatu o pH powyżej 7 (są to środki czyszczące powszechnie dostępne w sklepach) oraz ciepłej wody. Im wyższe pH środka czyszczącego, tym skuteczniejsze działanie.
What paint should I use to paint Stegu brick tiles? Is one coat sufficient?
The tiles can be successfully painted with paint intended for walls. Before painting, it is recommended to prime the surface of the tiles. When applying the paint, one coat is sufficient, but remember to use a brush and rub the paint thoroughly into the tile structure to ensure a durable and aesthetic effect.
Can gypsum tiles be painted?
Yes. All Stegu gypsum tiles can be painted with wall paint, after using a primer. This treatment is aimed at unifying the absorbency of the substrate and improving the adhesion of the paint layer.
I would like to change the color of the tiles. Should I impregnate the tiles before painting?
One of the main functions of impregnation is to deteriorate the adhesion to the impregnated surface of other substances including dust, dirt, water, but also paint. If we want to change the color of the tile, we absolutely should not perform impregnation. However, if the surface has already been impregnated, it is possible to remove the impregnant by washing the wall with a high pH product. After drying, the tiles should be primed (to improve paint adhesion), and then they can be painted in any color with wall paint for interiors or facade paint for exteriors.
What if the tiles have been dusted and impregnated with this dirt?
Impregnation and dirt can be washed off the surface with a strongly alkaline cleaner (pH 12-14). It does not react chemically with the substrate and does not change its properties or technical parameters in any way. After the surface dries, it can be re-impregnated.

Montage

What is the recommended width and depth of the joint when laying brick-like tiles?
The optimal width is when the appearance is closest to natural, i.e., 10-12 mm. It is best to grout no more than half the thickness of the tiles. A grout thickness of 5 mm is sufficient for it to adhere well to the wall and tiles. It is then economical and can be given a rustic texture.
What technique should be used to cut tiles to create an internal corner?
There are several ways to create an internal corner. Considering the end result, the best solution is to assemble the corner from tiles cut at a 45° angle. This method requires precision on the part of the contractor, but the aesthetics of such a finish are worth the effort.
Can concrete tiles be glued to styrofoam?
All Stegu concrete tiles can be used outdoors, exposing them to harsh weather conditions (rain, snow or frost), provided the surface is properly prepared and the right construction chemicals are used. To ensure the durability of the cladding, you can use a ready-made, tested facade system like the Stegu Facade System. Another solution is to cover thermal insulation made of polystyrene, wool or polyurethane with a reinforcing layer in the form of mesh embedded in mesh adhesive. The thickness of the reinforcing layer varies and is 4-10 mm. Sometimes a double layer of mesh is also required or not required at all. Through the reinforcing layer prepared in this way, pegging is carried out using dowels with a metal pin, in the amount specified by the adhesive manufacturer - usually it is 4-6 pcs /m2. On such a prepared substrate, after it has dried and primed, you can start installing tiles. On the facade, use flexible, frost-resistant adhesives. If there is a need for grouting, grouting should be done after the adhesive has dried. To protect the surface from dirt, we recommend impregnation - not earlier than 14 days after the final stage of installation.
How can I replenish the gaps in the wall during application of brick tiles behind a freestanding stove and what materials should I use? The gaps are about 15 mm wide, can I fill them in with Elastik adhesive?
Elastik is a thin-layered adhesive so it should not be applied to fill in such big gaps. The uneven surface can be filled out with Knauf plaster and after letting it dry the surface can be covered with a suitable layer of adhesive. If the surface is particularly exposed to high temperature, you can use it along with Elastik adhesive.
The entire wall has been tiled with Parma tiles, but four of them are only attached at the joints. Will the tiles fall off?
There are two repair options: 1. Remove the tiles, file down the grout and reattach them. 2. Purchase white adhesive and reattach only at the grout joints, which will secure the tiles in a safe manner.

Product Tips

Can I buy more batches of the selected product (such as tiles or wall slats) in the future?
We recommend that you carefully calculate the materials needed and purchase all the necessary items at the same time, from one production batch. In this way we can ensure the uniformity of our products in terms of color and texture. If you purchase products after several months / years, it is possible that the shade may change or that a particular collection is no longer available.
Will covering walls with Stegu products make the room quieter?
Theoretically, yes – each layer affects the way and intensity of sound transmission, which can be absorbed or reflected from a given surface. However, acoustics is a complex issue, as annoying sounds may not necessarily pass through the wall covered with the selected cladding, but, for example, through the ceiling structure or installation ducts. From the user's perspective, covering walls with tiles or decorative slats may not be noticeable or improve the comfort of use of the room in a satisfactory way. From the Stegu product portfolio, we can recommend mollis® upholstered panels as significantly sound-absorbing.

Purpose

Are concrete tiles suitable for use in rooms like the kitchen, where there may be fumes and the possibility of staining the tiles? What about possible maintenance of cleanliness?
All Stegu concrete tiles can be used in wet rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens, provided they are treated with an impregnating agent adequate to the presence of potential dirt. In the case of kitchens or bathrooms, where the tiles may become damp or dirty (e.g. with oil, soap, etc.), it is worth choosing hydro- and oleophobic impregnates. If you want a washable surface, the cladding can be coated with polyurethane varnish - in kitchens, additionally certified due to the possibility of contact with food. An optional solution remains the placement of a transparent glass in front of the tiles, which cuts off the access of water and dirt from the surface of the cladding.
Is it possible to drive a car over garden elements?
Stegu garden elements are decorative products. These products are unreinforced and can be used on backyard paths for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. They should not be used as paving for automobile traffic or on pedestrian paths subjected to heavy use.
How and with what can the shade of white of Parma tiles be standardized? Should Stegu impregnating agent be applied first, followed by paint, or vice versa? What paint should be used and how should it be applied?
The shade of Parma tiles can be evened out by painting the entire surface with regular wall paint. However, the surface must be primed beforehand. All work can be done using a spray method. After finishing painting and drying the entire surface, remember to apply the impregnating agent.
Can I put concrete tiles (such as Country) on the wall / bevel of plasterboard?
Country tile can be installed on plasterboard walls thanks to its reduced weight from expanded clay content. For secure installation prepare the surface with Stegu Grunt primer then use Powerelastik adhesive to attach tiles. When dealing with sloping walls remove the plasterboard completely and replace with OSB panels that have been pre-lined with Country tiles. Position the OSB board horizontally and prime with bonding bridge before installing brick-like tiles with adhesive. After adhesive sets screw the entire panel in place of the removed plasterboard using mechanical fasteners positioned between tiles so they'll be hidden after grouting. Remember that tiles with grout can exceed 40 kg/m² so ensure your wall frame is properly reinforced beforehand to support this additional weight. This installation method creates a secure and attractive finish while solving the challenge of installing decorative tiles on sloped or angled wall surfaces.
Is natural stone suitable for gluing to an external facade that has already been finished, three-layer: aerated concrete + 18 cm wool + mineral plaster? Up to what height of the wall can it be safely glued?
If the installation is to take place on existing plaster, it is worth checking its adhesion. If the adhesion is good, the surface should be primed before installing the natural stone. The gluing height is limited by the parameter of the shear strength of the weakest surface layer in this respect, located under the natural stone.
Can I apply normal wall paint to brick-like tiles or do I have to paint them with special paint?
All our brick tiles can be painted. Indeed, in case of LOFT and PARMA tiles the easiest solution is to apply normal paint, as they are gypsum products which are usually covered with regular wall paint. It is important to apply primer to the tiles prior to painting (in exactly the same way as when painting walls).
Can I install gypsum tiles in the bathroom?
We advise against installing gypsum tiles in rooms with high humidity. This material absorbs water from the air, and wet gypsum has only 35% of its strength. The use of gypsum tile in the bathroom may result in the tiles peeling off after some time. For bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms with high humidity (such as saunas, baths, hothouses for exotic plants), we recommend choosing concrete tile.