15 | SURFACE FINISH
On a stone-covered wall the joint grouting plays a fundamental role in aesthetic and practical terms.
The aesthetic and practical importance of grouting is often underestimated. Often anyone looking at a wall only focuses on the shape and colour of the stone and considers the finish as a simple addition, not realising that it is the composition in its entirety which appeals.
Grouting, or in some cases its absence, creates a surprising impact on the appearance of a manufactured stone veneer construction. It is generally good practice to look at antique or typical constructions in one’s own area when choosing the colour of the stone, mortar and type of finish, so the construction is in keeping with local tradition. Otherwise it is possible to draw inspiration for modern original solutions from the infinite combinations that Geopietra® manufactured stone veneer offers.
Choosing a mortar colour different to the stone creates a contrast which highlights the pattern and can be appealing on particular surfaces, whereas mortar with the same colour as the stone harmonises the wall assembly. The finish is defined by various factors-joint dimensions and fill level, colour and mortar manipulation technique.
Geopietra® has designed GeoBi two-component lightweight mortar for manufactured stone veneer requirements, which is completely natural and available in 6 colours from typical mortar colours found throughout Europe. GeoBi is the ideal finish for Geopietra® manufactured stone veneer in technical terms and also in consideration of the range of aesthetic solutions provided. It makes it possible to obtain joints with a smooth, regular appearance or finishes with coarse grain, similar to old natural mortars. It is also useful for retouching dry-stack installations.
dry-stack joint
normal joint
full joint
over grout joint
This page shows the same model grouted in 2 different ways, illustrating the importance of a finish for the final result.
GeoBi G/SA
Toscano P72 - MA
GeoBi G/MA
Contadino P70 - MC
GeoBi G/GR
Morenico P74
GeoBi F/AR
Valdostano P76 - GS
Very different and particular finishes can be created depending on the GeoBi manipulation technique and level of drying
GeoBI F/fine grain (0-3 mm) is recommended for retouching drystack installations and finishing the TERRAKOTTA brick slips.
GeoBI G/coarse grain (3-8 mm) is recommended for finishing all manufactured stone veneer profiles.
In the past walls were cleaned and had old mortar removed and the new mortar inserted manually with a trowel. Filling the space till it was flush and partially covering the stone gave the wall continuity by maintaining typical projections and irregular features. With Geopietra® wall coverings and GeoBi mortars the procedure is simplified due to the reduced depth of joints, thanks to the product being convenient to use.
GeoBi two-component mortar is inserted using a piping bag in the joints over the stone edge, and with the mortar still wet it is manipulated and distributed around the stones with a small trowel. Any unwanted runs on the stone can be cleaned with a sponge soaked with water.
In ledge stone constructions mortar was used to create support and close larger gaps between stones, therefore it was distributed at random depths and joints looked half-filled. To create a similar finish insert a small quantity (approximately 2 cm) of GeoBi mortar deep into the joints using the piping bag, wait 10-15 minutes and using the end of a square trowel work the mortar by slightly emptying the joints and cleaning the edge of the stones, such that the mortar only stays at depth, as if it had been inserted when constructing the wall.
Note: waiting times for the mortar to set are approximate as they depend on the temperature and weather conditions.
Some finish possibilities with GeoBi fine grain on brick slips.
