LITHICHROME PRODUCTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AEROSOLS

(The use of Lithichrome Shadow in aerosol cans is recommended for convenience in the field only.)  Remember the following.  Rotate the head about a 1/4" turn and rotate occasionally.  This keeps the head from getting clogged.  If spray head becomes clogged, run fingernail through slot at base of head and replace  with a gentle twisting motion.  Never stick any object in the hole for cleaning as this will only damage the  spray head.  Shake can vigorously at first and then occasionally for a good mixture.  Do not spray too close to  the stone as these aerosols tend to come out heavy, and too far from the stone will result in a "dry" spray.  Practice on a scrap piece of stone to learn this distance.  When finished spraying, hold can upside down and press valve button for a few moments.  This will clean out the atomizer hole for next use.  No aerosol will spray well when cold. Gasoline will wash out aerosol Lithichrome and this reinstates the recommendation that  highly flammable gasoline not be used for cleaning.  Always wear safety protection.  Avoid breathing any vapors and contact in eyes and on skin.

AIRMITE SPRAY GUN

Always flush out the Airmite after each use with Lithco Solvent or place the Airmite in a container where the nozzle and material tube is submerged in this Solvent.  This will keep Shadow and Hilite from drying and plugging up the gun.  If Airmite becomes clogged, simply remove the nozzle stem from the nozzle and use Solvent with a small pin to clean out the atomizer hole.  Make sure the pin is small enough so that hole will not be enlarged.  Rarely is an Airmite returned for repair.  Of those returned, 90% are from the gun not being cleaned after use and some dry Shadow or Hilite has clogged up the passages.  The Airmite Spray Gun will spray best with about 50 psi. of air.  Avoid breathing any vapors and contact in eyes and on skin.

SHADOW AND HILITE

Shadow and Hilite will adhere to the stone properly without peeling if the following is done correctly.  Make sure stone is not wet.  Holding the gun too far away will result in a dry spray, especially in hot weather.  Applying too much will result in some Shadow or Hilite being pulled off of the stone with the rubber stencil.  Apply by spraying at angles and then straight into the area being shadowed to ensure a complete coating.

HILITE AND WHITE

Hilite is designed to produce a white contrast similar to steeling and is not an opaque coating.  If an opaque coating is desired as in a white letter in polished surface, use Lithco White Color.

PERMABOND AND CLEAR

Permabond will reduce the contrast of any Shadow or Hilite without reducing its bonding strength. It can also be used as a light overcoat on colors for added protection.  Clear has a silicone bonding resin for weather resistance.  Clear used as an overcoat will give colors maximum protection against weathering.

LITHICHROME SHADOW

Lithichrome Shadow is the standard for contrasting monumental lettering and backgrounds.  It is applied by Airmite Spray Gun, brush, or aerosol can.  To reduce the contrast of any Shadow, add some Permabond ( a clear Shadow) to reduce its color without affecting its bonding strength.

BLACK SHADOW

For maximum contrast.  Produces a black letter of extreme contrast.  A small amount is needed for maximum results.  Available in Pints, Quarts, Gallon, and 5 Gallon container.  Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by UPS.   No Parcel Post.

TRANSPARENT GREY SHADOW

A beautiful natural "shadow" with no form of coloration visible to the eye when viewed closely.  Harmonizes with all granite, regardless of color.  Available in Pints, Quarts, and Gallons. Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by UPS.   No Parcel Post.

DARK GREY SHADOW

For a darker contrast than the Transparent Grey, yet not opaque.  Texture of granite is visible through this grey. Available in Pints, Quarts, and Gallons. Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by UPS.   No Parcel Post.

ABRASIVE SHADE SHADOW

Use if a contrast comparable to "bluing" with abrasive dust is desired.  Ideal for marble or any granite.  Considerably better lettering legibility than tedious abrasive bluing, yet fully as natural in appearance.  Available in Pints, Quarts, and Gallons. Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by UPS.   No Parcel Post.

BROWN SHADOW

This shadow is preferred by many for pink or brown granites.  Not opaque, texture of stone is visible.  If a darker brown is wanted, add Dark Grey or Black to Brown Shadow.  Available in Pints, Quarts, and Gallons. Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by UPS.   No Parcel Post.

BLUE-GREY SHADOW

Gives a natural blue-grey tone.  If less contrast is desired, add Permabond.  Available in Pints, Quarts, and Gallons. Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by UPS.   No Parcel Post.

AEROSOL SHADOW

Available in Black, Brown, Grey, Hilite (white), Gold, and Clear.  No aerosol can compare to the Airmite Spray Gun for spraying economy.  Aerosols are not recommended for shop production but are handy in the cemetery or when the shop air is unusually wet.  Certain high test gasolines may dissolve the aerosol Shadows and Hilite though it will not affect regular Shadow or Hilite.  It is recommended that dangerous gasoline is not used for cleaning .  Hazardous Shipping Charges do NOT apply by UPS.  No Parcel Post.

HILITE

Hilite is used for whitening flashed panel inscriptions and carving on all kinds and colors of granite.  Hilite applied proficiently can not be distinguished from the finest steeled effects.  Applied as intended, Hilite has no visible coloration to the eye, when viewed closely.  Hilite is so extremely fine in particle size that when bonded into sub-pores of granite, weathering has remarkably little effect upon it.  Available in Pints, Quarts, and Gallons. Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by UPS.   No Parcel Post.

Also available in aerosol cans and recommended for cemetery use.  There are many old monuments having sunken v-line lettering in a polish face with no contrast.  Aerosol Hilite can make these Letters legible with no masking.  Simply wipe the over spray from the polished surface with a cloth wet with Solvent, described below.  Dull panels and floral carvings can be restored in this same manner.  Hazardous Shipping Charges Do NOT Apply.  No Parcel Post.

SOLVENT

For cleaning the Airmite Spray Gun and airbrushes.  Also for removing Shadows, Hilite, and Lithco Colors when necessary.  Lithco Solvent is the thinner for Lithco Colors if any thinning is needed for spraying.  (Hilite and Shadow need no thinning for spraying.)  Available in Quarts, Gallons, and a 5 Gallon container.  Hazardous Shipping charges may apply if by UPS.  No Parcel Post.

 

PERMABOND

Permabond is a clear shadow or Hilite.  Its function is to reduce the color tone of any Shadow or Hilite without any reduction in bonding strength.  Shadow as factory produced is of the best contrast for most applications, but occasionally less contrast is desired.  Hilite should require no Permabond for a perfect transparent effect, but a new user might add some Permabond until they become familiar using an Airmite Spray Gun.  Permabond can also be used as a light overcoat for added protection.  Available in Pints, Quarts, and Gallons.  Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by  UPS.  No Parcel Post.

JOINT & BOTTOM SEALER

Highly recommended for the memorialist.  Stone exposed to ground or uncured concrete will have moisture seeping upward into the stone causing discoloration.  If the bottom is sealed against acid and alkali found in the earth, the moisture will dry out without any permanent staining.  Lithco Joint & Bottom Sealer dries in about 5 minutes at room temperature.  It can be applied by brush or spray although if being sprayed, keep this sealer off of other surfaces as there will be a slight color change.  It is soluble in Lithco Solvent. ( Also see "Bondri" for further stone protection.)  Available in Gallons.  Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by UPS.  No Parcel Post.

SAW SHEEN

Specifically developed for transforming sawed colored granite from a dull colorless appearance to a colorful honed finish.  On gray granite it gives a natural contrast comparable to abrasive blueing.  Saw Sheen leaves no film or pigmentation to peel, chip, or fade.  Saw Sheen is not practical for polished granite or marble as this will leave a film on these surfaces.  Saw Sheen viscosity is about like water and is best applied by brush.  Available in Pints, Quarts, and Gallons.  Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if UPS.  No Parcel Post.

BONDRI "75"

A silicone water repellant recommended for polished and unpolished granite.  When applied properly, this is a high quality repellant at a moderate cost.  If applied haphazardly, the stone will have an uneven "quilt" look to it when wet.  On polished surfaces, best application is by using a bottle sprayer and then rubbing the Bondri into the stone using a cloth or better still, the palm of your hand assuring penetration into the polish evenly.  On unpolished stone, brushing evenly is satisfactory when using sufficient Bondri for good penetration and this should require no rubbing.  Be sure to wash hands after use and keep away from eyes.  Available in Quarts.  Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if UPS.  No Parcel Post.

AP (ALL PURPOSE) BONDRI "CONCENTRATE"

A silicone water repellant in a concentrated formula.  Its solvent is water therefore the stone need not be thoroughly dry, though excessive wetness will retard penetration.  A glass bottle sprayer is recommended for application.  This Bondri will wet into the polish surface better and still need to be rubbed in for assuring even penetration.  Rubber gloves are required as this silicone is alkaline and may cause skin irritation.  On unpolished stone and marble, brushing evenly is satisfactory when using sufficient Bondri for good penetration and this should require no rubbing.  After drying, a white residue may appear which can be washed off with water and a little detergent.  AP Bondri works well on marble as well as granite.  All other Bondri are not for marble.  One pint of concentrate mixes with one gallon water. This Bondri Concentrate and the mixture must be kept in glass containers.  Available in Pints.  Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by UPS.  No Parcel Post.

HIPOLISH

Hipolish is a concentrated silicone process for enhancing the appearance of polished granite for a more lustrous finish and making it impervious to water.  Hipolish is best applied by rubbing it thoroughly with a heavy cloth or better, with the palm of your hand.  DO NOT USE A BRUSH.  The quantity used and thoroughness of rubbing will determine the depth of penetration.  Make certain all areas are well impregnated.  If any Hipolish should get on steeled or rock pitched surfaces, remove immediately with Lithco Solvent or naphtha as it will stain these surfaces.  It is recommended that practicing the application of Hipolish be done on a scrap piece of granite before attempting on a finished memorial.  Wash hands after use and keep away from eyes.  Available in Pints.  Hazardous Shipping Charges may apply if by UPS.  No Parcel Post.