GRC (Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete) is an extremely durable material, and with proper care, your product will last a lifetime.
Similar to natural stone, slight variations in colour, texture and porosity may occur and are considered inherent, valued qualities of the material.
Hairline cracks, mottling and minor irregularities may also appear, but these do not affect the structural integrity of the product and are not considered manufacturing defects.
Your GRC product is coloured using chemicals and pigments that are homogeneously mixed throughout the concrete.
The exposed surfaces are coated with a proprietary, food-safe, water-based sealer that protects the porous material and creates a hydrophobic layer, limiting staining and scratching.
Clean your GRC product as you would an exotic natural stone surface such as marble or onyx.
For everyday cleaning, use warm water and a soft or microfibre cloth.
For stubborn soils or stains, use a mild household cleaner or liquid soap free of abrasives, chlorine/bleach or ammonia. A commercially available all-purpose cleaner is suitable.
If using antibacterial or disinfectant products, always test an inconspicuous area first to confirm compatibility with the finish.
Rinse away all cleaning residue with clean water immediately, then dry thoroughly.
Avoid letting standing water air-dry, as this can cause water spotting.
Everyday food preparation and spills will not stain the surface as long as the protective sealer is intact.
However, spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible, and within 12 hours at most.
As concrete is porous, water spotting may occur but will generally disappear as it evaporates.
Intense heat will not damage the concrete itself. However, placing a hot object directly on the surface may weaken or discolour the sealer, exposing the raw concrete underneath to future staining and fading.
Always use trivets under hot pots and pans.
Although GRC is suitable for everyday use and food preparation, cutting and other abrasive activities should not be done directly on the surface.
Use cutting boards, and place felt or rubber pads under heavy or rough objects (such as small appliances) left on the surface for extended periods to prevent scratching or sealer wear.
Extended exposure to rain, pollution, sunlight and temperature extremes will accelerate wear on the protective sealer and affect the appearance of the surface over time.
We strongly recommend covering outdoor tables when not in use to extend the life of the sealant and preserve the original finish.
We recommend resealing your GRC furniture, particularly tabletops and benches, every 6–12 months if exposed to the elements.
In freezing conditions (below 0°C / 32°F), any water that has penetrated the concrete can expand as it turns to ice, potentially damaging the piece.
To help prevent cracking, we strongly recommend resealing with a water-based sealant just before winter each year.
Over time, you may notice hairline cracks on your GRC product. These are the result of natural shrinkage that occurs as every slab cures and dries.
Since concrete lacks elastic properties, minor hairline cracking is a normal part of the hardening process, even when not visible to the eye.
These cracks are unavoidable in concrete products and do not affect the structural integrity of your GRC piece.
