Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Cultured Stone (also called manufactured stone and sometimes called engineered/veneer stone or artificial stone) is a manufactured product which is made from cement and iron oxide pigments. Thanks to the fact that this product is manufactured as opposed to being mined from the earth, it tends to be less expensive than natural stone. Also, it does not weigh as much as natural stone, making it functional in a wider range of applications. , stone veneer is a great choice.
The Flexible cladding by Articlad is a revolutionary cladding product made up of unfired natural clay with special additives which makes it flexible. It’s an affix to arched/curved surface conferring the endurance along with beauty. The texture replicates natural stones, jute, leather and some custom designs in just 2-4mm thickness and exhibits excellent properties such as water-resistant – shock-resistant – non-flammable – durable – 100% recyclable.
Cultured stone/ bricks/The flexible cladding:
Our products adhere to any properly prepared, clean, untreated and structurally sound substrate such as masonry/plastered, ply, cement board etc. Please see our Installation Guides for further information.
Our products adhere to any properly prepared, clean, untreated and structurally sound substrate such as masonry/plastered, ply, cement board etc. Please see our Installation Guides for further information.
Yes, our products are suitable for both exterior and interior applications.
Cultured stone/ bricks:
Off-course, the thought process behind designing the product is to ensure that it can withstand the exterior weather conditions and overcome the limitations of natural stones.
The Flexible cladding:
Yes, it’s slender, weatherproof and extremely light in weight designed to embellish high-rise building.
(To bring you technical convenience at Articlad we manufacture in house adhesive for every possible surface on which the product can be applied)
Cultured stone/ bricks:
Off-course, the thought process behind designing the product is to ensure that it can withstand the exterior weather conditions and overcome the limitations of natural stones.
The Flexible cladding:
Yes, it’s slender, weatherproof and extremely light in weight designed to embellish high-rise building.
(To bring you technical convenience at Articlad we manufacture in house adhesive for every possible surface on which the product can be applied)
Cultured stone/cultured bricks:
This depends on multiple factors such as the product that is selected, size, dimension, thickness but the most important attribute is any product that is selected has to be pasted with right adhesive (recommended by Articlad) as the adhesive may vary depending on these factors.
The Flexible cladding:
The product is paper like thin and suitable for any height keeping in account the right adhesive (recommended by Articlad) for distinctive surfaces.
This depends on multiple factors such as the product that is selected, size, dimension, thickness but the most important attribute is any product that is selected has to be pasted with right adhesive (recommended by Articlad) as the adhesive may vary depending on these factors.
The Flexible cladding:
The product is paper like thin and suitable for any height keeping in account the right adhesive (recommended by Articlad) for distinctive surfaces.
Cultured stone/ bricks/The flexible cladding:
Another advantage of using cultured stone/flexible cladding is the long lifespan. Once installed, you can bet on the stone lasting at least as long as the building that it is covering. Durability is strength of this product, so investing in this cultured stone/flexible cladding is a choice which is likely to pay off for many years to come.
Another advantage of using cultured stone/flexible cladding is the long lifespan. Once installed, you can bet on the stone lasting at least as long as the building that it is covering. Durability is strength of this product, so investing in this cultured stone/flexible cladding is a choice which is likely to pay off for many years to come.
Cultured stone/ bricks:
Based upon texture and dimensions for bricks the weight varies from 1.4kg to 2.2kgs and for stones 2 kg to 3.5kg/sqft.
The Flexible cladding:
0.5kg/sqft to 0.62kg/sqft i.e. 5.2kg/sqmtr based upon thickness
Based upon texture and dimensions for bricks the weight varies from 1.4kg to 2.2kgs and for stones 2 kg to 3.5kg/sqft.
The Flexible cladding:
0.5kg/sqft to 0.62kg/sqft i.e. 5.2kg/sqmtr based upon thickness
Cultured stone/bricks:
Yes, our stone products are easily trimmed using heavy-duty stone nipper or with a circular/masonry saw with a masonry blade. Please see our Installation Guides for further information.
The Flexible cladding:
The flexible cladding is very easy to cut, it can simple cut even using industrial scissor.
Yes, our stone products are easily trimmed using heavy-duty stone nipper or with a circular/masonry saw with a masonry blade. Please see our Installation Guides for further information.
The Flexible cladding:
The flexible cladding is very easy to cut, it can simple cut even using industrial scissor.
Cultured stone/bricks:
There is very little care needed for cultured stone, which is yet another advantage of this product. Once the cultured stone is put into place on your building, you really only need to wash it off a couple times per year to keep it looking great (which is generally done by nature itself through monsoon). This is a product which is meant to be a low-maintenance material, and you can see that fact demonstrated in just how little work is required. Once washed off with a hose, you can count on the stone to look great for another few months before it should be washed off again. Homeowners in harsh climates may wish to wash down their cultured stone slightly more often just to be sure the product maintains its excellent looks.
The Flexible cladding:
No specific maintenance is required for the product but washing it couple of times a year will keep the beauty intact.
To increase the life of product further, it will be wiser to use sealer (For any exterior cladding products).
There is very little care needed for cultured stone, which is yet another advantage of this product. Once the cultured stone is put into place on your building, you really only need to wash it off a couple times per year to keep it looking great (which is generally done by nature itself through monsoon). This is a product which is meant to be a low-maintenance material, and you can see that fact demonstrated in just how little work is required. Once washed off with a hose, you can count on the stone to look great for another few months before it should be washed off again. Homeowners in harsh climates may wish to wash down their cultured stone slightly more often just to be sure the product maintains its excellent looks.
The Flexible cladding:
No specific maintenance is required for the product but washing it couple of times a year will keep the beauty intact.
To increase the life of product further, it will be wiser to use sealer (For any exterior cladding products).
Cultured stone/cultured bricks/The flexible cladding:
Dirt, etc., may be removed by using a solution of granulated soap or detergent and water with a bristle brush (avoid using very hard/wire mesh/ metal bristle as it might result into surface scratches) Rinse immediately with fresh water. Do not attempt to clean using acid or acid-containing products, power-washing, sandblasting or wire-brush cleaning.
Dirt, etc., may be removed by using a solution of granulated soap or detergent and water with a bristle brush (avoid using very hard/wire mesh/ metal bristle as it might result into surface scratches) Rinse immediately with fresh water. Do not attempt to clean using acid or acid-containing products, power-washing, sandblasting or wire-brush cleaning.
Cultured stone/cultured bricks/The flexible cladding:
It is not at all compulsory to use sealer however a sealer will acts as protective covering and will usually be easier to clean if the surface becomes dirty/stained.
However, we do recommend using sealer for even better performance.
(If you choose to use a sealer for added protection use it is recommended to us in order only Articlad breathable and penetrating sealer. NOTE: A sealer may affect the stone color and may create a gloss or matte finish. Always test a small area beforehand.)
It is not at all compulsory to use sealer however a sealer will acts as protective covering and will usually be easier to clean if the surface becomes dirty/stained.
However, we do recommend using sealer for even better performance.
(If you choose to use a sealer for added protection use it is recommended to us in order only Articlad breathable and penetrating sealer. NOTE: A sealer may affect the stone color and may create a gloss or matte finish. Always test a small area beforehand.)
Cultured stone/cultured bricks/The flexible cladding:
The iron oxide used for pigmentation is sourced from the most reliable and leading brand in the world and colors are integrated throughout the products during the manufacturing process itself when the product is in slurry form hence the color becomes the integral part of the product.
(Articlad warrants the product performance, existing applications show no undesirable color change after years of various weather conditions. As with natural stone and brick, stone veneer also slightly fades, which is a natural process.)
The iron oxide used for pigmentation is sourced from the most reliable and leading brand in the world and colors are integrated throughout the products during the manufacturing process itself when the product is in slurry form hence the color becomes the integral part of the product.
(Articlad warrants the product performance, existing applications show no undesirable color change after years of various weather conditions. As with natural stone and brick, stone veneer also slightly fades, which is a natural process.)
Cultured stone/cultured bricks/The flexible cladding:
Packed in durable boxes and shipped throughout the globe.
Face/flat are charged on sqft basis and corners (in case of cultured stone/bricks) in linear feet basis. In India it can be sourced from our cladding partner in your city.
Packed in durable boxes and shipped throughout the globe.
Face/flat are charged on sqft basis and corners (in case of cultured stone/bricks) in linear feet basis. In India it can be sourced from our cladding partner in your city.
Cultured stone/cultured bricks/The flexible cladding:
It is best to lay the stones/bricks on ground first and then install on walls.
It is best to lay the stones/bricks on ground first and then install on walls.
Cultured stone/cultured bricks/The flexible cladding:
Articlad products can be applied by any mason or tile applicator. It is a semi skilled job.
Articlad products can be applied by any mason or tile applicator. It is a semi skilled job.
Cultured stone/cultured bricks/The flexible cladding:
The products are designed to replicate nature and you may experience variation in shape, size, thickness and color adding to its natural look, which shouldn’t be considered as manufacturing defect of the product.
NO TWO PIECES WILL BE IDENTICAL.
The products are designed to replicate nature and you may experience variation in shape, size, thickness and color adding to its natural look, which shouldn’t be considered as manufacturing defect of the product.
NO TWO PIECES WILL BE IDENTICAL.
Cultured stone/cultured bricks/The flexible cladding:
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Preparing the Right Tools In order to carry out the work simply, quickly, and properly, you will need to acquire the following tools:-
1) Selecting the right Adhesive Based upon surface
2) Spirit level
3) Ruler
4) Tooth trowel
5) Chipping hammer
6) Sealant
7) Cleaning towel
Method of Installation
Step 1 : Clear all dirt, oil, grease, or other contaminants and remove all loose plaster, paint and scale on wall. Chip the existing painted wall surfaces with a chipping hammer and brush away all the flaky bits. Ensure that all surfaces are structurally sound.
Step 2 Apply a scratch coat to cover and level any uneven wall surfaces (It is important to even the surface)
if necessary and allow it to set prior to applying the adhesive mortar. Prepare the adhesive mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful that you add appropriate amount of water/latex in order to achieve good workability. Apply the mortar and level with a flat side of a trowel (to about 1-2mm thick for The flexible cladding/ to about 4-8mm for cultured stone and brick) comb the surface with the notched side of the tooth trowel and remove the excess mortar.
Step 3 Press the product firmly and evenly onto the wall surface so that the mortar behind the product squeezes out around its sides. Use a gentle wiggling action whilst pressing to ensure a strong bond between the product and wall surface.
Step 4 : Apply edge to edge joint towards a same direction. Apply adhesive appropriately at the joint angle.
The product can be cut using tile cutter (Cultured stone & bricks) or sharp/industrial scissor (The flexible cladding).
Step 5: If you want to grout the joints, use a grouting pallet tool to carefully fill in the joints with mortar. Take care not to dirty the product surface as cleaning is a hassle. Use a round or flat pointing tool to finish the joints when the mortar is thumbprint hard. Do not work on the joints too soon or the mortar will smear. Lastly, brush away any loose or excess dry mortar. (Use a masking tape for neat finish)
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Preparing the Right Tools In order to carry out the work simply, quickly, and properly, you will need to acquire the following tools:-
1) Selecting the right Adhesive Based upon surface
2) Spirit level
3) Ruler
4) Tooth trowel
5) Chipping hammer
6) Sealant
7) Cleaning towel
Method of Installation
Step 1 : Clear all dirt, oil, grease, or other contaminants and remove all loose plaster, paint and scale on wall. Chip the existing painted wall surfaces with a chipping hammer and brush away all the flaky bits. Ensure that all surfaces are structurally sound.
Step 2 Apply a scratch coat to cover and level any uneven wall surfaces (It is important to even the surface)
if necessary and allow it to set prior to applying the adhesive mortar. Prepare the adhesive mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful that you add appropriate amount of water/latex in order to achieve good workability. Apply the mortar and level with a flat side of a trowel (to about 1-2mm thick for The flexible cladding/ to about 4-8mm for cultured stone and brick) comb the surface with the notched side of the tooth trowel and remove the excess mortar.
Step 3 Press the product firmly and evenly onto the wall surface so that the mortar behind the product squeezes out around its sides. Use a gentle wiggling action whilst pressing to ensure a strong bond between the product and wall surface.
Step 4 : Apply edge to edge joint towards a same direction. Apply adhesive appropriately at the joint angle.
The product can be cut using tile cutter (Cultured stone & bricks) or sharp/industrial scissor (The flexible cladding).
Step 5: If you want to grout the joints, use a grouting pallet tool to carefully fill in the joints with mortar. Take care not to dirty the product surface as cleaning is a hassle. Use a round or flat pointing tool to finish the joints when the mortar is thumbprint hard. Do not work on the joints too soon or the mortar will smear. Lastly, brush away any loose or excess dry mortar. (Use a masking tape for neat finish)
1) Installation procedure may vary based upon surface and application pattern.
2) It is not at all recommended to carry out installation during a severe rain storm or heavy snow fall as the wall surface are not suitable for good installation surface bindings of the materials to the walls (external applications).
3) Do not use too much adhesive. (For The flexible cladding use maximum coat up to 2 mm, for cultured brick use maximum coat up to 6mm and for cultured stone depending upon the thickness maximum up to 10mm).
4) While filling the colored grout between the products it is recommended to use a masking tape or anything else which can cover the product.
5) Avoid spilling grout on product, if spilled don’t try to clean it while its absolutely wet it might smear, clean it after its slightly dried off.
6) Post installations do not clean the product with too sharp brush or acid as it will have adverse effect on surface) Feel free to use soapy water and soft brush.
7) Apply sealer on dry and clean surface only.
2) It is not at all recommended to carry out installation during a severe rain storm or heavy snow fall as the wall surface are not suitable for good installation surface bindings of the materials to the walls (external applications).
3) Do not use too much adhesive. (For The flexible cladding use maximum coat up to 2 mm, for cultured brick use maximum coat up to 6mm and for cultured stone depending upon the thickness maximum up to 10mm).
4) While filling the colored grout between the products it is recommended to use a masking tape or anything else which can cover the product.
5) Avoid spilling grout on product, if spilled don’t try to clean it while its absolutely wet it might smear, clean it after its slightly dried off.
6) Post installations do not clean the product with too sharp brush or acid as it will have adverse effect on surface) Feel free to use soapy water and soft brush.
7) Apply sealer on dry and clean surface only.