MyStone is the registered brand name for the comprehensive line of manufactured stone veneer products of our company, King Sang (Far East) Limited. Which is a Hong Kong based company in building material business for over 20 years and has its own 100,000 square foot factory in the north of China.
MyStone products are made from a mixture of high effective cement with coarse and fine aggregates of white granite, dolomite, quartz, sand, marble or other durable limestone, plus relative pigment. They are cast in molds taken from carefully-chosen natural stone and skillfully crafted with delicate masonry to ensure the finest texture and top-class workmanship. Each color and texture has its unique blend of cement, lightweight natural aggregates and iron oxide pigments. MyStone products look and feel just like the originals even on close examination. They are suitable for both exterior and interior applications and allow you to bring the outdoors inside, while emphasizing design and continuity in color and texture. They can also be applied over other surfaces such as bricks or other materials.
Yes, hardness and strength of MyStone products are just the same as normal concrete, and are quite similar as natural stone. MyStone products are good enough for decorative veneer purposes.
For the item which shall be installed serially, e.g. Tile, Mosaic, Listellos, Border, Footer, etc., It is recommended to have 1/8" (or 3mm) grouting joints. Therefore, the actual length of all items in those catergories are in 1/8" (or 3mm) shorter in the mentioned length.
Base color with iron oxide pigments is blended throughout the entire product of MyStone. Several color overtones are applied afterwards. Therefore, even on close examination, these manufactured stones look and feel just like the originals.
No, they won?. Colors have become an integral part of MyStone products during the casting process. They are further coated with a very strong protection sealer on top. All these ensure color to stick on the body stably without flaking or discoloration. Existing applications show no undesirable change in color after years of weathering in various climatic exposures globally. Meanwhile, we do not recommend consumers to color the MyStone products. The final result of the installation is enhanced when mortar is tinted to complement or match the stone color using iron oxide mortar colors.
MyStone products will have color variations just like the natural stone. The color is assumed to be accepted if all items of the whole project is harmonic when viewed with the unaided eye at a 20 foot (6.1m) distance in normal daylight conditions.
As over 95% of the mixed material of MyStone products are natural stone sand and powder, unsurpassed in strength, longevity and aesthetic beauty. They will last as long as any natural stone.
MyStone is most widely used in veneer, tile, mosaic, border, listellos and bathroom accessory. And the versatility of the material enlarge the product range to all non-constructive architectural feature, trim, ornament etc. as well as fireplace, planter, home accent gift such as photo frame, wall plaque, wide range of gardening furniture and ornamentation too.
MyStone products are made of cement and concrete, which is a very stable compound and does not warp or bend. Resin is a thermo-reactive material, no matter how straight and flat the piece is released from the mold, it will warp or bend automatically during the process of production and packing, or in a container of shipping, or in warehouse if the temperature is up to 25 degree C or higher.
Secondly, MyStone products are very stable after natural curing and will not turn yellowish after years of aging. But resin type of products is easy to turn yellowish in a couple months of aging.
Thirdly, MyStone products are odor free and resin type of products have strong smell which is hazardous in health.
Fourthly, MyStone products is non-flammable, resin type of products is inflammable, also will release toxic gas while in fire.
Moreover, supply of cement and concrete is very stable at regular market price. But resin type of products is very much dependent to the oil market, and businesses using resin products will be badly affected by the fluctuating worldwide oil prices.
How do MyStone products compare with gypsum, clay and plaster type of products?
MyStone products are made of cement and concrete, which is a very stable compound and does not deform easily. They last as long as any other quality concrete or masonry materials do, such as cultural stone, block and brick. The concrete cast industry has a long history, and application of the products in bridges or buildings has been fine for decades. But products made of gypsum, clay and plaster will deform after absorbing water.
In term of hardness, MyStone products, which are cement and concrete compounds, are hard and strong enough to be used as wall and floor veneer. Also, they are applied with a very strong flooring coating that is similar to the coating of wood flooring as protection sealer on surface. Abrasion of MyStone products is therefore close to that of wood floor tiles.
In terms of origin, MyStone products are made of cement and concrete which indeed originate from vast sources of natural sand and rock. But wood is a non-recyclable resource of the nature. The more consumption of wood flooring the more adverse impacts there will be on the overall circumstance and environment of our life.
In terms of health, different types of natural stones release different levels of radiation. Have you ever noticed your health is being affected by harmful radiation from natural stones that are installed in your house or workplace? Cement and concrete, of which MyStone products are made, send out no harmful radiation that affects human.
In terms of costs, MyStone products are blended with lightweight natural aggregate. An entire piece of it just weighs half of an ordinary natural stone without any difference in appearance. It is easy to load, carry, deliver and install, but hard to damage. All these result in lower transportation cost. MyStone products require no additional footings, foundations or wall ties. They may be applied over any properly prepared, clean, untreated, structurally sound wall surfaces such as wood, wallboard, masonry or metal. Just use regular cement mortar over a properly prepared substrate to adhere MyStone products to wall surfaces. It is as simple as ceramic tile installation. Installation time will be considerably less than when using natural stone. The cost for installing MyStone products is usually much lower than that for natural stone installation, too.
Storage of MyStone products should be above ground on non-staining planks or pallets. Dunning materials used in the packing and transport can leave stains (or clean spots) after becoming wet.
Prevention against staining on MyStone products is mandatory and becomes the best solution for a clean finished project. After setting of MyStone products, e.g. tiles, columns, fireplaces, pilasters, entry jambs, window sills and door surround etc. Dust, dirt and mortar stains should be removed instantly. And protect the installation area with non-staining material during the remaining construction.
Yes, it is so easy to cut, trim or drill MyStone products by using a hatchet or wide-mouth nippers, or with a masonry blade used with a circular or masonry saw, masonry drill etc.
No, MyStone products are not difficult in installation, in fact, they are much easier in the installation than for the natural cut stones because of the united control in the expecting size, color, texture, light weight..etc. Cost for the installation is much cheaper than for the natural cut stones. Lead-time of the installation is remarkable shorter too.
MyStone products may be applied over any properly prepared, clean, untreated, structurally sound wall surfaces such as wood, wallboard, masonry or metal. Drench all stone units thoroughly with water just before setting. Where an open cavity is indicated between cast stone and backup material, keep cavity free of mortar and grout.
The most common stains on the MyStone products due to construction are dirt and mortar. Dirt can be removed by scrubbing with a mild detergent and water. Mortar stains require brushing a solution of one part hydrochloric acid to twenty parts water on the stain. Soak the stone with water prior to adding any acid solution to prevent surface burning. Consult the brick supplier prior to applying acids to trim items.
When unusual stains on the MyStone products are encountered, the same procedures which is recommended to clean concrete will normally work. The most important step to stain removal is identifying the stain and its cause. There are degreasers and paint removers readily available. Any treatment should be tested on a small inconspicuous area prior to cleaning the main units.
Abrasive cleaner, thinner, strong cleaning agent, are not recommended to apply for the MyStone products.
MyStone products are non-combustible, zero flame spread and zero smoke developed. They can be used on fireplace facings or the wall behind a free-standing stove. As with any natural stone, MyStone products are inherently porous. They may be stained if your fireplace smokes, just as natural stones or bricks will.
The difference is, however, that MyStone products are sealed and will thus assist in the removal of smoke stains, dust and dirt. They can often be removed by warm soap water and soft cloth. It is absolutely not recommendable to use sandblast, abrasives or high-pressure water on MyStone products, or wash them with acid. MyStone products are virtually maintenance free. Occasional washing to remove surface dust and dirt is all that is required.
Power washing, metal fiber brushing and sandblasting are not recommended procedures for the cleaning of MyStone products. Wire brushes, acid-type cleaning agents, thinner, cleaning compounds with caustic or harsh fillers are not recommended too, cause it may discolor, etching or damage the surfaces and the joints of the stone. Mortar repainting should be done before cleaning starts; caulking joints should be installed after cleaning is completed.
MyStone products normally require no maintenance; however, periodic inspection for the caulked joints of the installation and basic clean and waxing as natural stone is recommended.
It is recommend to apply waxing on MyStone products in terms of giving additional protection and against absorption, as well as lend a natural luster and polished hand to the surface. For the surfaces in contact with food, appropriate natural wax product is considerable. To use, apply a small amount to the surface using a soft cloth. Allow drying for a few minutes and buffing by hand or machine to a finished shine. Reapply as necessary, particularly to the heavy use areas.
Most of the MyStone fireplace mantels are designed lean against wall and not necessary to open firebox on the wall. However, if consumer want to open firebox or fit to the existing firebox accordingly, the critical dimensions are obtained by measuring the actual firebox opening on the wall, left to right, and up and down. Also, the distance from the bottom of the opening to the floor if the firebox is raised off the floor. The distance from the top of the firebox opening to the ceiling is also needed if an over mantel is required.
Filler panels are used to cover the area between the firebox opening & the surround if the desired MyStone fireplace mantel is larger than the firebox. Other materials can be used such as marble or granite (obtained from other sources).
Most of the MyStone fireplace mantels are designed lean against wall and not necessary to open firebox on the wall. However, if consumer want to open firebox or fit to the existing firebox accordingly, the critical dimensions are obtained by measuring the actual firebox opening on the wall, left to right, and up and down. Also, the distance from the bottom of the opening to the floor if the firebox is raised off the floor. The distance from the top of the firebox opening to the ceiling is also needed if an over mantel is required.
Filler panels are used to cover the area between the firebox opening & the surround if the desired MyStone fireplace mantel is larger than the firebox. Other materials can be used such as marble or granite (obtained from other sources).
