Can the protector be applied over a material that's already stained?

It doesn't remove existing stains: you first need to clean thoroughly and then apply the protector to the clean, dry surface.

How long does water- and oil-repellent protection last?

It depends on the material and foot traffic, but as a general guide, one to several years; it's worth checking the beading effect and reapplying if it fades.

Fila Water- and Oil-Repellent Sealers: How to Choose the Right Protector

Quick answer: Fila's water- and oil-repellent protectors create an invisible barrier inside the material (not a surface film) that stops water and organic stains (grease, wine, oil, food) from soaking in deep. They don't change the material's color or feel, they let it breathe, and they make later cleaning much easier. They're applied before a stain appears: this is preventive protection, not a stain remover.

Why protect a porous material

Marble, terracotta, unpolished natural stone, and cement all have pores that let water and grease seep in and get trapped. Once inside, any stain becomes far harder to remove. A water- and oil-repellent protector seals those pores at a molecular level without blocking the material, so it keeps breathing normally.

Which protector to choose by material

Product	Best for	Key features
MP90 Eco Xtreme	Grout, crackle-glaze ceramic, terracotta, porous stone	Water-based, forms no film, UV-resistant, won't yellow
W68	Terracotta, extruded stoneware, unpolished natural stone, cement	Indoor and outdoor use; indoors it works as a base coat before finishing wax
WET ECO	Terracotta, exposed-face brick, very porous rustic stone	High resistance to foot traffic; won't flake or yellow
PW10	Before laying absorbent tiles	Pre-installation barrier that prevents efflorescence and stains from the substrate
STONEPLUS	Natural stone on rosettes, windowsills, and countertops	Revives the original tone, without adding shine
Wet Stone Eco	Rough stone: sawn, bush-hammered, or flamed finishes	Delivers a glossy "wet effect" finish in addition to protection
FOB Xtreme	Pretreated terracotta, extruded stoneware, rustic stone, hydraulic mosaic tile	Extreme protection; safe for surfaces in contact with food

Before or after installation

Pre-installation (PW10): applied to the back of the tile or before laying absorbent tiles, so mortar salts don't migrate to the surface.
Post-installation, before first use: the rest of the protectors in this table, applied to the material once it's clean and dry, before putting the space into normal use.
Renewing the treatment: over the years, it's worth reapplying, especially in high-traffic or outdoor areas.

Natural look or wet-effect/color-enhancing finish

Most of these protectors are invisible and don't change the material's appearance (MP90, W68, WET ECO, PW10). STONEPLUS and Wet Stone Eco are color-enhancing: they slightly intensify the color, and in the case of Wet Stone they add a wet-look sheen that's highly sought after on rustic stone and outdoor surfaces.

Frequently asked questions

Does a water- and oil-repellent protector make the surface completely stain-proof?

No, but it greatly slows down stain penetration, giving you time to clean it up before it soaks in. The sooner you clean up a spill, the better the result.

Can it be applied over a material that's already stained?

The protector doesn't remove existing stains: you first need to clean thoroughly (for example with a suitable cleaner or a specific stain remover) and then apply the protector to the clean, dry surface.

How long does the protection last?

It depends on the material and foot traffic, but as a general guide, one to several years. In heavily used areas, it's worth periodically checking the water-beading effect and reapplying if water stops beading.