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Recent Posts| »Forums Index »Ceramic Tile »Questions and Answers »smudging in basalt tiles and tile grout issues | 
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| Author | Topic: smudging in basalt tiles and tile grout issues (4 messages, Page 1 of 1) | ||||
| Moderators: spacerman, Trim and Tools | |||||
 ryano Posts: 2 Joined: Aug 28, 2010 |
Posted: Aug 28, 2010 05:20 PM
Msg. 1 of 4
2 months after laying, I am getting patterns and smudging in some basalt tiles. Some of the pattern resembles the ridged pattern created by the trowelling of the glue used to fix them--or is it my imagination?
Other patterns appear to be mineral concentrations in the rock [a natural thing] accentuated by sealing , perhaps?The tiles were sealed twice after laying. Am I seeing porosity issues here? Should the tiles have been pre-sealed on the base as well? I also have some porcelain tiles where the brown grout is becoming light in colour. They've been light acid washed , but the issue remains. Would a stronger acid wash followed by washing help? Cheers, Pete |
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spacerman  Posts: 456 Joined: Jul 22, 2008 
Tile It Right To Give It Might ("TIRTGIM") |
Posted: Aug 29, 2010 03:34 AM
Msg. 2 of 4
The only culprit here is the obvious use of an organic adhesive to set the tiles. These types of adhesives can bleed thru porous stones and cause the marks or patterns you are describing. If that is the case, these tiles should not have been sealed until the "organics" had a chance to evaporate thru the stone. It can take as long as a year and in some instances may never go away. Solution? Not one that I can think of at this late date. Perhaps in time, it could still diminish some. Sorry.
Colored Grout turning white and the word "acid" cleaning in the same sentence is self-explanatory. Acid cleaning will definitely "bleach" grout. There may be a slight chance of a restoring some, or most of the color, and that remedy would be to apply masonry Stone Enhancing Sealer to all the grout. It may require you to selectively seal only the grout, as top sealers and glazed tile surfaces do not like each other. Always test in an inconspicuous spot. Armen Tavy Armen Tavy |
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ryano Posts: 2 Joined: Aug 28, 2010 |
Posted: Aug 29, 2010 05:33 PM
Msg. 3 of 4
Thanks, Armen Tavy. We will try tour grout advice. Ryano
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spacerman Posts: 456 Joined: Jul 22, 2008
Tile It Right To Give It Might ("TIRTGIM") |
Posted: Aug 30, 2010 12:09 AM
Msg. 4 of 4
If it does not work to your satisfaction, there is a special "Grout Paint" designed for the purpose. Application is relatively easy and all you need is a steady hand and patience. The coating can last indefinately and it also seals the grout from future stains. The shade you need may be in the color charts of "Aqua Mix". Check it on-line for sources near you or for ordering. You could even change the present color, to any other color they may have in their line, in a single coat.
Good Luck, Armen Armen Tavy |
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