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notsohandyman
Junior Member
Joined: 29 Aug 2006
Posts: 17
Location: Upminster, Essex
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 Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 1:38 pm Post subject: Grout marks on tiles |
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Hi,
I tiled my bathroom using a ceramic tile called Padova from Topps Tiles. The tiles have a matt finish to give the effect of natural stone.
Topps gave me a BAL grout to use and all was going well until I tried to get the grout haze off the tile surface. I followed the instructions and cleaned down as I went. I then went over the tiles with Fila Extra Strong Residue Remover (twice), as recommended by TOPPS, using cleaning pads but the marks will not shift. The bathroom is fully tiled, including the floor, which took me ages but now it looks a complete mess.
Has anyone out there got any suggestions? Someone I know suggeted using a brick cleaner but I'm worried about it damaging the finish on the bathroom suite.
Any help is appreciated. Many thanks.
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NotSoHandyMan |
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panlid
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 3536
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| Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 4:19 pm Post subject: |
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cant you just sheet up the bathroom suite?
all you can do is try a small area with the acid to see what it does to the tile. i have had something similar with porcelain but the residue remover did the trick. |
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notsohandyman
Junior Member
Joined: 29 Aug 2006
Posts: 17
Location: Upminster, Essex
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| Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 4:39 pm Post subject: Grout marks on tiles |
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Hi Panlid and thanks for your response.
Yes, I would cover the bath etc over but as it's recessed into the tiles along 2 walls, some of the acid is bound to seep through onto the surface no matter how well I try to seal the area. It's acrylic with a polished surface so I'd imagine that would be instant disaster!
I guess I'll have no choice but to try it if it's the only option.
Thanks,
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NotSoHandyMan |
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panlid
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 3536
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| Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 4:46 pm Post subject: |
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it sounds like you have npo choice. why not cut a piece of 3/4 mdf or ply etc to sit on top of the bath pushed right up to the tiles? you dont need to thrash the acid about do you? just brush it on. have a cloth ready to wipe any excess up.
good luck |
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bstyle
Senior Member
Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 115
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| Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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Padova rings a bell. Are the tiles approx 450mm x 300mm? in a kind of natural stone finish with a dark brown backing and sides?
If so then I have done these very same tiles from Topps and they are a real nuisance.
It was a while ago now but I recall using Lithofin easy care, plenty of Hot water and some very abrasive cloths.
The problem I was getting was that every time you went over them they looked clean but when dry the grout residue would lighten up and show again.
Actually, thinking about it, I think I used some HG cement residue remover for calcareous tiles (less aggresive) as I had some in the Van. |
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notsohandyman
Junior Member
Joined: 29 Aug 2006
Posts: 17
Location: Upminster, Essex
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| Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 10:39 pm Post subject: Grout marks on tiles |
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Hi bstyle,
You're spot on, the exact same tiles and yes I'm experiencing the same thing. Clean them and they look fine for 20 mins or so but them the white powdery residue appears.
You mention HG cement residue remover. Is that it's full name and do you know if it's stocked by the large DIY stores or a specialist product?
I've spent months doing this bathroom from what was an empty shell. After all the work I've put in I'm pretty ticked off that such a stupid thing could spoil it!
Look forward to your reply - cheers.
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NotSoHandyMan |
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bstyle
Senior Member
Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 115
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| Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 11:14 pm Post subject: |
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It's not something that can be bought from a DIY shop, it's specialist stuff available at tile shops.
I would just keep plugging away at cleaning, use hot water and Topps tiles also sell an abrasive cloth set for about a fiver, use the most course cloth. I do sympathise with you, tile cleaning can be a real problem.
If it's any consolation, I used a modified grout because I had a travertine mosaic border which made the grout even more stubborn! |
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Mudster
Tiling Expert
Joined: 03 Jan 2006
Posts: 182
Location: Surrey, United Kingdom
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| Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 11:27 pm Post subject: |
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Try Lithofin MN Power Clean
If that doesn't do it, step up to Intensive cleaner.
Follow the links on my website which takes you to a distributor, who will also be able to give more detailed advice.
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panlid
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 3536
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| Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 7:44 am Post subject: |
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they always look spot on when you have just cleaned them. topps tiles even told me to put furniture polish on them as this gives it the just cleaned wet look but doesnt fade for ages.
tried it and it does work. still carried on cleaning them though as it is a bodge really. |
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notsohandyman
Junior Member
Joined: 29 Aug 2006
Posts: 17
Location: Upminster, Essex
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| Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 3:13 pm Post subject: Grout marks on tiles |
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Just by way of an update, I thought I'd let you know how I've got on.
I went to a local shop and they suggested I try Spirts of Salt (carefully). So I bought a small bottle for £2.50, brushed it on to a small area at a time and washed off after 10mins and it's worked!
Mind you, only managed to do half the bathroom this weekend because this stuff is absolutely vile to work with, the fumes knock you sideways if you get a lung full so can't stay in the room for long!!
However, I looked at the link on the AT Stone website and I think I'll finish the rest with either Lithofin Cement Away or Builders Clean... and breath properly again!!!
The grout I used was BAL Superflex Wide Joint Grout, a cement based grout, so I'm not sure which of the above would be best. Any suggestions?
Thanks again :|
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NotSoHandyMan |
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lynne
Junior Member
Joined: 14 Mar 2007
Posts: 11
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| Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 8:53 pm Post subject: grout on tiles |
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| Hi Have been cleaning mine by scraping gently with a stanley blade in a scraper holder bought from B&Q and then cleaning with a soft scourer. This hasn't damaged the tiles and I am very pleased with the result although I have to say one wall tiled from floor to ceiling has taken nearly two days so not a nice job!!! |
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BobProperty
plumbing and property
Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 202
Location: Stockport
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| Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:08 am Post subject: Re: Grout marks on tiles |
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| notsohandyman wrote: |
Just by way of an update, I thought I'd let you know how I've got on.
I went to a local shop and they suggested I try Spirts of Salt (carefully). So I bought a small bottle for £2.50, brushed it on to a small area at a time and washed off after 10mins and it's worked!
Mind you, only managed to do half the bathroom this weekend because this stuff is absolutely vile to work with, the fumes knock you sideways if you get a lung full so can't stay in the room for long!!
However, I looked at the link on the AT Stone website and I think I'll finish the rest with either Lithofin Cement Away or Builders Clean... and breath properly again!!!
The grout I used was BAL Superflex Wide Joint Grout, a cement based grout, so I'm not sure which of the above would be best. Any suggestions?
Thanks again :| |
I'm not surprised - Spirit of Salts is Hydrochloric Acid. Please anyone reading this and thinking of doing the same thing take extreme care.
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bstyle
Senior Member
Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 115
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| Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:15 am Post subject: |
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Yeah, it's pretty aggresive stuff, not a patch on the drain cleaner I once used, that attacked my polo shirt whilst I was working in an office block. I had to walk through the office with my top off.
Needless to say I got a few phone numbers from admiring female office workers.
Note: some parts of my post aren't true |
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BobProperty
plumbing and property
Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 202
Location: Stockport
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| Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:18 am Post subject: |
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| bstyle wrote: |
Yeah, it's pretty aggresive stuff, not a patch on the drain cleaner I once used, that attacked my polo shirt whilst I was working in an office block. I had to walk through the office with my top off.
Needless to say I got a few phone numbers from admiring female office workers.
Note: some parts of my post aren't true |
Were you drinking a can of Coke too?
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Treat everyone like they are a rich distant relative, in whose will you'd like to be remembered. |
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bstyle
Senior Member
Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 115
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| Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 9:44 am Post subject: |
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Yeah, wearing Levi Jeans too which had to be washed at the local Launderette  |
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