Indian Sandstone Picture Framing/Grout marks

[1sandyh]

hi all,

Had patio done 2 months ago by landscaping co. Slabs are Indian Sandstone ‘Raj Green’. They were varied Autumnal colours prior to grouting, browns/reds/yellows..

Problem is there is a picture frame effect in & around the grout lines. The slabs are bone dry but look wet around the edges. Some are quite big stains running into the centre of the slabs.

The raj colours also seem to have been lost, they look more grey now. Almost looks like a residue covers the slabs now? The grout used was mushroom grey so I’m wondering if it is grout residue or something else?

Sandstone was NOT sealed. Grout used was a dry brush in type.

Patio has been cleaned twice, first with washing up liquid, stiff brush. Second time with patio cleaner, stuff brush & jet wash. Still no better.

Company said it will fade. I doubt it. Would rather try to clean them up & sort it out myself so I can actually enjoy looking out on my patio!!

I really need to avoid anything harsh/acidic if possible as there is an aluminium track & glass around the perimeter of the patio. That’s another reason why I’m worried if they come back to clean it, they may ruin the ballustrade.

How do I sort this mess out? The patio is 50m2. Thanks

 

[Blunt Tool]

Yes.... i posted a video above

I know I watched it, there’s others they are using powerwashers

 

[1sandyh]

Sorry both products are Lithofin - there’s a choice of cement away or builders clean.

I think the problem with this type of grout was as someone else said, it’s rapid setting. It maybe set on the slabs? Wasn’t washed off fast enough?

I managed to find one other thread similar from 2012 on another site. They replaced the slabs which hasn’t filled me with confidence & isn’t an option full stop

 

[Bill]

I know I watched it, there’s others they are using powerwashers

Only for rinsing once set in the joint. You obviously don't know about ultrascape.

 

[Blunt Tool]

Sorry both products are Lithofin - there’s a choice of cement away or builders clean.

I think the problem with this type of grout was as someone else said, it’s rapid setting. It maybe set on the slabs? Wasn’t washed off fast enough?

I managed to find one other thread similar from 2012 on another site. They replaced the slabs which hasn’t filled me with confidence & isn’t an option full stop

Cement away

 

[Blunt Tool]

Only for rinsing once set in the joint. You obviously don't know about ultrascape.

No don’t want to

 

[Blunt Tool]

Ever

 

[Bill]

No don’t want to

Stop dissing my advice then.

 

[The Tiler]

I'd try Lithofin builders clean first on sandstone, try in a small area out the way first

 

[The Tiler]

Lithofinder | Lithofin - https://www.lithofin.com/en-US/lithofinder

 

[Blunt Tool]

Stop dissing my advice then.

Don’t see where I’m dissing your advice? If it’s just a case of you don’t like anyone else having an opinion on a thread then you are in the wrong place it’s a mirror you need. Just ignore me as I will you!

 

[Bill]

I have stated that the contractors didnt use a wet mix like they should have but you said it should be a dry mix, which is wrong for ultrascape.

My advice is correct.

 

[1sandyh]

Yes Tom that’s right, I’ve got the spare bag here. Obviously when the landscapers did the job, and told me it’s a dry mix, and I watched them brushed it in dry (then wet it after) I very naively presumed that was how a ‘dry mix’ was used. They should have followed the video!

Nevertheless, I’m trying to rectify the mess now.What do you think about the Lithofin Tom?

 

[One Day]

semantics, pragmatics and stubbornness abound!

 

[Blunt Tool]

Might be of interest
HELP Bal Micromax Inspirations Two Grout problem, - https://www.tilersforums.com/threads/help-bal-micromax-inspirations-two-grout-problem.86916/

 

[The Tiler]

Cement away

that's acid based, is this sandstone acid resident?

 

[1sandyh]

I don’t know but doubt it?

 

[The Tiler]

I don’t know but doubt it?

if you try an acid based cleaner as advised do it on an off cut first. I would try builders clean or power clean first

 

[Waluigi]

Post a thread on Paving expert.

 

[Boggs]

I have cleaned my own sandstone paving with mortar remover after having an extension built but this was more localised areas rather than the whole thing.
I put the cleaner in a bucket and used a scrubbing brush dipped in the cleaner and washed down with plenty of water.
I sealed after with a colour restorer/sealer.
It didn’t damage the stone in my case but then mine were not covered like yours.

 

[1sandyh]

I’ll order some today, do a test patch & come back with an update. Wish me luck!

 

[Boggs]

Good luck

 

[1sandyh]

Back with an update. Not good.

Spent all of last weekend scrubbing & scrubbing with the Builders Clean. Not budged.

Contacted Lithion, they advised to use a stronger concentration. I ended up using it almost neat, scrubbing, leaving, scrubbing, rinsing. Nope. Not budged.

Contacted a cleaning company who quoted £900 to clean it!

Don’t know what to do from here.

 

[Dumbo]

Back with an update. Not good.

Spent all of last weekend scrubbing & scrubbing with the Builders Clean. Not budged.

Contacted Lithion, they advised to use a stronger concentration. I ended up using it almost neat, scrubbing, leaving, scrubbing, rinsing. Nope. Not budged.

Contacted a cleaning company who quoted £900 to clean it!

Don’t know what to do from here.

What cleaning company did you contact . Are they a specialist stone cleaning company . Other wise I wouldn't bother .

 

[1sandyh]

Yes recommended by the stone company. But I wasn’t expecting £900!

 

[On one]

Back with an update. Not good.

Spent all of last weekend scrubbing & scrubbing with the Builders Clean. Not budged.

Contacted Lithion, they advised to use a stronger concentration. I ended up using it almost neat, scrubbing, leaving, scrubbing, rinsing. Nope. Not budged.

Contacted a cleaning company who quoted £900 to clean it!

Don’t know what to do from here.

Did you only ask Lithofin regarding Builders Clean?
There may be other options with other Lithofin products.

 

[J Sid]

Yes recommended by the stone company. But I wasn’t expecting £900!

cost really doesn't come into it as you will be getting the fixing company to pick up the bill. There other option is to replace the lot and do it right this time

 

[1sandyh]

The landscaper won’t pick up the bill

 

[WetSaw]

The landscaper won’t pick up the bill

Why not? If he pointed it it's his problem.

 

[1sandyh]

I wish it was that easy. He’s disappeared off the face of the earth. Phone off not returned any messages voicemails or emails.

Lithofin said there is nothing else suitable for sandstone, but that builders clean should do the trick.

I guess the problem is the grout used was a resin rapid set not traditional sand & cement.

Really don’t know where to go from here. The professional cleaning company said they would use chemical cleaners to remove it, harsh? He’s quoted 1-2 days for 1 man. There’s no way I can afford £900 though

 

[Dumbo]

Did you tell lithofin it was a resin grout do you know the exact grout . Make and name .