Cleaning grout and sealant off slate tiles

[caroleandcliff]

Hi,
I have had some tiling done very badly in my kitchen and now need to strip the slate tiles back to their original form. They have been sealed with all the grout still on them, its a really bad job. I have tried the usual methods of cleaning with stripper and a scrubbing brush but this just does not do the job. I need something more 'industrial' - can anyone please help me!
Thanks,

 

[GazTech]

Hi,
I have had some tiling done very badly in my kitchen and now need to strip the slate tiles back to their original form. They have been sealed with all the grout still on them, its a really bad job. I have tried the usual methods of cleaning with stripper and a scrubbing brush but this just does not do the job. I need something more 'industrial' - can anyone please help me!
Thanks,

Firstly welcome to the forums.
I'm not an expert in this field, but Tiling logistics is...he will advise you best....Gaz

 

[White Room]

Hello and welcome

 

[Fred]

Did you seal them before grouting? I use this.................Extensive Limited > Cement-Away - 1L

 

[Olz]

Welcome to the forum, as Gaz says, Tilinglogistics is your man here, im sure he'll advise you when he see's the tread, in the mean time some photos may be helpfull so he knows the extent of the problem.

 

[CJ]

 

[TilingLogistics]

Hi,
I have had some tiling done very badly in my kitchen and now need to strip the slate tiles back to their original form. They have been sealed with all the grout still on them, its a really bad job. I have tried the usual methods of cleaning with stripper and a scrubbing brush but this just does not do the job. I need something more 'industrial' - can anyone please help me!
Thanks,

Firstly sorry to hear about your problem. Welcome to the forums.

You firstly need to get as much as the sealer off as possible any good sealing and coating remover will do this not as strong as Nitromors but something like a white spirit. Allow it to stay on the tiles and dwell treat a small area at a time and work it in to the slate with a scrubbing pad/emulsyfying pad. Once you get rid of that you need to treat the grout with something like cement away or similar. Don't use brick acid it is too strong. Again go with the dwell times and allow the cement away to work. Then thoroughly wash the tiles and allow to thoroughly dry best left overnight. Then seal small areas at a time and follow the directions on the sealer. Quite hard work I am afraid but also you could hire a rotary floor scrubber to help. Good Luck

Kev