Dull and scratched tiles - Tile Advice

[Jax05]

Porcelain Tiles installed a fews months back and since installation they’ve got dull haze lines on a lot of them near the edges.

There is a lots and lots of hairline scratches which are apparent in certain light.

The tiles are Wickes seattle cloud glazed porcelain and installed professionally. We have issues with the grout too and I’m getting zero assistance from tiler on this which is frustrating.

Is there anything that can be done to sort the finish out. I’m thinking about getting another firm in to assess the work.

 

[CJ]

Do you know what grout was used. Certain “sandy” grouts can scratch the edges of “cheaper” tiles.

 

[Jax05]

Yes it was Bal micromax. Would that cause all these scratches? Anything I can do?

 

[CJ]

Bal micromax is quite a sandy grout, hence the scratches near the edges.

You may be able to polish out with colour coded car polish. Try a small corner area with toothpaste first. Similar thing really, (a fine cutting compound)

 

[Jax05]

Tried that and also tried car polish with no luck. I think these scratches are too deep. The grout finish is poor too it’s not uniform and a dirty appearance in places. I’ve had limited success with light sanding the “dirty” parts but I shouldn’t be doing this myself.

what do you think about the dull haze (first pic to the left of the light) it travels the length of the tile and it’s on loads of tiles. The tiles were sealed.

Do you think a machine polish would sort all this out?
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Some pics of the grout finish from a professional tiler.

 

[CJ]

Jeez, that grout looks like it’s been down years, not months.

Get a lambs wool pad and backer from screwfix, give it a go.

 

[Jax05]

I’ll need something a bit grittier than that to shift the dirt effect of the grout. I’ve been using sandpaper with a bit of success.

I asked the tiler whether the reason for the grout failure is because he sealed the tiles after grouting. The grout needs sealing too which hasn’t been done. I wonder whether also the reason the tiles are hazed is due to grouting before sealing the tiles. I’m just speculating here I’m no expert.

Apparently the tiler is the expert!

Any further advice would be appreciated.

 

[Jax05]

I need to remover the Lithofin KF Protective Impregnator sealer as the tiles were probably not cleaned properly beforehand. Am I right to use Lithofin Wax Off?

 

[Lou]

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