Post tiling issues with finish - Tile Advice

[Dilalio]

Hi all.
Looking for some input and advice.
Recently had master bath tiled and now working on ensuite.
We are the plumbers and have used our Tiler.
Customer not happy with finish of dark grey matt porcelain tiles as they are water marking, have striations and don't have a uniform look when dried.
Supplier is pointing finger at the Tiler and has issued her with wax-off, deep clean and grout removal chemicals (Lithofin). We spent yesterday using the grout remover and while there was some residue which came off, there is still unevenness with the dried finish.
Is the supplier trying to pass off a poor product or are there things we can do to satisfy the customer?
My take, from my experience, is I don't trust the tile.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Deano.

 

[Middlesex Tiles]

Everyone is going to ask for photos . . .

 

[Dilalio]

Everyone is going to ask for photos . . .

Yeah. Lol. I always ask the same on DIYnot.com.

Ill go up and try and capture some now...
[automerge]1570091346[/automerge]
Hope these show the issue.
Bathroom has been used this morning.

 

[Dumbo]

Have you got a spare tile that hasn't been used and conducted any water tests our grout cleaner reactions on it .

 

[Dilalio]

Have you got a spare tile that hasn't been used and conducted any water tests our grout cleaner reactions on it .

Yes. Customer did this to a spare tile and took it to the supplier who "apparently" cleaned it up, so we're told?

 

[Dumbo]

Yes. Customer did this to a spare tile and took it to the supplier who "apparently" cleaned it up, so we're told?

Let me reword this .
Have you got a spare tile etc

 

[Dan]

Who's done this again?

Grout around the end of the bath instead of cutting the tile to the right shape?

That's not a professional tiler lol

 

[Dan]

Full tile off the bath. How very DIY lol

Just posted this blog: DIYDoctor | DIYnot | UltimateHandyman – DIY Plumbing Advice – Why it can be dodgy! – Plumbing Advice - https://www.plumbersforums.net/plumbing-advice/25/diydoctor-diynot-ultimatehandyman-diy-plumbing-advice-why-it-can-be-dodgy/

 

[Dilalio]

Hope these show the issue.
Bathroom has been used this morning.
View attachment 110122 View attachment 110123 View attachment 110124 View attachment 110125

Let me reword this .
Have you got a spare tile etc

Yes.

 

[Dave]

Looks like polymer residue to me , wax off won’t remove it.
You need a stronger product.
Try lithofin cement away to break it down , try on an inconspicuous area first and watch the enamel works.

 

[Dumbo]

Hope these show the issue.
Bathroom has been used this morning.
View attachment 110122 View attachment 110123 View attachment 110124 View attachment 110125


Yes.

So what does it look like compared to the other tiles.

 

[Dilalio]

Looks like polymer residue to me , wax off won’t remove it.
You need a stronger product.
Try lithofin cement away to break it down , try on an inconspicuous area first and watch the enamel works.

Thanks for the reply.
What would the polymer residue be from? Is this from the manufacturing process or left over from grouting not being carried out correctly?

We applied this stuff yesterday. Firstly at a 1:10 ratio and then neat (carefully) with plenty of rinsing to keep away from chrome and enamels.

 

[Dave]

Thanks for the reply.
What would the polymer residue be from? Is this from the manufacturing process or left over from grouting not being carried out correctly?

We applied this stuff yesterday. Firstly at a 1:10 ratio and then neat (carefully) with plenty of rinsing to keep away from chrome and enamels.

View attachment 110129

The residue is grout film with polymer residue also within it , it is basically from not washing off early enough and changing water regularly to avoid excessive residue drying on the surface.
If the KF isn’t shifting it then upgrade to cement away , it’s very strong so go careful.
Also you need to use a scotch pad so the slight abrasion from pad helps remove the residue.
Start with diluted product as per instructions and then increase strength till you find a mix ratio that works.

P.s... have a quiet word with your tiler for future jobs 😁

 

[J Sid]

Looks like polymer residue to me , wax off won’t remove it.
You need a stronger product.
Try lithofin cement away to break it down , try on an inconspicuous area first and watch the enamel works.

Dave, cement away is acid based and is for external use only.
I would try lithofin power clean as my first choice

 

[Dave]

Dave, cement away is acid based and is for external use only.
I would try lithofin power clean as my first choice

It is yes , but works on stubborn cement residue , if the KF hadn’t touched it then power clean might not but ye give power clean a go as well.