slate bathroom floor - help! - TilersForums.com

[kimmyhutch]

Hi all

I have exactly the same problem; mosaic metallic slate tiles on a wet room floor, that have white stains that looks like limescale. They were professionally fitted and sealed 18 months ago, the marks have appeared over the past few months. On the advice of the tile supplier I used LTP Grimex to remove the sealant, but that did nothing. Then I tried a "natural" limescale & dirt remover. Nothing. I finally resorted to Viakal limescale remover, but still no difference.

Can anyone suggest what I try next?

Thanks
Kim

 

[DHTiling]

Hi all

I have exactly the same problem; mosaic metallic slate tiles on a wet room floor, that have white stains that looks like limescale. They were professionally fitted and sealed 18 months ago, the marks have appeared over the past few months. On the advice of the tile supplier I used LTP Grimex to remove the sealant, but that did nothing. Then I tried a "natural" limescale & dirt remover. Nothing. I finally resorted to Viakal limescale remover, but still no difference.

Can anyone suggest what I try next?

Thanks
Kim

Any pics kim..?

 

[kimmyhutch]

Yes I have, but they're over the allowed size for jpeg attachments so it wouldn't let me attach them. I can email them?

 

[kimmyhutch]

Here's a pic, not great quality but hopefully you can see what I mean.

 

[DHTiling]

what sealer was used originaly..?

 

[kimmyhutch]

Don't know unfortunately, the tiler sealed it & didn't leave any.

 

[DHTiling]

Is the white substance on the surface like crystals..does it darken it you wet it..?

 

[kimmyhutch]

You can't see it at all if the tiles are wet. It's not crystals, its looks just like limescale, sort of dry & powdery, except you can't rub it off.

 

[Perry]

You can't see it at all if the tiles are wet. It's not crystals, its looks just like limescale, sort of dry & powdery, except you can't rub it off.

i think the moisture could be getting into the side of the slate through the joints and not being able to get out again as it looks like a surface sealer its getting trapped

 

[DHTiling]

You can't see it at all if the tiles are wet. It's not crystals, its looks just like limescale, sort of dry & powdery, except you can't rub it off.

It could be effloresence...i would try LTP grout stain remover as this removes effloresence...follow the directions on the bottle and then once it dries ,if you have the same effect then we can try a couple more options.

If it was topical sealer issues then the grimex would have removed the whitening if you followed the directions for mixing and usage.