Saltillo question

[tileguytodd]

This was PM d to me from Malacha26
Tim, Karen,can ya'll handle this one please...Thanks

Saltillo tile
Frustrated with just installed saltillo tile, the guy that installed it did not sealed it before instalatiion.
Now it has grout stains implanted on it almost imposible to remove. Or maybe imposible.
I hired someone that intended to remove the stains with sullfamic acid and he also sealed it on the same day with acrilic seal. Now I don't only have white gaze, grout stains, patches of seal on my floor. I rented a machine and used acrilic remover and then sulfamic acid.
Nothing has worked, I can't move in to my new place until I sealed it. and my time is running out. Is there a solution to this so very frustrating problem.
I am afraid to hire someone again.
Can you give me a step by step solution to this problem
PLEASEEEE
Thank u so much

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[Steven Hauser]

Hi :(

That is an awful lot of caustic chemicals for a sun baked clay to have endured.

Tim will provide the expert analysis but this is what I would recommend.

Remove all residues from the saltillo using a striper based on Methylene Chloride (Jasco makes one). This can be some nasty stuff so vent while using, were proper personal protection gear, and when you dispose of the residue do so within strict accordance to the guidelines set forth in your community.

Once you do this the, saltillo needs to be washed with neutral cleaner like the TYW cleaner sold here. This may be done several times.

From that point I would determine how much damage the saltillo has. Some areas may develop bisters known as "lime pops".

This is the point where you decide to use a finish that will change the appearance of the saltillo or just enhance it.

[Davestone]

Yes once stripped down you can finely sand a lot of the problems away,but don,t bear down and rub long,the lime pops,or calcium cups can be filled with grout,you may want to dig out the little critter at the bottom of the hole.