Grout on tumbled marble

[New guy]

Newly installed tumbled marble backsplash with 1/4" grout line of white sanded grout. Colors of marble tiles include off white, beige, black and a light honey color. Installer did not use a sealer or grout release before grouting and apparently did not work in small sections or entirely clean grout off marble. As the beige and honey colored tiles are much lighter due to grout residue and grout in small porous crevises. Grout was applied five days ago. Planning on using a sealer and enhanser by StoneTech or Miracle sealant. I wanted to know what I can do at this point to remove the grout from the tiles before applying sealer/enhanser.

Thanks,
New Guy

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[Steven Hauser]

Hi NG, :)

I would try using a small dowel to get the grout out of the crevasses.

The restore mixed to a 2-1 consistency should soften up the grout. The main cleaning will be you picking away at it. ;)

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[stefan]

the tiler perhaps watched the HGTV, they did the same mistake :idea: :crazy:

[John Bridge]

Hi New Guy, All, :)

Filling the holes in tumbled stone is not a mistake unless someone directs that they not be filled. I do it routinely. I don't use white grout, though. I try to match the dominant color in the stone. :)

[Rd Tile]

I have to agree with John, unless told not to, I grout all the holes, I also seal them before to help with clean up, but the holes get filled.:)

[New guy]

No problem with a little grout in crevises but color of honey colored marble is now very close to beige tiles. Any suggestions to restore more color to these tiles without damaging the marble? I tried a small test spot with Stone Tec sealer and enhanser, brings out a little color but was hoping for more of a contast in color of tiles.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

[New guy]

I have tried an akaline cleaner on a few tiles with very limited success. Can any one help with suggestions on removing some of grout on tumbled marble tiles. We want to restore some of the color without damaging tiles. Installer was aware that we were going to use a sealer and enhanser on tiles to bring out more color when he finished, and we also asked if he needed to use a grout release to protect pourous tiles and make clean up of grout easier. No need for grout release was the reply.

[doitright]

Hi NG :)

Somehow I missed your first name (unless you haven't posted it yet). :(

Have you tried diluted the Stone Tech Restore as Steven suggested earlier on? :shades:

[New guy]

Tile shop recommeded to the installer the StoneTech KlenzAll at full strength and scrubbing tiles with a nylon brush. This worked fairly well except on a few of the honey colored tiles, where no matter how much you scrub still to much white grout imbedded in tile. Should I now try the diluted Restore, do not want to damage the lighter colored tumbled marble. But want to get more color on these tiles before using sealer and enhanser

Also, what is recommeded material on grout line between granite counter top and bottom of the marble back splash. Sanded grout is already beginning to crack in this area. Do not want water getting in behind sink area.

Thanks,

Wade

[Claudia Ramirez]

Wade-

How did the tumbled marble look during the cleaning with the KlenzAll? Did it get evenly dark? I ask only because that is likely the look you can expect when you enhance. If it did get dark enough when wet, then you might not have to do any more restorative cleaning. You concerns about changing the appearanc of the mrable if you were to clean it with Restore are valid, even if it is a tumbled material.

As far a the cracked grout goes, fix that first before sealing, especially if you plan to enhance.

[New guy]

Thanks Claudia,

Still need to remove more of grout on several of the tiles, any suggestions on a product that will not damage or discolor the tumbled marble.

Also, what type of material should I use at gout line at base of backsplash where it meets granite. Regular grout is cracking already.

Thanks,
NG

[lazybumranch]

Also, what type of material should I use at gout line at base of backsplash where it meets granite. Regular grout is cracking already.

Thanks,
NG

Sanded Caulk, see grout manufacturer for matching color.

RE Grout in pits- we coordinate grout & tumbled stone w/ homowner to alert them to the fact it will be a part of the field tile. One lady did not want grout in the pits and holes, we added $$$$$$$$ to pay for masking the tile, and cleaning it w/ a toofbrush. Big Fun, BIG $$$ :crazy:

[New guy]

Installer should of used a grout bag and or applied sealant on face of the tiles. Restore helped but did not remove enough of cured grout off of the tiles. Installer made good on botched job and removed and replaced these tiles. Also, removed grout at bottom of backsplah and replaced with a more flexible type of caulk.

[doitright]

Hi Wade :)

Glad to hear it got straightened out. Thanks for the update. ;)