Help -- Granite Tile Sealer needs stripping

[dcunniam]

Hi to all. I have a big problem that I'm hoping someone can help with. We have laid ~ 700 sq. ft. of 18" square, honed, (not polished) granite floor tile. We wanted to seal it with a flat natural finish and also enhance it slightly to even out slight color variations between tiles. Our local tile store suggested Roval 281 Plus enhancer which we purchased.

We tried it on a spare tile and were satisfied with the result. We then moved to apply it on the laundry room floor, (~200 sq. ft. or the 700)) and that is when we ran into problems. After drying the sealer went very shiny and left a film on the tile that is slightly sticky, shows dirt large, and is very uneven in finish from tile to tile. We used a lambswool applicator and the distribution was even. I can only guess that each tile had a somewhat different absorbtion rate.

At the end of the day we want it off. I have reveiwed Roval's website, www.roval.com, and they do mention stripping of finsihes, (see below for there instructions). The isntructions are not very clear and they do not have a phone number t5o seek clarification. They mention using a high Ph rinsing of the surface and then suggest their cleaner, however, their cleaner in Ph neutral ....now I'm confised. Any ideas?

Ideally we want the finish created when you apply Mineral Oil to a virgin tile. Great look but is it ok to do on a floor tile?


WATER BASED AND PETROLEUM BASED SILICONE IMPREGNATORS, such as RoVal Unique 281, Penetrating Tile & Grout Sealer or Hydro-Block WB cannot be “stripped”. Their effectiveness can only be diminished by a high pH (alkaline) rinsing of the surface. These sealers are generally unaffected by methylene chloride based strippers. Use RoVal Nu-Clean Concentrate diluted 1:1 with water. Apply solution to the area, allow to stand for several minutes and double rinse with clean water.


Dave C

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[John Bridge]

Hi Dave, :)

I'm not a pro on that aspect to tiling. I'm going to move you over to our Cleaning an Restoration forum. There are people there who do this sort of thing for a living. :) Hang tight.

[Mike2]

Dave, my guess is that too much of the sealer/enhancer was allowed to "dry" out on the surface of the tile creating the sticky residue. Perhaps if you had applied it and after allowing it to absord into the stone for 15 minutes or so, wiped the tile completely dry with a towel the results would have been more to your liking.

I'm going to move you over to the Restoration side of the house for the experts there to look at this.

In the meantime I'd like to to try one thing. Pick an inconspicious area, maybe in a corner out of sight some where and apply a liberal coat of Roval 281 Plus to a one square foot area. Let that sit for 5 to 10 minutes then wipe all that off with a soft clean towel until it's completely dry, did I forget to say completely dry? ;) Post results here. Hopefully what this will do is to re-emulsify the first coat of sealer allowing easy removal of that sticky topical coating left behind from round one

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Edit P.S. Wow...John done moved us while I was typing and I didn't feel a thing, not even a tremor. :) Nice smooth ride JB.

[www.stoneadvice.com]

WARNING

To all my friends in the industry...black honed granite is a product from satin. Do not use it....Do not install it....do not fabricate it. You (and your client) will have nothing but grief!

Word to my brothers!

Mark Lauzon
www.stoneadvice.com
slab fabricator heaven

[dcunniam]

I'm feeling so much better now.......would a priest be able to help?

Mike2...I am going to try your suggestion tomorrow monring. I will let you know how it works. Any thoughts on using mineral oil on the remianing un treated tile. The finish produced by rubbing some on and wiping off the excess is perfect. I'm just not sure if it viable on a floor in a kitchen. Will it last any length of time?

Mark, why do you feel so strong on honed granite. It is a more informal look than polished yet still has a measure of elegance. It went down nice and I think had I not used that product I would be in a better place. The Roval brand has me a littl econcerned. their website doesnt even have aphone number on it to call. That is never a good sign.

Dave C

[Stonehenge]

Hi D Cunniam.

Call 1-888-447 5553 and ask for Tom he is in your area, and tell him
Michael of Stonehenge refered him.

This would be if a simple repair resolution is not found.

Michael of Stonehenge

[doitright]

Hi Dave, Welcome! :)

Can you post a picture of your project? :shades:

What is the name of the granite that you used?

[dcunniam]

Thanks Stonehenge. I will keep that # handy.

Dave C

[dcunniam]

I dont have any digital pics at this moment but can get some today for you. The "granite" is technically called basalt and is from China. Color is black.

Dave C

[dcunniam]

Good morning. Well I wasnt able to get to teh tile until last night. this is what we have tried so far. Mike2, we tried to re-emulsify the sealer by applying some of the same again.....no luck, it just added more to the top of the previous. I tried some phophoric acid straight up....no effect. I did manage to get the top of the coating off by scaping with a window razor blade. It came off to a fine powder. My camera battery is on charge so pics later today. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Dave C

[dcunniam]

Hi again. Sounds like no one is talking to me. Did I say something wrong? I know my typing isn't the greatest .........

Well I finally found something to strip of the mess....Poly Strip, a furniture stripper with Methyl something or other in it. It was a bit of a pain and alot of elbow grease but it is finally gone.

Now back to what to do to enhance it. As I mentioned earlier it is a black honed basalt or common name granite. The surface is a little grayed out and there is variance between the tiles. I did put some mineral oil on a spare tile and it looks great. I dont think that will last though as it is a kitchen floor. If I put an enhancer on it should I still seal it? Or is there a better product that wont goop up the surface of the tile. Something that will be absorbed?

Dave C

[doitright]

Hi Dave :)

Sorry, I've been busy.

Some granites will not absorb sealer or enhancer. I strongly suggest doing some TEST samples with various enhancers. The one that darkens the most is Aqua Mix Enrich 'n Seal. If you use a enhancer, it doubles as a sealer, so no additional sealer is necessary.

[dcunniam]

Hi John.

If I understand correctly the denser stones, i.e. granite will not absorb the enhancer/sealer as well as others consequently the need to try different ones. Any difference between water based and solvent based? Would one likely work better than another. Also what about using a floor wax on the tiles. Normally meant for wood floors but would it work? Thanks for the reply.

Dave C