Yellow Film on Slate Floor

[vr57425]

Hi, we have purchased a 25 year old house and are in the process of renovating. The problem we are having is this. We have a slate floor that is covered in a yellow haze. It is on the tiles as well as the grout. My first thought was the sealer had yellowed. I asked around and the thought now is that the previous owner had coated the floor with polyurethane.

I have tried a number of chemicals, cleaners available at the big box store (Mira Clean, and an adhesive sealer remover). None of these products remove the yellow film. Also after using the sealer remover on 1 tile we noticed blue dots that are similar to water drops had appeared on the tile. I'm wondering what those drops are, and how to remove the polyurethane? Someone suggested using a Methylene-chloride based stripper. Is this safe for use on slate?

I would appreciate any help that can be offered. Thank You.

Vincent

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[Davestone]

I would say the meth. chloride would probably work, but you'll need to hazmat yourself, and provide ventilation.Try a small area first, and see what happens.The spots could be spots of the broken down polyurethane, dripping back onto the stone..maybe the meth. chloride would remove it also.

[doitright]

Hi Vincent, Welcome! :)

Depending on how long your slate has been down, there used to be a topical coating called DresSlate that very popular. It had a yellow cast to it, and was very durable.

The only way to remove it would be using a methelyne chloride based product. I haven't tried them, but a peel away product may also work. There are several on the market. The key is to allow something to dwell on the surface long enough to soften the existing coating.

Beware that some of these products are flammable, and detrimental to your health and surrounding surfaces.

[vr57425]

Thanks for all your help. I found that "SuperStripper" (methelyne chloride based stripper) works fantastic, it takes off th haze in a mater of seconds. It is a great product, you should see the slate, beautiful. Your absolutely right about the toxicity of the product. Ventalation and the right safety equipment are a must. Thanks again.