HELP! new saltillo sealant problem

[jktexas]

Hello...

My husband and I just laid new saltillo (true, unsealed, from Mexico) in our kitchen and bath areas in our new home. I just finished putting a layer of the high gloss Aquamix sealer and finisher on the tile and the kitchen came out with a white chalky haze that appears to be part of the sealer. Looks awful! tried to buff it off and wont come off.

We consulted someone who had laid the tile before and got the recommended products. Our process was as follows:
1. set tiles and let dry
2. sealed with Aquamix Color Enhancer and sealer prior to grouting as directed
3. grouted with saltillo grout let dry for 48+ hours
4. "swept and prepped" tile for sealer
5. applied Aquamix high gloss sealer and finisher.

What did I do wrong?! and more importantly, how do i fix this?!

thanks
Kt

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[cx]

Welcome, KT. :)

I'll move you over to the Sealing forum where the chemical gurus hang out.

But a couple questions while you wait:

1. Did you soak the tiles in water before you set them?

2. What did you set them on? Mud bed? Concrete slab? Wood floor with CBU? Other?

3. What did you set them with? Thinset? Medium Bed mortar? Other?

4. How long did you wait after setting the tiles before you used the enhancer?

Could be Monday before you get an adequate response, but maybe somebody will stop by manana.

[Steven Hauser]

Hi there,

I believe what you are experiencing is efflorescence trapped because of the color enhancing sealer trapped the moisture from the installation that normally evaporates out. What I believe needs to happen is removal of the top coating for a few weeks.

I'm not sure without seeing the installation though.

Please contact the mfg. of the top coat to see if they have a stripping agent specific to their products.

Efflorescence is entirely manageable but will take some time and elbow grease.

Good luck.

:)