Sloppy Tile Job

[bajacondo]

I recently had my floors retiled in Mexico. He did a good job except for bits of cement or grout left on the tiles and what looks like tape marks on the floor next to the grouting. I've tried scrubbing the tape marks but no luck and don't want to try chipping the cement or grout off the tiles. Any help will be much appreciated.

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[Shaughnn]

Hello Baja,
I expect that the tape residue is going to need to be rubbed off as a solvent will cause the adhesive to break down and get "sucked* into the Saltillo, leaving a permanent stain. What have you tried already?
Shaughnn

[bajacondo]

Hi Shaughnn :wave:

Other than elbow grease, I have tried dish soap (Fabuloso)..not so fabulous on the tape and Magic eraser. My tiler obviously left the tape on too long.

[Shaughnn]

Actually, I've had masking tape leave residue simply because it got wet. It may also be that it was left on the tile too long, but that's not the only cause. Have you tried a pumice stone and amonia yet? Most super markets carry a brand of pumice stone in the clenser aisle called "Pumie". It's a bar of volcanic stone that you use to scour surfaces. The amonia might work to break down the adhesive so that the pumice stone can rub it away cleaner.
DISCLAIMER!!!!! Do not attempt this until you have tested it on a discarded piece of tile FIRST. This has the potential to seriously mar or discolor your tile if it doesn't work out. Better to test on something which you can easily throw away than something which will need to be jackhammered out.
Best of luck,
Shaughnn

[doitright]

Hi Baja, Welcome! :)

Please share a first name with us. We won't bite! :D

I don't see you posting that the tile with the tape residue is Saltillio. Can you verify this? If so, is the finish applied?

I would simply TEST some paint thinner first.

[bajacondo]

Hi

I'm Elaine from Canada.

As to what kind of tile it is, I haven't a clue. It was bought in Mexico and I'm home now and won't be back in Mexico til January. I have lots of left over tile and will try all your suggestions on a piece of that before I tackle the real thing.

Muchas Gracias for all your help. :clap2:

[doitright]

Hi Elaine :)

De nada! ;)

If you need any help down there, just give me a call! :D