striping sealant

[Tacky]

The wife and I had just layed down 200 sq ft of travertine. We were advised to apply sealant. So we applied a natural looking sealant. Afterwards we thought it would be better to add a little shean, so we were told by Home Depot we could just add another coat of High gloss sealant over the sealant we had already applied. However, when we did it turned out awlful. There are blotches everywhere. Now we are told that we should have stripped to old sealant first. My question is, is it possible to rent some sort of machine to make this stripping job easier and more professional? And what would be a good stripper product for this natural stone?

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[Tool Guy - Kg]

Hi Tacky,

The pros in the "Cleaning, Restoration, and Sealing Forum" are more equipped to help you on this question. So I'll move this thread over there and leave a link to get there real easy.

While you are waiting, please post exactly what sealers you have used to make answering your question a little more efficient. :)

[Davestone]

Good old Home Depot knowhow. :wave: Yeah,like Kurt says we would need to know what ya used, but a start would be to look at the sealer containers, or contact the manuf. about what to use to strip each, starting at the top, or last sealer, and working down, meanwhile making sure the stripper won't harm you or the stone,but usually the strippers won't.Or you could go back and ask the guy at HD. :dance: :D

[Tacky]

Thank you for the quick replies my fellow tile'ees.

We had used Aqua Mix Natrual finish sealant whcih worked fine, but of course we could not leave well enough alone and added a second coat of Aqua Mix High Gloss. As explained earlier we did not strip the first coat thus leaving a very bad, blotchy stone. We attempted to strip all of the seal with Aqua Mix sealer and Coating Stripper. However using just sponges and towels this product did not work very well in removing all sealant. Eventally, we would like to lay down just the Aqua Mix High Gloss Sealant, but I must learn what is the best way to completley remove the sealant currently on the stone. I'am guessing that I may need to rent a buffer of some type and lay down a stripper that someone on this forum could recommend.

[Tacky]

Would I be correct in assuming that I need to rent a buffer of some type and lay down a stripper that someone on this forum could recommend. Is there a recommeded stripper that is is safe for travertine?

Don

[doitright]

Hi Don :)

Is the floor grouted? Hard to tell from the photo.

[Tacky]

Yes the floor is grouted, however that was completed just prior to taking this photo.

[doitright]

Hi Don :)

Even with a buffer, this is a messy proposition. You will also want to consider using a wet vac. Have you spoken with Aqua Mix technical assistance? Normally a high alkaline cleaner is necessary for removing most topical coatings. Something else will be required to break down the impregnating sealer.

[Tacky]

Thank you john for your assistance, even though it seems any type of repairs required on these natural stones is quite a chore..lol

I have not contacted Aqua-Mix, but thanks for the recommendation, I will do that. Also, when would I use a wet vac?

[doitright]

Hi Don :)

It helps to pick up the dirty solution, instead of spreading it around.

[Tacky]

Well I just got off the phone with Aqua-Mix. They stated that due to the usual makeup of Travertine, a mid or high gloss sealant should not be used. By doing so, portions of the stone will shine while other portions may not. They suggested using a buffer along with their usual stripper solution to remove all sealant. Also, they stated if a little sheen is desirable I could use the buffer and apply a product they sell called Reviver. They will usually tell customers that desire a sheen to the floor to think more of the line towards marble, granite or ceramic. Travertine is really meant to remain natural. And finally they said I could apply their NATRUAL texture sealant to protect the stone. I am having a very difficult time finding any place in the St Louis area that sells this Reviver product. I may just forego that step and be done with it. I hope the buffer I rent has a speed control. I was told I should not exceed 300 RPM.