Removing Sealer from Tumbled Marble

[firebird]

Some type of mix up inside our company, caused our tile sub to finish a tumbled marble backsplash with enhancer. I am not sure what brand.

I attempted to remove it with an Aquamis Tile and Stone Stripper product and though I have not seen it since it dried, our client says it is no different.

I'm sure I felt something come off the tile as I used the stripper. It went from feeling slippery and smooth, to a more rough kind of feeling you get when cleaning the grout off with a sponge.

This is a last ditch attempt to correct this before we tear it out.

Does anyone here have a good suggestion as to a method or product we might try?

Thanks,

Eric

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[Davestone]

Enhancers are notorious for being impossible to remove,if you used whatever product the ehancer that you used suggested,and it didn't remove it i wouldn't know,if you were just doing a trial and error because you don't know what enahncer was used you might try this.......http://www.aldonchem.com/pr-premium-stripper.htm

[doitright]

Hi Eric, Welcome! :)

Are you trying to totally remove the enhancer, or only clean up excess from the surface of the tile? :shades:

If you're trying to remove excess from the surface, Aqua Mix Nano Scrub will do the trick. You'll never be able to totally remove the enhancer from within the stone, but you may be able to lighten it. If I'm not mistaken, Prosoco's 1260 poultice may help in that area.

[firebird]

Thanks to all.

This will likely be a tear out. I doesn't look like we will be able to lighten it to the clients satisfaction.

I think the real issue is that she just does not like the tile she selected, but now the onnus is on us.

Thanks again.

Eric

[doitright]

Hi Eric :)

Don't lay down and play dead. I just saved a job that had similar circumstances (with the owner not wanting to pay the contractor). If the owner changes their mind on the material installed, they should also pick up the cost for tearout & reinstallation.

[firebird]

Thanks doitright,

You are right of course. Often clients just have no idea what a chosen element will look like until after it is installed.

Then they will coyly suggest, even insist that we did this or that wrong.

I agree with you, but it's not my dime. In the overall scope of the gross we did last year, and our projected for this year, sometimes it just easier to eat these things.

And, it makes for good customer relations.

I appreciate all the help.

Eric Paulson
Project Manager, Southeast Kitchens and Baths

[doitright]

Hi Eric :)

Thanks for the update and explanation. I try to explain (and suggest) options with my clients every step of the way. This will include layout options, grout color selection, border heights, etc. The more the client is involved with decision making process, the better the chance they will love the end result. I have been known to kick in some no charge items myself. Just did one last night. What do we gain? I just earned a master bath remodel project. Cost recovered very quickly.

[firebird]

Thanks for the good thoughts John.

Eric Paulson