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stoneman57
09-11-2007, 07:12 AM
I am working ona flagstone/slate combo floor in a 1930 era "falling waters" style residence. The floor has been neglected with different owners applying different types of cleaners and sealers and waxes over the years, as you might suspect. I have stripped off all of the sacrifial coatings on the floor revealing what I consider a poor -sloppy installation with signifiicant grout/mortar builup especially on the steps. It is not haze; it is what I consider to be "chiselable" for lack of a better word, deposits. The client has become driven to remove these deposits. I ahve used acid based grout haze/efflorescence removing cleaning agents with some results , but they are extremely slow. Does anyone have any suggestions which might help expedite the process? Should I try "chiselling" or perhaps a mechanically abrasive process?
Secondly I had intended to apply a color enhancing impregnator ,(Stonetech water based) and did so achieving poor results. Floor appearred blotchy ( not sealer white residue ) after 2 applications . "Blotchiness" would not buff out. I am now working on removing whatever is left of the impregnator and intending to go back to a topical sealer. Holding my breath though as I am concerned as to whether the topical will conceal everything.

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tileguytodd
09-11-2007, 08:18 AM
I ahve used acid based grout haze/efflorescence removing cleaning agents with some results , but they are extremely slow. Does anyone have any suggestions which might help expedite the process? Should I try "chiselling" or perhaps a mechanically abrasive process?

Chances are, If you go to a stronger acid you may leave a permanent light or dark spot in the stone (depends on the stone) You Could try in a very obscure area some Muriatic (at least it is cheap) But I really would not hold out alot of hope..................IF it does not leave the light/dark spotting however it will make short work of the cement residues.

Stone restoration is very tricky with some products..........I walked away from a Large bluestone project not too long ago simply because Nobody wanted to tell me the truth regarding WHAT was used on it to start with!!

stoneman57
09-11-2007, 10:15 AM
thanks Todd. I'll let u know how I make out

stoneman57
09-11-2007, 03:21 PM
I used a cleaning agent we had in stock which claims to be a "substitute" for muriatic. Actually reacted and etched a little , but I'm afraid I just ended up scraping the stuff off. Marred the stone a little , but the topical I'm applying hides it pretty well. Letting client formulate an opinion overnight on some areas which I sealed. Hope he likes it.......i'm afraid it's the best we can do .
Thanks
regards