Cleaning spectralock from travertine

[fich375]

I sealed the travertine in my shower twice. It repelled the water very well. I used the spectralock and continuously cleaned the tiles with fresh water and vinegar solutions. The problem is that the tiles seems to be a little hazy and the sealer seems to be nonexistant. I guess the vinegar solution broke the sealer down? I used Aquamix Gold and it sat for 24 hours prior to grouting. I'm assuming I'll have to seal again but how about cleaning it first? What steps should be taken? Thanks.

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[Davestone]

OOps.You shouldn't use the vinegar on travertine, unless absolutely necessary.You also shouldn't use it on the Spectralock.The vinegar probably did eat at the sealer, but it probably hazed up the travertine as well.you may have to rehone it,but without a pic i wouldn't know.Also youshoul use a little ammonia and water rinse to neutralize any residual acid then rinse with water.Don't reseal until you decide whether you need to rehone.

[fich375]

Figures. The vinegar/water solution is supposed to be used to clean up the spectralock per the directions. This is my third time using it and I haven't had a problem with it. Just never used it with travertine.

Good thing is that the tiles are affected too much. I don't think they will have to be honed again. We were pretty good with wiping down the tiles with a dry towel so the haze I spoke of isn't too bad. I'll take pictures later today and post them.

What should the mixture of ammonia and water be?

[Davestone]

A cup per gallon oughta do it.I know there is the recommendation for the vinegar wash, and i think a quick washdown probably would be okay, but repeatedly doing it is bound to harm the finish.

[fich375]

Thanks Dave. I'm trying the ammonia in a few. Any recommendation on how long to wait for it to dry before resealing? Also, can you use the ammonia solution to clean in the future without taking off the sealer? Or just use the recommended cleaners in other threads?

[Davestone]

I would wait at least till tomorrow.No don't clean with it regularly, use a neutral cleaner.

[sparkyfish]

Dave,,
Spectralock says to use vinegar/water to clean off the residue while grouting ..why do you say not to do that ?
or am i missing something here ? :uhh:

[Davestone]

I said to not over use it on marble,i know it needs to be used for cleanup, but if used repeatedly it will ruin the finish.I looked back and it looked like that was what i meant, but he said he had cleaned it a few times.

[sparkyfish]

ive only used Spectralock once,,at the suggestion of old john hisself

I used dark green varigated brazilian marble as the kitchen backsplash
( same project as the discolored bathroom grout question you so kindly replied to today)

I pre sealed the marble prior to installation and it worked out very nicely.
I could see why you wouldnt use vinegar with more porous stone. though.

So do I understand you correctly ,,that vinegar can ruin the manufacturer's
finish on the marble ?

We newbies must be such a trial to ya'all experienced ones.
I.m surely getting an education...one way or another !