Citristrip on Slate

[bdkneela]

Hello all,

I mistakenly coated my slate tiles with a Acrylic based finish (instead of enhance and seal like I meant to) before grouting. I now need to remove it and the manufacturer of the finish recommended trying Simple Green or a water based Acrylic Paint Stripper.

I tried the Simple Green and it kinda worked, so on 1 tile that will be behind the stove I tried the Citristrip product. It definitely took off the finish and then I wiped it down with a water wet microfiber cloth to remove the remaining residue. The tile looks fine to me just like it did before I put anything on it.

My question is this:

1. Do you think there is any danger of harming the stone that would prevent me from using the Miracle Enhance and Seal on the tiles once they are stripped with the Citristrip product?

2. On 1/3rd of the backsplash we began grouting and have since removed the majority of the haze from the tiles and understand we will need to touch up the remaining grout, do you think this product would be safe on these tiles to try and remove the rest of the haze/grout residue?

Thanks in advance for your responses. I'm planning on trying the stripper tonight so I know its kinda last min but I thought I should check here before I went ahead and tried it.

Regards,

Brian

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[ddmoit]

Hi Brian,:)

I moved your thread to a forum likely to get you better attention to your problem.

[Davestone]

The only problem would be the ph of the stone, it should be as neutral as you can get it before sealing,but i think you'll be fine.Citristrip is pretty tame as far as strippers are concerned.

[Stonehenge]

Hi Brian,

I have always adhered to the theory of a pretest upon a spare tile.

What color or name can you supply for this slate?

[bdkneela]

Davestone, thanks! I am not planning on sealing until tomorrow night. What would you recommend to neutralize the ph of the stone before sealing?

Stonehenge, I am not sure the name of the tile, it is tumbled slate in 2"x2" squares on a 12"x12" mesh purchased at Lowes.
I did do a test tile and it does end up looking quite clean when I finish wiping off and buffing with water and a microfiber cloth. I haven't tested the sealer yet though on a treated tile.

[Davestone]

I would try the enhancer on a piece of tile and if it doesn't seem to be absorbed use the citristrip afterwash to clean them further.

[bdkneela]

UPDATE:

Ok, so far so good. I used the Citrustrip on the slate tiles and visually they look like the finish was taken off. It is hard to tell though for sure as the tiles vary so much that some are just naturally shiny. I'm thinking the only true test is to see how the tiles absorb the Enhance and Seal.

I am planning on using the Enhance and Seal on Friday night (fun way to spend a friday) So here are my new questions:

1. What is the best way to neutralize the ph of the tiles before i try the sealer?

2. Any tips/tricks for applying the Enhance and Seal? (Paint Brush/foam brush, completely dry tiles . . .) things like that

3. If I find that the sealer isn't going into the tiles, does anyone recommend trying the stripper again?

Please let me know your thoughts and I will be sure and report back hopefully with pictures.

Regards,
Brian

[bdkneela]

Next Update:

The Citristrip worked great on the tiles. We Sealed and Enhanced all the tiles yesterday and they all look the same again (even the ones that were grouted w/o sealant)

Today we are going to finish the grouting process, probably about 2-3 Eastern time. After screwing up the grouting so bad last weekend, does anyone have any grouting tips, or any experience with the Tec-Invision grout? Please any/all help is really really appreciated!

Regards,
Brian

[Davestone]

I've never used it myself but on slate i like to stay after it as far as washing,keep wiping.I like to cut a sponge in half or quartes so i have corners on it to clean the crevaces.