Blacktop stains on epoxy grout

[MitchTully]

I realized I originally posted in the wrong area. Hope the Moderators will take pitty on me.

I have a customer who believes that oils carried in from his blacktop driveway have discolored his epoxy grout.

As of this point he has scrubbed them with spic and span, a grout cleaner from Fila, and is back asking me to come look at it.

Has anyone had any success in trying to remove this type of residue from grout?

Thanks

Mitch

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[MDS]

Wow, epoxy grout on a garage floor, with an asphalt driveway, in a color light enough to show stains. :uhh: Who could have ever imagined any problem with that?

Try mineral spirits or naptha. If that doesn't get it good enough then you could always clean the heck out of it and repaint the lines with a nice dark epoxy coating. NOT Aqua Mix colorant, a real 2 part epoxy.

Avoid acids and strong alkalines, as well as temps over 150 F, as they will attack the surface of the epoxy grout.

Or unscrew a few light bulbs in the garage.

Seriously, blacktop sealer and new or high performance tires can stain most epoxies beyond the point of clean-ability.

[Davestone]

Yeah that can be tough.I'm afraid the mineral spirits will break down the asphalt turning it into watery substance that will just linger,but you could try that and a few other oil based paint removers.See which works best.

[SABoyt]

Mitch, contact tx con products: www.txconproducts.com They have products that will remove asphalt residue (and asphalt). I used one not too long ago to remove some asphalt coatings. They work but i would talk to the guys to see if they are safe for epoxy grout.

[MitchTully]

The grout is actually inside the house. The contractor believes it was tracked in from the driveway.

I appreciate everyones input, I relayed it on to the customer (who felt inclined to take his lifes frustrations out upon me).

It's amazing how some peoples expectations can get out of hand.

Thanks again everyone

Mitch