Sealer on top of sealer

[robtish]

I've been trying to strip some Satillo tile in preparation for refinishing it. I've used the Stripper 15-minute solution and Tile Lab's heavy-duty stuff.

I've gotten as much sealant off as I can with my skills. I simply can't do anything more; I'm out of time and money, basically. There are clearly parts of the tile that still have sealant on them (previous owners did the sealing; I have no idea what they used).

I now have to proceed with the sealing anyway. What's the best thing for me to use in this less-than-ideal situation? Aquamix low-sheen? Aquamix gold? Stone armour? Please help.

You can tell me that it's necessary for me to get the rest of the sealer off, but that won't help me. It just ain't possible at this point. Given that, what should I do?

Thanks.

[kemguru]

Hi Rob

Where are these tiles installed? Interior or exterior?

Exterior…just go over with a few applications of Armor. Exterior tiles need to breathe, but a topical smothers them.

Interior…Saltillo looks much better, and is easier to maintain when a topical coating is used. An impregnator (Armor) does not “clog” the pores, so dirt and whatnot can find is way into the surface. This “dirt” does not bond with the sealed tile, so it is easily flushed with a garden hose. Piece of cake outside, but a less than desirable procedure in your living room. Impregnators are used inside all the time, you just have to clean a bit diffrent. Instead of damp mopping, like you would a topical seal, you need to flood the area and agitate a bit more. No big deal.

Do the somewhat sealed areas eventually darken when wet? I would like to see you do one more wash of your tiles if you use a topical. Use Acetone this time. Work it with a green scrub pad. If you decide on an impregnator…have at it right now.

I’ve gone over Armor with a topical, but I can’t sit here and say I’m comfortable telling you to go over a different impregnator with a topical. It can be done…it has been done.

[robtish]

Thanks for the quick and thought-out reply -- but there's one thing I still don't know: how do I tell whether the sealer is an impregnator or a topical?

I understand from your post that Armor is an impregnator and that I shouldn't use it. But what's a good topical? Aquamix low-sheen? Aquamix Gold? Looking at the Aquamix website, it looks like I should go with low-sheen instead of Gold, but I just want to be sure.

And I'll try the acetone today. Thanks.

Rob


PS The tiles are interior

[John Bridge]

Rob,

Given the constraints you've placed upon the situation, I would say do both a penetrating sealer and a topical such as Aquamix Low Sheen. If you go only with the topical you might lose a lot of it to the interior of the tiles. Essentially, they should be fully sealed before you apply the top finish.

I'm assuming these tiles are indoors. And there is no telling what effect the new products have on the old. You should remove all of the old product, but you know that.