efflorescence???

[firsttimer1]

Hello
I am kind of freaking out right now. Last week I installed...first time..my tumbled travertine backsplash...and used a colored grout...I think it was the next day..or 2 days later...when I noticed grout hazeon my tile...and used vinegar to remove it...which worked...but now hear that that is a no-no. Now...I am noticing that my grout has reaqlly lightened up..is this due to the "powdery" residue given off by the tile..did I really screw up with the vinegar??..AND how can I get my grout back to its intended color.

Thanks in advance for all your help

Barbara

[Scottish Tile and Stone]

How long has it been since you grouted? You will sometimes notice different color spots, until it has time to dry completely.

[firsttimer1]

It's been almost 2 weeks...I'm thinking it might be from the residue of the travertine...I put in a decorative accent in ceramic...and the grout around that is fine...but how can i get rid of those white spots..Also...I sealed the tile...and now I'm thinking I would have liked to use a stone enhancer sealer...is it too late?

Thanks

[poolmaninct]

doesn't sound like F'resince to me. on the outside chance di you allow a thorough slow cure prior to sealing?

[cx]

Welcome, Barbara. If you'll go to the UserCP above, find Edit Signature and enter your first name there it will appear in each post for folks to use.

I've moved your thread to the Cleaning and Sealing forum so maybe more of the right folks will have a look at it. I think the problem you're thinking you have is effloresence, rather than effervescence. I can change that in the title for you if you like.

[ceramictec]

Barbara,

what did you set your tumbled marble with ?

[firsttimer1]

Hi..sorry about the wrong spelling..lol..set it with white modified thinset...there really isn't too much of the white...just doesn't look like the color I picked..and some of the grout lines have some white on the outside edges..is this due to the "grittiness" of the tumbled travertine?

I used water in my grout....and I waited more than 3 days to seal..I hit everything twice with stonetech..but now I'm wondering if I would have been better off with the stone enhancer.would it "darken" everything??..and can I use the stone enhancer now...even though i sealed everything last week?


And finally..lol..like a doofus..I used vinegar to remove grout haze....I don't see any etching......will I be alright in the long run??

Thanks again

Barbara

[Steven Hauser]

Hi Barbara,

Yes you will be fine, the color of the grout pigment is directly affected by how much water is used during mixing and cleaning while the grout is still loose. Since it sounds like a wall, I doubt you are dealing with efflorescence.

Best regards

[doitright]

Hi Barbara, Welcome!

I agree with Steven that this is not a efflorescence issue.

Which Stone Tech product did you use, and what was your method of application?

I have experienced fogging/clouding with some of their products. You may or may not be able to remove the existing sealer (in order to enhance). When you give us the name of the exact product you use, we'll try to provide you with a solution.

[firsttimer1]

Hello everyone..thanks for your replies..I used stonetech bulletproof...and used a terry rag to apply it....

[doitright]

Hi Barbara

Can you clarify your time frame of sealing / installation / grouting?

Did you only seal the stone and not the grout?

What happens if you wipe the surface with a damp sponge?

Did you seal prior to grouting?

Did you use straight vinegar (vs. diluted)?

Did you neutralize the surface after the vinegar wash?

[david bassler]

Barbara
You may be able to get a solvent based enhancer (Enhancer Pro) to go past a water based sealer (Bulletproof). A test would be lacquer thinner or acetone wiped with a towel to see if the stone will darken. If so, you may not need to degrade your previous sealer and get the solids of the enhancer to enter the stone.
You can degrade Bulletproof with Klenzall if you need to.

[firsttimer1]

Hi

It sounds like so much trouble...I will just stay with the regular sealer I put on. But now I am worried about the vinegar again..used straight vinegar...about 3 days after grouting...and just wiped it off...then sealed..it's been over a week...and so far everything looks okay....just worried about long term effects???...PLEASE tell me I'm worrying for nothing

Thanks again
Barbara

[firsttimer1]

BTW..I used a grout release before grouting

[doitright]

Hi Barbara

If you can live with what you have, you'll be fine.

What happened to the white powdery substance you initially spoke about?

What happens when you dampen the surface, does it darken at all?