DYI Blotchy Grout Issue (With PICTURE)

[BAreEhD]

I love this forum!

The "real" colour of the grout is the darker colour that you can see in my image - will the water/vinegar solution be darkening the areas that are currently light, or vice versa?

[cx]

Either it will or it won't, Brad, but that's just a guess. That's kinda why the guys are tellin' you to give it a try even though don't nobody hold a lotta hope.

And please go to the UserCP, find Edit Signature and enter your first name there so's we don't gotta search for it, eh?

[Mike2]

Brad, just to repeat part of Post # 9, I think cleaning with vinegar in your particular case is a real long shot. But certainly worth a try.

If it works, the thin discolored layer on the surface will be removed, revealing the true and correct color beneath. In your case, sounds like the darker one.

[BAreEhD]

Thanks all! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll work.

Otherwise, I'll step it up to the StoneTech Pro - Restore as recommended by ceramictec.

[ceramictec]

the good thing about the Stonetech Pro - Restore
is that its a self neutralizing acidic cleaner and it's biodegradable.

[Mike2]

Restore is a good product. Alternatively, you could get some sulfamic or phosphoric acid from Ames Tile.

Here's a picture I was looking for earlier. This is what fresh grout looks when its been "burnt" by an acid cleaning product.

[ceramictec]

yes, definitely heed Mike's warnings. try a inconspicuous area first.

don't let a real acid cleaner sit on the grout too long.(ie: muriatic, sulfuric or phosphoric)

I was at my tile warehouse with the StoneTech Rep and I was trying to etch polished porcelain, travertine and even burn grout with the Restore, but after a short period the Restore neutralizes and stops working unlike a true acid that keeps burning until neutralized with baking soda.

[BAreEhD]

Well folks, I'm happy to report that the water & vinegar solution worked like a charm!! Gave it a good scrub, washed with clean water, then allowed to dry - everything is perfectly even!

I'm so happy with the result!! I really appreciate everyone's advice - if you're ever in Calgary, lunch is on me!!

Here's a pic...

[ceramictec]

glad it worked and you have a good grouted floor now.

[tilelayer]

that looked like efflorescence to me, but i could be wrong.

[Yoda]

In the UK we would dilute phosphoric acid and apply to the joint then rinse off and the apply AquaMix grout colourant.

search on the net for your nearest stockist and get some sent, its fantastic stuff & it wont discolour as its epoxy based

[cx]

That worked out a lot better than some of us woulda predicted, for sure, Brad.

Not sure why Simon would want you to paint over that.