I had a 2 bathrooms tiled on the floor and wall and my kitchen floor was also tiled about a week ago. It has this film over it I tried cleaning it off with a wet rag but it left the grout dark in some spots around the toilet in one bathroom so I didnt do anything with the other bathroom or the kitchen yet. My questions is what did I do wrong? I have to get the film off some how can someone please help me by telling me how to go about it. The grout was not been sealed because the person that put it down for me said it didnt need to be sealed. Is that true? Please help me with this situation because I have guests coming in about 3 weeks and I need to take care of this ASAP!
2007-08-10 13:23:50 · 7 answers · asked by Me Who 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
I had to let my daughter use the computer so I couldn't look up the answer (for free anyway)
10:15 PM
Now I can rest and get some sleep
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Apparently the only grout that doesn't need to be sealed is Epoxy Grout....Ask the contractor what kind he used. But don't tell him you found out.
Does all grout need to be sealed?
http://www.dbtile.com/AMfaq.php
It is a good idea to seal grout, with the exception of 100% epoxy grout, which will not accept a sealer. Regular cement grout, even polymer-modified grout is porous and subject to staining if not properly sealed.
Types of Grout:
http://www.totallyrestored.com/grout.htm
There are four types of grout - sanded lime-based cementitious, lime-based cementitious unsanded, sanded epoxy-based and unsanded epoxy base.
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2007-08-10 13:34:20 · answer #1 · answered by LucySD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all what kind of tile do you have? It appears that you have a slate type or a pourous type of tile. This type of tile has many little holes that are not visible to the eye. It can be quite a chore removing the grout from this type of tile. I would try this. Get some clear vinager and a kitchen scrubber and test 1 tile. Add a little vinager to the brush . scrub it a little and use a clean white towel to remove excess. Let dry. You should see a consideral amount of difference. The film from the grout is in the pours and the only way to get this out is by this method. there are others at the home depot you can buy. But they are reather toxic. If you have a smooth finished tile. Then let the grout dry and you should be able to use a dry cloth and should buff out with no problem.... Good Luck
2007-08-10 14:22:27 · answer #2 · answered by ozzievega 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The film is because the grout wasn't cleaned off enough when the tiles were grouted, and now they are glazed. Get muriatic acid ( inexpensive, can get at a swimming pool place or any hardware store), rubber gloves,two buckets, eye protection, a fan, a big sponge, and old towels. Put the muriatic on the tiles with the sponge, wipe it, rinse with clear water, and buff with towel. The glazing will come off. You should seal the grout but make sure it is dry first. You need to give it time to dry thoroughly, and you can wait on that. Best of luck.
2007-08-10 14:43:57 · answer #3 · answered by margie k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a product called REMOVE, it is sold at tile stores, in a little yellow bottle. Probably not sold at home depots, just tile stores. Its about $12 for a small bottle. Put it on for about 15 minutes, let it soak and wipe it up. After you get the haze off get a grout sealer in a Spray can, and reseal the grout lines. Dont Panic, this is somewhat common.
If the tile is a glossy tile and has what looks like wax on it, then the tile was made in china and the wax is for shipping purposes. You need to buff it off, or scrape it off with a razor blade.
Email me if you have more questions
http://www.rcwstone.com
2007-08-13 07:17:34 · answer #4 · answered by rcw 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
grout always needs sealing, otherwise it stains(so you have found out) All you can do there(my guess) is paint the grout with paint and a artist paint brush. The tile store(go to a different one as these guys don't know) might have another idea on how to get the stain out of the tile. I do not know what you used to wash it with. Take the stuff in the can with you to the tile store so they can read the ingredients.
2007-08-10 14:38:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Grout that hasn't completely dried will appear dark when you get it wet. I tiled my entire house myself about 7 years ago and found as long as you do the grout properly there is no need to seal it.
2007-08-10 13:34:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the tile layer didn't do a very good job of cleaning off the excess grout. Try this website and see if they can't help you out.
I wish you well with this.
2007-08-10 13:30:22 · answer #7 · answered by Sage 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋