Ceramic tiles going blueish

[Gazzer]

No the sealer wont do anything. If the tiles are glazed you should not need a sealer.
The only thing I could suggest and it would help if you answered our questions is...
Does the blueish tint fade if the shower is not used ?
If so then if you could not use the shower until the tiles return to natural colour and then seal the grout joints with a grout sealer. That is my only thought of cure . Really glazed ceramic tiles are not suitable for this kind of installation IMO.

 

[Gazzer]

Have a read of this
http://www.tilersforums.com/stone-tiling-forum/46585-identify-your-tile-type-sealing.html#post480624

 

[Dan]

I too would have thought that it's the water under the glaze due to intermittent wetting they'll never really get fully dry. Ceramics are not the best choice for wetrooms and even just shower area's if it's used a lot.

 

[TPW]

do you think it is worth removing the sealant some how and seeing if that works? if so how would i remove it ?

 

[Gazzer]

I wouldnt even think there is any sealer on the tiles. if they are glazed it will have no where to seal anyway.

 

[Stewart]

Agree with Sir Ramic, there won't be any sealer in the ceramic glaze to remove.

 

[Gazzer]

As a matter of interest can you say what sealer was used ?

 

[TPW]

the builder said he put 2 coats of lithofin stain stop on the tiles.

 

[Gazzer]

Glazed ceramic tiles do not require sealing.

Properties
Lithofin MN Stain-Stop >ECO< penetrates into absorbent
natural stone surfaces and coats the capilliaries with an
extremely thin and invisible film of polymers. This film alters
the surface tension of the surface, causing a repelling effect.
The treatment prevents the immediate penetration of water
based dirt as well as oil and grease, and it provides an
effective protection against staining.
Durability: approx. four years depending on the type and
use of the treated material.
Field of Use
To protect absorbent natural stone against staining and to
render surfaces water and oil repellent. Treatment is
recommended for all stone surfaces, such as: floors in
kitchen, dining and living areas. The surfaces can be
polished, honed, or rough. Lithofin MN Stain-Stop >ECO<
can be used as a grout release and as a pre-treatment.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Surfaces: absorbent natural stones, especially suitable for
rough and honed limestone, polished and honed hardstone.
Please Note: on siliceous stones with a rough surface (such
as honed or flamed granite), dense limestone and in cases
where the highest level of water repellency is required (eg.
in the shower) we recommend using Lithofin MN Stain-Stop
(solvent based). This also applies to surfaces that have
been pre-treated with other products.
Directions for Use
Check the suitability and effect with a test in an
inconspicuous area or on a spare tile. The surface must be
absorbent, completely dry, clean and free of stains. Shake
bottle before use.
Apply generously and evenly using a lambswool applicator,
roller, lint free cloth or sponge. Ensure even distribution by
wiping over several times. Ensure that all surface residues
is removed within 15 min. by towelling them off, do not allow
residues to dry on the surface. On highly absorbent
surfaces, apply several coats wet-in-wet.
Drying Time: approx. 3 hours. Treatment is fully effective
after 48 hours. Do not cover surface before then and wipe
up any spills immediately.

 

[johnryan]

is it possible that the sealant has trapped moisture in the tiles. if the tiles were grouted and sealed very soon after they were laid then maybe the moisture from the adhesive has gone into the tiles, as there's nowhere else for it to go, due to the tanking process, preventing drying from below, and the sealant from above.