grout left on limestone tiles -- can I sand them?

[afitzger]

I have limestone tiles in the bathroom, which have been up for a couple of years. The builders didn't seal before grouting, and didn't do a very good job of cleaning off the grout, so there are whitish marks around the grout lines, where the grout residue remains, and a few fine surface cracks. I've tried a few residue removers and cleaners, but no luck. The local tile store thought it would be possible to sand them down (they are honed limestone) and then reseal them. Does anyone have any experience of this? Would they have to be wet sanded? Or is there some kind of special abrasive powder or something? Please help! thank you.

 

[DHTiling]

What limestone is it though.....?

 

[Terry Cottar]

It probably can be sanded but pics would help! You need to be careful though when wet sanding it as the machine can dig in and that could cause bigger problems as it may be very soft. You could consider a rotary brush and or pad depoending on the M2 and some honing powder.

tel

 

[afitzger]

It probably can be sanded but pics would help! You need to be careful though when wet sanding it as the machine can dig in and that could cause bigger problems as it may be very soft. You could consider a rotary brush and or pad depoending on the M2 and some honing powder.

tel

Thank you! do you mean a wire rotary brush, like you can put on a drill? where could I get honing powder? I will try to post some pics. Thanks again. anne

 

[afitzger]

Hi, it is Rosal White Honed Limestone laid in 600x300 pieces

 

[marbleman]

hi afitzger
just go to a stone mason just explain what you need , they will supply you with the pads to machine the surface , it can be done just make sure you a varable speed grinder , as this makes the job easier,

 

[DHTiling]

This is not a DIY job...to grind the surface of the tiles...please get someone in that specialises in this type of renovation..

 

[enduro]

I did a job for a guy who had a similiar problem who posted on the forum, and i used diamond hand pads and they worked a treat.

 

[NuTech Stone]

I agree with Dave. This is not a DIY fix. Enduro is right about the diamonds or a honing compound. Limestone is very soft and should not be just sanded unless you are prepared to totally dull it down. Most honed stones have a luster that you will lose if you sand. Also chemical that remove grout should not be used on natural stone unless they are acid free. I would suggest a professional for this one.

 

[marbleman]

i thought you where in the business sorry bad advice get a pro in

 

[NuTech Stone]

I am in the business and know that he could do a lot of damage to the limestone. That was the reason I said to get a pro. I'm new at this forum thing so maybe I need to sit back a read more post before I post anymore. I'll get the hang of it soon. I hope.

 

[marbleman]

sorry Nutech stone crossed wires there was not speaking about you , was talking to Afitzger,

 

[NuTech Stone]

No problem Marbleman. I consult and tell people how to do things all day long. In this case a pro is what this guy needs. I fix these problems all the time after someone trys to fix it only to make it worst. Thanks!

 

[terrygrant]

Most good quality grouts now have polymers in them and I have found in the past that using lithofin stain away will soften the polymers enought to be able to remove the grout. Stain Away is a Dichloromethane based chemical and not acidic so it wont harm the stone but it will destroy any sealer so you would have to reseal the stone on completion. You should also observe the saftey instructions and use in a well ventilated area with a suitable mask and wear gloves and dont get in in your eyes! Get some before the EU ban it on health and saftey grounds (Dichloromethane is no longer used in the dry cleaning industry!)

Regards

Terry the Tiler