Mystery bathroom tile corroding - what is it and can it be repolished?

[d2a]

Hi there - I've attached photos of the tiles in question. They are 305x305mm and 10mm thick, light grey and have a smooth matt finish. They were in my bathroom when I moved in and I have no idea what they are or how to clean them. One photo shows the corrosion - the smooth surface has been eaten away and the surface below is pitted, soft and almost pumice-like. My guess is that at some time a limescale remover or similar product has been used on the bath or tile and has corroded the seal and surface of the tile. I'd like to repair or replace it so any clues as to what they are would be a great help.

Of course Sod's Law says it's not available any more - bathroom was done up in 2007 afaik...

Thanks

 

[DHTiling]

Re: Mystery bathroom tile corroding - what is it and can it be repolis

From the pic it looks like a limestone and acidic cleaning products have eaten into the stone.... you could repair the surface with a suitable stone repair filler to save ripping out the tiling.

But before this , do the tiles wet up/darken when subjected to water.?

 

[d2a]

Re: Mystery bathroom tile corroding - what is it and can it be repolis

Thanks for the reply. Yup - tiles darken significantly when wet. Does that mean they need sealing also?

 

[DHTiling]

Re: Mystery bathroom tile corroding - what is it and can it be repolis

I would say so yes... you need to get a tiler experienced in stone to pop around and have a look to confirm at face value it is stone etc and then remedy a course of repair/clean and re-seal..

 

[d2a]

Re: Mystery bathroom tile corroding - what is it and can it be repolis

Ok, thanks. So, firstly, any recommendations for a south London tiler with that experience? and secondly, is there anything i can do in the mean time to stop the degradation? thanks...

 

[Gazzer]

Re: Mystery bathroom tile corroding - what is it and can it be repolis

http://www.tilersforums.com/members/20079.html

http://www.tilersforums.com/members/4720.html

http://www.tilersforums.com/members/32710.html

These are just 3 member it may be worth talking to via PM. They may be able to assist you.

 

[jonnyc]

Re: Mystery bathroom tile corroding - what is it and can it be repolis

i would be pretty certain it is bateig limestone from spain.
also known as pietra laro and comes in grey and beige.
sometimes you can get a crossover between two colours.

 

[Pebbs]

Re: Mystery bathroom tile corroding - what is it and can it be repolis

It is bateig blue, and you live in south london, not south east london by any chance do you? I didn't do the installation but I think I know who did!

Pebbs

 

[Dan]

Small world then!

 

[d2a]

Re: Mystery bathroom tile corroding - what is it and can it be repolis

Definitely - must be a signature tile!

 

[d2a]

Re: Mystery bathroom tile corroding - what is it and can it be repolis

Hopefully the tiles are still available somewhere.