problems sealing slate!!!!!

[Perry]

so do I and i would use a block bush with stainstop quiet often any way we are taking over this poor man,s thread

 

[doug boardley]

the best remedy would be to re seal and buff as you go, resealing will soften what you've already done and get the brush strokes out.

 

[DHTiling]

Impregnators you buff off and topical sealers you leave to dry... what is the one you used... was it designed to leave a wet look..? or matt finish..?

 

[Mike Mike]

Hi mike. It's definitley not a case of grout/cement residue. The floor was clean and ready for sealer. Any ideas for removing the sealer so I can start again??

Hi Ruairi, sorry, no idea how you'd remove the sealer so you can re-seal. I think you should phone the Technical Dept of the manufacturer and see what they recommend, and maybe email them a photo or two in advance if you have some.

It's a mystery why they looked fine when sealed before grouting, then after grouting there's brush marks visible???

Good luck, hope you get it sorted out, must be frustrating to do a really nice job that the customer is happy with, then get a phone call the next day saying that a problem has developed. :mad2:

 

[ruairi mac]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I'm going to ring the larsen rep this morning and see what they say.

I'll keep you posted.

Ruairi Mac.

 

[ruairi mac]

Hi Dave just seeing your post. What is a topical sealer? haven't heard that term before. the one I used was Larsen tile, slate and floor sealer.

Think I'll try Doug's suggestion i.e. reseal and buff.

Ruairi Mac.

 

[PHG Dave]

A topical sealer is a surface coating similar in some ways to a varnish. I believe the Larson product you used is one of these types of sealers, in this case a water based acrylic.
Always willing to be proved wrong but i would not expect the reseal and buff route to work other than possibly by several coat's to cover up the brush marks you described - Acrylics, once cured will not soften with additional coats
I have used LTP's Grimex previously to remove their Ironwax sealants(another acrylic sealer), might be worth a try

 

[swanman]

To get rid of sealer you applied use ltp grimex that will remove the sealer then re apply

But only use a paint pad and that puts it on nice and evenly

 

[ruairi mac]

Hi guys.

Glad to say i eventually got this issue sorted.

I asked a local tiler who has a lot more experience than me to come and take a look at it with me. He took one look at it and was able to name the sealer i had used with out me telling him.

His solution was to use cellulose thinners to remove sealer, (I had my doubts but it worked a treat) it took a bit of time to do but brought the slate back to how it was before the fiasco. I then resealed with Lithofin slate sealer and i have to say its a much superior product. It looked very, very glossy when applied but dried out with a nice finish.

Customer was delighted with the end result, it took a few extra hours labour and a few extra quid out of my own pocket but sure it's all about keeping the customer happy!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who replied, it was much appreciated. I have a few photos and i'll get them up when i get a bit more time.

Thanks again

Ruairi