Victorian Tile restoration.

[Colette]

Hi there,

I am new to this forum... And was just after some advise. ( I know this topic has been done to death on the internet). However there is so much conflicting advise, I'm still unsure.

Basically I wanted to restore my victorian tiles in my hall, they are in pretty good nick just a couple to replace due to cracks and a few loose. There is glue on the, which pretty much peels off so not an issue. Some cement build up by the skirting boards. But mainly just years of dirty. My questions are,

The main one is which tile restorer to use and sealer?
I have been recommended lithofin but have read mix reviews on this. I consider HG products but read poor reviews. I have read a little on aqua mix, but not sure. Other people say use brick acid or nitronox? My sister used nitronox this but it discoloured her tiles. Tile doctor seem to be recommended but not by professional tilers is there a reason for this?

Other questions I have is:
Should I clean, seal, grout, seal again a few times OR clean, grout, seal several times?

Finally,
should I use a tile colour restorer?
Which tile adhesive would you recommend?
Which grout would you recommend? Or shall I just use brick mortar as it is dark grey grout.

Any advise or tips greatly received!!!
Thanks Colette

 

[Dan]

Hi

Do you have a few pictures for us to take a look at?

 

[Colette]

I have up loaded an album to media here... Not sure how else to do it...

Hope you can see them..
Colette

Bit of everything

• Colette
• Jul 29, 2015

Bit of everything2

• Colette
• Jul 29, 2015

 

[Dan]

That's going to be beautiful when it's done.

Uncle Bob is going to be the best man perhaps for this.

@Lithofin BOB

However LOADS of the lads on here have become somewhat specialist in this area. Inc @Phil Hobson @Dave

Where are you based? Have you considered getting a specialist in at all? Or is this a DIY and DIY-only job?

 

[Colette]

Based in Coventry. I have thought about a specialist however due to funds as we are have to do everything in the house, new windows, electrics, heating, plastering etc.... It's not really an option at moment.
I also would really like the job satisfaction of completing which I have heard the specialist on here talk about. I'm not a complete novice to DIY, so hoping I could manage this though obviously won't do as good a job as the specialist.

 

[Dan]

You'd be surprised. A bit of elbow grease and the right products (which I wont guess at, I'm no specialist - wait until later when the lads get in from work etc) and it'd look brand new.

Have you managed to source the same tiles to replace the odd cracked one?

 

[Colette]

I'm going to try a few recreation yards locally, haven't seen any reclaimed ones on the internet that match. A local tiling shop sell them so might have to opt for new. I'm not sure if the sell the cognac (yellow) coloured ones. Any recommendations greatly received. Thanks for all your help Dan.

 

[Dan]

I think once they're done you'll find the greyish ones are white, the yellowish ones are cream.

Check these out here: Victorian Floor Tiles

Some brand new floors, some restored.

You can also click on member names, then view their media. I'd take a look at @Phil Hobson - he's an absolute ledge when it comes to victorian floors.

 

[Dan]

Direct link to his work: Media for user: Phil Hobson

 

[Colette]

Wow!!! They look so stunning... I've been itching to start on it... But want to do it right so will. Await sources new tiles and the right produce... Very exciting for me (sad I know).
Thanks again Dan

 

[Dan]

It's not sad on this forum. I perhaps wouldn't show the same passion on your facebook or something, it's a sure way to get unfriended haha

I want to say make a start with soapy water and elbow grease. But I dare say the lads are then going to say wait weeks for it to dry before using a stripper chemical of some type. So perhaps don't do anything just yet.

 

[Tile seller]

I suggest firstly, clean it up with LTP Grimex. I reckon this cleaner will get you 90% there, with maybe a little of something stronger/more specific for any problem bits you encounter.
Then seal it all up with Mattstone.
If your re-grouting then get the grout out before cleaning. Then clean, seal, grout and seal again.

It's going to be a fantastic job to do. I think your get a cracking floor there for just a little cleaning.

 

[Colette]

Thanks for the advice. I think so too, can't wait to start and see it transform can't believe people cover these up!! I think they are so practical as well...

One last question will Mattstone sealer give it a shine, as quite like that look rather than Matt...

Thanks again

 

[Dan]

LTP Grimex - Tile Cleaning, Sealing and Maintenance Products
This is the stuff.

As always, test on a small area first.

 

[Old Mod]

.if u'd like a shine on the finished floor u can use something like this...

Natural Stone Sealer | Stone Sealant Products | Sealer For Stone | From Nu-Life Stone Care

This floor was finished with the above sealer.



But a finish like this takes more maintenance.