Help!: Terracotta disaster

[Piper61]

I have Fired Earth pammets that had linseed applied and a fired earth seal...told we didn't need to wax etc if we did this.
They have never looked great...but now they look even worse.
I cleaned the walls with sugar soap and some of it dripped on the floor...consequently there are pale splash marks all over the floor...it seems to have taken the colour out of them.
What can I do? I have asked in several shops - I either get blank looks or tuts and told I need to strip them right back and start again.

I have just given them a good clean with Liberon Stone Floor Cleaner and it's come up nice and clean - but shows the marks even more...(I've been in denial for a 6 months, hoping the marks would go away!)

Water stays on the tiles for ages (1 hr) so I have always assumed they were sealed...

Does anyone have any similar experience? Or helpful suggestions?
Cheers!

[Dave]

Hello and welcome...

Some pics would help us see what you have and take it from there..

[david campbell]

to the forum

leaving the problem for 6 months might be adding to it unfortuanately!


as above some pics will be helpful

[jay]

as above pics will help

[timeless john]

What response have you had from Fired Earth.
Did you fix them yourself or did you have a recommended FE installation done.
Sounds to me as though the sugar soap has removed the seal allowing moisture to penetrate the terracotta.
You can try Nitromorse on a discreet area to see if it strips the seal - oil again when thoroughly dry - and either wax or reseal.
The joys of Terracotta!

Oh! - Welcome.

[Dave]

If you need to strip the linseed so you can reapply then this is good gear..

LTP Power Stripper


Description: LTP Power Stripper is one of the few products on the market capable of breaking down oxidised boiled linseed oil from the surface of terracotta. With powerful amines, ammonia and alkalinity that penetrate and help lift the hardest, heaviest films, it is ideal for intensive cleaning of heavily contaminated vitrified quarry tiles, glazed ceramics and porcelain. Strips most things first time thereby minimising labour costs.

Tips: Pick this product if you have heavily soiled surfaces, old layers of sealer, oxidised boiled linseed oil, residual grout on the surface of limestone....

Technical Data Sheet (PDF)




but the wax might be problem... Bri wax is a good one but now a days i like to use modern sealers.. better protection.IMO

[Piper61]

Pics attached...new to this so I hope they work!

Thanks for your responses so far

[Dave]

It is as john said i think.. it has removed the enhancement of the sealer..

Nothing that can't be put right..

[Piper61]

Ok so I have treated the floor with LTP Power Stripper...but other than being a bit cleaner it doesn't seem to have done anything...splash marks are the same! Doesn't seem to have penetrated the linseed at all.

Any more thoughts? Would prefer not to use nitromors unless it really is the last option.

[timeless john]

Ok so I have treated the floor with LTP Power Stripper...but other than being a bit cleaner it doesn't seem to have done anything...splash marks are the same! Doesn't seem to have penetrated the linseed at all.

Any more thoughts? Would prefer not to use nitromors unless it really is the last option.

Try every product on the market you like - and then come back and ask again and my answer will be the same Nitromorse ( but as already stated test an area first). Why for £6 would it be your last resort?

[pjc]

what area are you from piper ?

[Piper61]

Newbury

[Piper61]

I hear you Timeless John...it just makes me ill!

[Jon Stones]

you could try ltp spot stain remover in conjuction with fullers earth.
have used this for removing oil stains from terracotta and its amazing just follow the instructions on the tin .
hope this helps.