Indian Sandstone Picture Framing/Grout marks - TilersForums.com

[1sandyh]

hi all,

Had patio done 2 months ago by landscaping co. Slabs are Indian Sandstone ‘Raj Green’. They were varied Autumnal colours prior to grouting, browns/reds/yellows..

Problem is there is a picture frame effect in & around the grout lines. The slabs are bone dry but look wet around the edges. Some are quite big stains running into the centre of the slabs.

The raj colours also seem to have been lost, they look more grey now. Almost looks like a residue covers the slabs now? The grout used was mushroom grey so I’m wondering if it is grout residue or something else?

Sandstone was NOT sealed. Grout used was a dry brush in type.

Patio has been cleaned twice, first with washing up liquid, stiff brush. Second time with patio cleaner, stuff brush & jet wash. Still no better.

Company said it will fade. I doubt it. Would rather try to clean them up & sort it out myself so I can actually enjoy looking out on my patio!!

I really need to avoid anything harsh/acidic if possible as there is an aluminium track & glass around the perimeter of the patio. That’s another reason why I’m worried if they come back to clean it, they may ruin the ballustrade.

How do I sort this mess out? The patio is 50m2. Thanks

 

[1sandyh]

These were the slabs prior to grout/the mess..

 

[The Tiler]

what a mess....
please don't use washing up liquid, there not plates.....
I'd start by insisting on the fixer come back a sort it.
what you could do is look at the grout used and see how it should have been used.
@Lithofin BOB may be able to help more

 

[1sandyh]

They used ultrascape flowpoint, according to the bag the area should be wetted & then grout brushed in. Which is what he did. Maybe he didn’t rinse/clean it off enough after.

I’ve asked him to come back again but I dont want him to make things worse using harsh cleaners etc or fob me off.

What is the best course of action usually with this? Will it fade/wear off eventually?

 

[Bill]

Did the contractors do this?

 

[Bill]

Ultrascape flowpoint is a wet mix, not a dry one....maybe that is how the slabs have become 'stained'

 

[widler]

It’s the linseed oil in the pointing compound (I think it’s linseed oil) the brush in pointing is s h i t e

 

[widler]

Sorry, wrong stuff , just watched the vid,

 

[Tile seller]

Did they lay them using sand/cement?

 

[1sandyh]

Tom, no!!! They wet the patio then brushed it in dry. Then rinsed it with the hose!!!! clearly i misunderstood when they said they used a dry mix. Will I ever be able to get this off now?

Tile seller, laid on a full bed.

 

[Boggs]

Surely they would need to be sealed before laying that on them?
That’s like grouting with slc!

 

[Bill]

Surely they would need to be sealed before laying that on them?
That’s like grouting with slc!

That's how all floor tiling used to be grouted @Boggs ..... sloppy and wet.

This is different though as it is rapid setting.

The Op's installers have done it wrong. (unless the grout stated was different)

 

[1sandyh]

They definitely weren’t sealed. How on earth am I going to rectify this now? I’ve contacted the boss of the company today, sent photos & he said he’s coming round tomorrow.

What worries me, is if they didn’t use this product right then what are they going to use to remove it? He said he usually uses the ready mixed grout eg easy joint so ‘maybe there was an issue with the dry grout’. No the issue was how you used it!

Anyone have any clue how to sort this? Please don’t say replace the patio, way past that option.
Are there any products at all that will remove this?

 

[Bill]

They definitely weren’t sealed. How on earth am I going to rectify this now? I’ve contacted the boss of the company today, sent photos & he said he’s coming round tomorrow.

What worries me, is if they didn’t use this product right then what are they going to use to remove it? He said he usually uses the ready mixed grout eg easy joint so ‘maybe there was an issue with the dry grout’. No the issue was how you used it!

Anyone have any clue how to sort this? Please don’t say replace the patio, way past that option.
Are there any products at all that will remove this?

drop @Lithofin BOB a message and he may come up with a solution (pun intended)

 

[Boggs]

Would a mortar remover work in this situation?