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How to restore balcony tiles?

477bus

These balcony tiles are around 25 years old and I have 2 areas that scrubbing with sugar soap won't fix.

The first is where I spilt some Acetone I was using. I mopped it up quickly but it has left large marks.

The second is oval shapes which appeared from nowhere over time in 3 or 4 tiles.

Nothing has covered the tiles at any time, the oval shapes get a lot of direct sunlight.

Pressure washing, washing up liquid or sugar soap hasn't made an iota of difference.

I have occasionally used Davco Tile & Grout Cleaner from Bunnings to clean the tiles and have a bottle ready to go.

I thought I'd get some proper advice first as these problems aren't general cleaning issues.

What do you think? Acetone Acetone Weird Weird

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Comments

EricL

Hi @477bus

Thanks for sharing your question about cleaning your tiles. I propose trying Chemtech 5L Brick Tile And Paver Cleaner on the surface of your tiles. It rapidly cleans brick & concrete, quarry and wall tiles, rubber, vinyl, plastic and metal surfaces. I suggest testing a small area first and see if its effective. This is the cleaning compound most trades use to clean tiles in a construction area.

However, if it still fails to clean the surface, I suggest engaging the services of a professional tile resurfacing specialist. It's probable that they will use machines or specialty compounds that will etch the surface of your tile to clean it or at least remove the stains on it.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working with the chemical. Please make sure to follow all the safety guidelines printed at the back of the packaging.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/41925#Comment_41925

Thanks for the advice.

I used the Davco Tile & Grout Cleaner firstly, as I purchased it a few months back for this job.

Didn't make any impact at all.

Next, I tried the Chemtech Cleaner diluted about 1:7-8 parts with water on all the balcony tiles together.

Used a scrubbing brush but it made little impact on any tiles, even the other tiles that are slightly blackened.

Should I try stronger or undiluted?

I can't afford professionals. Getting tiles laid was a nightmare as nobody wanted the small'ish job.

The people I did eventually get, who laid tiles at work, threw the grout water on my pot plants.

Stronger solution? One tile at a time?

Thanks.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/83135#Comment_83135

Hello @477bus

I'm sorry to hear that none of the cleaners made a dent in the condition of the tiles. I can only propose using the Chemtech in a stronger mix. Using stronger chemicals at this point could lead to surface stripping and uneven patchy surface finish. If you are currently not prepared to have professionals revamp your tile surface. I propose holding off any other cleaning efforts that might damage the surface permanently. Once your budget is in order, I then suggest having it done professionally.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/106429#Comment_106429

Thanks for that.

I think I've done what I can for now.

I'll scrub the grouting to finish off.

Is there a product I can use to 'gloss-up' the tiles and improve the look and protect in the meantime?

Thanks.

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/120406#Comment_120406

Hi @477bus,

You can use Crommelin 4L Water-Based Paving Sealer to offer some protection and a sheen to the tiles.

This can be applied using a 230mm Roller Frame, 230mm Roller Covers and 230mm Clear Disposable Tray.

Ensure you follow the manufacturer's application instructions closely to ensure the best results.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129007#Comment_129007

Small balcony - can I get a 1L tub of this to Newstead 4006 as a special order? Cheers.

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134455#Comment_134455

Hi @477bus,

Unfortunately, Newstead does not stock the 1L version of this product, however, if you speak to the team at the Special Orders desk, they will be able to assist with ordering a 1L tin for you.

There is also this Crommelin 1L Diamond Coat Stone Shield which is similar but will not be as glossy which is stocked at Newstead.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134455#Comment_134455

Just some feedback . . . I tried 7-8 tiles with neat Chemtech and not much difference to the big marks.

Overall, the tiles look better than next door thanks to this.

Between you and me, the Acetone streaks looked awful so I scrubbed both tiles with . . . Acetone.

It merged the streaks into pale clouds which is much better. A bit like over-spraying paint to blend in. Quickly flushed with water right after.

I probably dissolved the coating but will treat the balcony to a sealant. Much better thanks!

These are the same tiles in the original photos (black paint flecks).

Chemtech then baking soda and vinegar and a lot of scrubbing. Tiles After 1.JPG Tiles After 2.JPG

PS the whole unit is tiled so what I've learned here will be very useful when I move on to indoors.

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137958#Comment_137958

Hi, I bought the roller stuff as suggested and went for the Crommelin Stone Shield.

1L was exactly enough to do 2 coats of the balcony.

Thanks so much for your help!

PS 27yo tiles so I'm happy with this.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140352#Comment_140352

That's great to hear @477bus! Many thanks for the update.

Mitchell

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142073#Comment_142073

Quick question: I initially spilt Acetone on the tiles causing a couple of nasty streaks and cloudy patches when washed with water.

Could I have simply recoated over the top with fresh sealer instead of using Acetone first to remove all the sealer on the affected tiles and then re-sealing?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143313#Comment_143313

Hi @477bus

Ideally the sealer should be removed first before you put on a new sealer. Luckily the acetone you used is compatible with the sealer that was used on your tiles. It could have resulted in a much different scenario if the acetone melted the sealer into the tile, then it would have been impossible to remove.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144227#Comment_144227

Me again. The silver lining is that after each conversation I trot off to Bunnings to buy stuff.

Yesterday I noticed aerosol overspray on the sliding doors to the balcony being worked on as above.

Nitrocellulose guitar paint tiny spots which would only come off with Acetone.

Stupidly, I washed the doors down and swept very diluted Acetone all over the tiles causing white clouds.

After your (Eric's) last post, I stayed away from Acetone and bought Crommelin Sealer Remover.

I'd used the Davco Tile & Grout Cleaner to no effect.

You recommended Chemtech Concrete & Tile which made a difference.

Still a blackness to the tiles, a bit like aged brass but after the Crommelin Sealer it looked fine (see photo in previous post).

I anticipated 8-9 tiles to be redone but after the Crommelin Sealer remover the tiles were 'orange' in comparison.

So I'm having to do the whole balcony now but the results so far are so much better.

This is feedback really, to thank you for your invaluable help and to tell you how much better the Crommelin product is.

I already know the sealer is good but the remover works like Acetone but washes away with water. Brilliant!

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144905#Comment_144905

Hello @477bus

Thank you for your feedback. I'm sure the information you've shared will come in handy to our members who are in a similar situation.

If you need a hand with any other projects, please let us know.

Eric

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145438#Comment_145438

Oh dear.

I was so pleased after sealing the balcony tiles with Crommelin Stone Sealer and all was fine for a week until last night when it rained.

I can't scratch the white patches off with my fingernails as it's rock solid.

I'm at a loss what to do.

The tiles were stripped with Crommelin sealer remover. washed with a pressure hose then re-sealed.

Help?

240927 Tiles.jpg

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145851#Comment_145851

Hi @477bus,

I'm really sorry to hear about the trouble you're having with your sealer, especially after the effort you put in. It must be so frustrating to see those white patches appear after everything seemed to be going well.

I’ve spoken with the Crommelin technical team, and there are a few possible reasons why this might have happened. The first could be related to the tiles' porosity. Did you perform a porosity test? If water is absorbed and the surface darkens, it's open to sealing. However, if water beads on the surface without being absorbed, the tiles may have a non-permeable coating or glaze, making them unsuitable for sealing.

Another possibility could be the amount of product used. If too much sealer is applied, you might see a milky film that can turn white when exposed to moisture.

It could also be moisture coming from beneath the tiles or entering at the edges, getting trapped under the sealer and causing the white patches.

At this stage, I’d recommend allowing the tiles to dry out fully and see if the issue resolves itself. If it doesn’t, Crommelin's 1L DiamondCoat Clean N Prep can help remove the sealer from the affected areas. From there, we can perform a porosity test to check the surface and then look at whether moisture is getting into the tiles before reapplying the sealer sparingly.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further help.

Mitchell

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146169#Comment_146169

Hi. Left the tiles for a week but no real change.

Diluted Sealer Remover cleaned up most but left staining. Diluted and spread the patches really.

I'm thinking I put extra sealer on the patchy tiles due to the fact the front tiles catch the rain and need more protection.

Hence, too thick and not properly cured perhaps before it rained.

I'll go slowly and use thin sealer coats well-spaced next time.

So . . . should I use Crommelin Sealer Remover to strip tiles bare as I did before sealing or Clean 'n' Prep as suggested above?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146439#Comment_146439

I was advised by the Crommelin's technical team to use the Clean N Prep to remove the sealer in those areas, @477bus. You could likely use the sealer remover, but their advice was to use the clean n prep when I walked them through the issue.

Mitchell

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146651#Comment_146651

Progress check . . . I tried the Clean n Prep today and now most of the front tiles are cloudy instead of half a dozen.

The CnP can says refer to the DiamondCoat Technical Sheet which I did.

It states that water-based sealers need to be removed and re-applied when cloudy.

The CnP seems to be a weak sealer remover so I'll use that up first and if no good I'll use proper sealer remover again, as I know that does work.

I'll let you know.

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146829#Comment_146829

The CnP is just a weaker Sealer Remover. I used both to compare.

4 times the effort and 4 times the rinsing water using CnP.

I redid the sealer with 2 light coats on Monday.

Tuesday evening there was a short storm and the tiles are cloudy white again.

Does this sealer not like water?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146975#Comment_146975

I'm sorry to hear that using that product required additional effort @477bus. That is what was recommended to me by the Crommelin technical team, so I thought it best to pass on their product suggestion.

Applying the coats on Monday and having rain on them within 24 hours would likely be an issue. Ideally, you'd want them not to get wet for the best part of a week after application. I do note the warning to not apply the product if rain is expected within 48 hours.

Did you do the porosity test on the terracotta to ensure it absorbs the water droplet? It's important to understand if your tiles are porous or not. This product can only be used on bare terracotta tiles. I have the impression that these tiles could have a type of glaze on them that might have worn down over the years. If they were glazed, then the sealer could not penetrate and would sit on the surface, often resulting in this cloudy reaction. However, the issue seems to be isolated to the areas exposed to weather, and it makes me wonder whether water might be getting under the tiles and permeating up from underneath. If water is trapped under the tiles on the membrane, this could be causing the issue.

I'd recommend you contact the Crommelin technical team directly so they can discuss the issue with you and work towards a solution. I understand this must be frustrating, but sometimes, it is best to speak with the product manufacturer directly. They can be contacted seven days a week on 1800 655 711.

Mitchell

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/147089#Comment_147089

Hi, just one more quickie please . . .

The grouting between the balcony tiles is very aged and ragged.

I see there are products to improve bathroom tile grouting.

Is there a product to tidy up balcony grouting (as an alternative to redoing it)?

Thanks for all your help!

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/147196#Comment_147196

Hello @477bus

Yes, there are products that improve bathroom tile grouting, but it's important to check if they can be used for outdoors. Quite often, when grout begins to deteriorate it's better to replace it with new grout rather than putting new grout on top of deteriorating grout. Old grout often means that it is breaking down and can give way at any time.

One of the reasons for doing a quick cosmetic fix is if you are selling the property and you want to give your grout a bit of a fresh look. Otherwise, it would be better to do it properly so that your repair work will last a long time. I recommend using Dunlop 1.5kg Flexible Coloured Grout - Slate Grey. It can fill gaps from 1 to 8mm and is rated for outdoor use.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/147284#Comment_147284

Hi,

Well, Eric and Mitchell seem to be the main responders so I'll ask my next question on the end of this thread is that's ok please.

The balcony grouting and tiles are now better than for decades so thank you for your help and patience.

On to the bathroom tiles and grouting on walls and floor.

I've attached my supply of products.

The first area is the bathroom wall above the bath.

Long Life Grout Cleaner didn't make a mark, neither did the Prewash Power (mainly as its for clothes).

The White King Scum Remover didn't work either with brown stains remaining.

I do have a white grout pen I could try.

What would you suggest here please?

Next will be the bathroom floor tiles followed by the living room tiles, all being very dark.

I can pressure wash the bathroom but not the living room of course.

What would you try in these two places please?

Appreciate your help and those in the Newstead 4006 Bunnings too without which I would be lost . . .

Tile Products.JPG Tile Bathroom Wall.JPG Tile Bathroom Floor.JPG Tile Living Room.JPG

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/147373#Comment_147373

Hello @477bus

I can clearly see that your bathroom grout has a sealer on top of it due the glossy finish reflecting back. If this was ordinary grout it would not have any reflection at all. In order to renew your grout, I'm afraid it will need to removed and re-grouted then re-sealed. If you are after a lighter finish for your bathroom and living room tiles, I'm afraid it will need to be removed as well. The cleaners you currently have will clean the surface of the grout, but it will not lighten or change the colour finish of your grout.

In regards to your grout pen, again it is a cosmetic fix and not a long-term solution to getting lighter coloured grout.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

477bus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/147452#Comment_147452

I used the Long Life in the end and once scrubbed with the thin grout cleaner brush I pressure washed the tiles.

The tiles actually faded during the pressure washing but the grouting looks great!

Whoever buys the place will gut the bathroom anyway so it's job done thank you.

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