AboutMichael C. Malizia Expertise I can answer questions about, Grout and ceramic tile restoration and installation. This topic generally focuses on new or old installations that have an existing problem. I can offer advice on how to correct common made installation mistakes. Such as, cementitious grout problems, efflorescence, ghosting, shading, and flash. And tile installation problems such as, floor deflection, slip resistance, loose tiles, vapor transmission and many others. These are just a few of the problems associated with new tile and grout installations. I can also offer advice with restoring old tile and grout problems such as, sealer removal, re-sealing, grout re-coloring, grout repair, and caulking.
Experience
Past/Present clients Connecticut Stamford Hilton,Southampton hospital, Mcdonalds, Wading river hotel, Eastwind caterers, La pizzola, Setauket bagels, Sortsman kennels, Savinos resteraunt, Custom building products, Super-tec, Cancos, Southampton brick and tile, Tech, Dap, Poland spring water etc.
Question I am doing my first tiling project on my own in my home, retiling the mantel and hearth with little 1" x 1" rustic slate tiles from home depot. The Home Depot people gave me Simplegrout Pre-Mixed Grout and told me how to grout by letting the grout dry and then repeatedly wiping gently with a damp sponge. Apparently this grout is not grout at all, but an acrylic-based fake grout??? I have been scrubbing at it for hours with various scrub sponges and some floor cleaners but it is barely coming off. At this rate it is going to take me two full weeks just to do a 19' x 19' area. Do you have any advice for how I could speed this up?
Answer Hello and thank you for contacting The Grout Dye Company in NY.
Dear, Milton;
Some of the people at HD are idiots they will tell you anything you want to hear. Visit this web site www.tile-grout.net they have the GDC Sealer Remover and a the GDC Grout Haze Remove. I think the GDC Sealer Remover will work best, it removes acrylics, waxes and oils. This is strong stuff. And it will help get the job done quicker. If the grout color is wrong they also have a grout colorant that you can use. Use this link www.tile-grout.net
