| |
You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > Flooring and Carpeting > Stripping restoring Saltillo follow up
Expert: Bill Hohmann - 11/10/2009
Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have lovely pastel saltillo tiles for the past 10 years. We slightly white washed them but almost not necessary for the pale tints of color on them.
Over the years, the high traffice areas have worn down.
I would like to strip them, or refinish them and have read conflicting stories of sand vs never sand.
How do I get down to bare tile so I can either re-white wash them, or if the color is still soft enough, just seal them so they look like new.
Also once down to bare tile, what's the best cleaner to use to get years of walking and grime out of them. Not too bad, probably most of the bare spots are just worn off w/wash.
Except in the kitchen, that's some real wear.
Thanks for your info!
Jill
ANSWER: If it is just some of the tiles that need to be stripped, you can strip the individual tiles with acetone, keeping the tile wet for a couple minutes, then brush off what strips with a stiff brush that is chemical resistant, or a natural fiber brush.
If a larger area needs to be stripped or the whole floor, I suggest our SR-5 stripper as per directions on the can. Just as you start to scrub, add soapy water.
Sand/never sand... These tiles have a very thin partially vitrified surface that is easily damaged or removed should one apply sand paper to them. Sanding is a definite no-no.
Stripping will also glean them up. What is important is to get them sealed up, and not to let them be worn back down to the surface again. Think about applying a finish over the sealer(s) and maintaining the finish so that you don't end up wearing back down into the sealer(s) again.
Bill Hohmann
Sparks
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: As a follow up:
Where would I purchase Acetone (is this just a paint thinner medium?) and your SR5 product where is that purchased?
Also what items/materials do I need to begin?
As for cleaning once they are stripped can I use a vinegar water solution? or a simple green cleaner?
Thanks again I'm ready to take it on!
ANSWER: Acetone is not a paint thinner, per se. It will strip various coatings, and it is readily available @ home improvement and paint stores. Our stripper should be available wherever our sealers are sold. I would need to know what city you live in or near to see if anyone there carries our products. You can also purchase the SR-5 online @ www.sparkssw.com unless you live in California.
Vinegar is a very poor cleaner for floors. A little dish detergent and water should be good enough for almost any floor cleaning.
Bill Hohmann
Sparks
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Bill
Thanks for the cleaning advice. I heard that dish detergent when used would always strip part of the finish off (the same reason it cleans dishes so well)...
Just a little goes a long way? And I am thinking of cleaning the stripped tiles rather than maintenance cleaning.
Appreciate the advice. And BTW, yes I live in CA so can't order online.
Southern California, Santa Clarita to be exact.
Jill
and good morning!
Answer
Soap and water will tend to compromise a number of finishes that are on the market, as they incorporate an "alkali soluble resin" whose only purpose is to facilitate stripping. Ours strips by a different process so that our finish is not compromised by soap and water.
You can still get acetone, as it is exempt in California from the voc limitations. You can also purchase our finish, as it is now made with exempt coalescent solvents, bringing the voc well under 50 g/l.
Our waterborne sealers are now compliant also.
Bill Hohmann
Sparks
Add to this Answer Ask a Question
|
|
