[Rob Hall]

Kevin/Antony
I have had a call from a tiler who is using some very porous limestone.
The supplier told him to use Stainstop (Spirit based not water based)
In my opinion, with the limestone being so porous, water based would have been better. What do you think?

The problem is, the Stainstop has been applied with a roller and is very heavily marked all over the stone.

I have tried the Aqua Mix Sealer and coating remover with no effect.

I pre wet a small area, applied the remover and let it dwell for an hour, topping up every 10 mins or so as it was soaking into the stone quickly.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks

[Graeme Smith]

This is not directed at me but out of interest is it stainstop Plus or stainstop? the plus is the colour enhancer I have used this on a few occasions

[Rob Hall]

This is not directed at me but out of interest is it stainstop Plus or stainstop? the plus is the colour enhancer I have used this on a few occasions

No Graeme, the job is in Harrogate.
The stainstop used was in a Metal Tin so I can only assume that it is a spirit/Oil based sealer. The tiler used a roller to apply it and when it left 'lines' from the roller, he applied even more, resulting in dribbles and lines all over the place.
Have you had a similar experiance with stainstop and limestone?
What did you do/use?

[Graeme Smith]

I've used both lithofin stainstop and stainstop plus applying with a cloth and a roller never had a problem but I meticulously wiped off any still sitting on the surface after around 5 mins after application - not had a problem with it.
Sounds like a bit of a mare

[Kev Martin]

Kevin/Antony
I have had a call from a tiler who is using some very porous limestone.
The supplier told him to use Stainstop (Spirit based not water based)
In my opinion, with the limestone being so porous, water based would have been better. What do you think?

The problem is, the Stainstop has been applied with a roller and is very heavily marked all over the stone.

I have tried the Aqua Mix Sealer and coating remover with no effect.

I pre wet a small area, applied the remover and let it dwell for an hour, topping up every 10 mins or so as it was soaking into the stone quickly.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks

Rob

Firstly 90% of limestone is very porous.  The mistake everyone makes is to put layer after layer of sealer on instead of applying a coat of sealer and allowing it to fully cure prior to applying a second coat. (Before anyone tells me I am fully aware it says on the back of most sealers you may apply a second coat after 2 hours or whatever)  That statement is marketing bullsh*t and if any of you don't believe me pour some into a saucer and  call me to tell me how long it took to dry.

I don't know what you have done wrong but Aqua Mix Sealing & Coating Remover eats Stainstop & Stainstop+ for breakfast.

Pre wet
Apply AM S&CR
Agitate with Mono Rotary fitted with soft to medium brush
Allow to dwell
Agitate again
Pull to one side with a squeegee and if not removed continue above process

It works and if it can remove Ronseal Yacht Varnish SS has no chance.

Let me know if you need further help!

Kev Martin
Marblelife Ltd
Tiling Logistics Ltd

[Jamie Pearson]

I have found on tough ones like this that applying the S&CR then covering with plastic (I use bin bags) and leaving overnight is the solution.

After this heavy coatings come off in ribbons with a scraper and penetrating sealers just wash out with a high alkaline clean.

[Rob Hall]

The AMS&CR was left for around one hour and kept topped up as the limestone was extremely porous, sadly, nothing happened. I had to re-cut the surface to remove the offending stains

[Kev Martin]

The AMS&CR was left for around one hour and kept topped up as the limestone was extremely porous, sadly, nothing happened. I had to re-cut the surface to remove the offending stains

Rob

I still don't understand!  It doesn't matter how porous the stone is!  If you fill it up with water on the pre wet then the AM S&CR will stay on the surface and remain wet.  Don't take this the wrong way and I am not trying to teach anyone to suck eggs but the pre wetting is the most important part of the whole cleaning process when using chemicals.  Pre wetting can range anything from a quick flick over with a wet mop on say granite or porcelain to literally getting a hose out for a very porous Terracotta or Sandstone.  The aim is to make the chemicals work where they are meant to and not sink into the stone where they become useless when we come to the agitation stage.  In addition the pre wetting stage also stops the dirt/sludge/ slurry from going deep during the agitation stage.

Where is the job?  I can come up myself or send one of the lads up to help you if it's not too far!

Kev Martin
Tiling Logistics Ltd

[Rob Hall]

The AMS&CR was left for around one hour and kept topped up as the limestone was extremely porous, sadly, nothing happened. I had to re-cut the surface to remove the offending stains

Rob

I still don't understand!  It doesn't matter how porous the stone is!  If you fill it up with water on the pre wet then the AM S&CR will stay on the surface and remain wet.  Don't take this the wrong way and I am not trying to teach anyone to suck eggs but the pre wetting is the most important part of the whole cleaning process when using chemicals.  Pre wetting can range anything from a quick flick over with a wet mop on say granite or porcelain to literally getting a hose out for a very porous Terracotta or Sandstone.  The aim is to make the chemicals work where they are meant to and not sink into the stone where they become useless when we come to the agitation stage.  In addition the pre wetting stage also stops the dirt/sludge/ slurry from going deep during the agitation stage.

Where is the job?  I can come up myself or send one of the lads up to help you if it's not too far!

Kev Martin
Tiling Logistics Ltd

That would be great Kevin.
I am due there on Wednesday, is that too short notice?
By the way, I DID pre wet, apply the AMS&CR and agitate, but nothing happened. I would welcome you or one of your team. The job is near Harrogate, let me know either way.
Cheers.

[Kev Martin]

Rob

As you know we have just moved premises and things are very hectic this week!  It is also 150 Miles and 2 1/2 hours from me!  I have no chance of making it tomorrow due to meetings etc this week, I could however come up on Saturday morning if it helps?

Kev Martin
Marblelife Ltd
Tiling Logistics Ltd

[Rob Hall]

Rob

As you know we have just moved premises and things are very hectic this week!  It is also 150 Miles and 2 1/2 hours from me!  I have no chance of making it tomorrow due to meetings etc this week, I could however come up on Saturday morning if it helps?

Kev Martin
Marblelife Ltd
Tiling Logistics Ltd

Hello again Kevin
Things have changed.
The stone was supplied by Lapicida from up here, apparently, they have a "wonder kid" there who can put it all right!!
So, lets wait and see.