[Neil Jones]

My friend has had some ceramic tiles laid, not a large area but there is a lot of grout residue.
I have chemspec floor stripper, Aqua mix HD tile and grout, Nu life wax and res and Xtreme clean HD cleaner. Are any of those likely to remove it or will I need to use and acid?

[Kev Martin]

Get any lumps up with a scraper and then use Aqua Mix Phosphoric Acid Substitute and then Aqua Mix HDT&G Cleaner and then rinse.  Honing powder will also help mixed in with Phosphoric Acid as you weill have chemical and mechanical removal at the same time.  Do a test area first to establish method.

Kev Martin
Tiling Logfistics Ltd

[Neil Jones]

So I will need an acid? Is there much point in trying without? I said I'd go today and have a quick look but I won't bother if an acid is essential as I ain't got none!!

[Rob Hall]

A Silicone Carbide Brush on a variable speed machine such as a flex will eat it up in no time

[Neil Jones]

I'm not charging him, and have neither of the above Rob   

[Rob Hall]

I'm not charging him, and have neither of the above Rob  

Keep checking ebay for a Flex Variable speed wet polisher, they do come up now and again, expect to pay around £150....well worth it. The Silicone Carbide brush will only cost £20.00.

[Kev Martin]

So I will need an acid? Is there much point in trying without? I said I'd go today and have a quick look but I won't bother if an acid is essential as I ain't got none!!

Neil

A gallon of PAS is only £14 after discount.  If you are really pushed go to one of the sheds and buy builders brick acid but wear ppe and make sure you thoroughly rinse afterwards and do a test area first

Kev Martin
Tiling Logistics Ltd

[Neil Jones]

I dunno whether I would fancy using brick acid, might be a bit strong. I went today anyway, needs an acid as you have said. TBH there is still a lot of building work going on around it, so I said see what the builder says and then if you want it doing properly and sealing let me know. I'll have to do at mates rates though as he is one of my best.

[Kev Martin]

Neil

I would never choose Brick Acid either given the choice but I was just trying to offer you an alternative if you were desperate

Kev Martin
Tiling Logistics Ltd

[SteveAllan]

Hey Rob, those flex machines I assume you only do small areas with one of them.

[Rob Hall]

Hey Rob, those flex machines I assume you only do small areas with one of them.

Yes, for obvious reasons. I have done up to 30sqm of sandstone with one as it was covered in all kinds of "sealers".
I have a Samich Lotus Machine due anytime which I will fit 3 brushes on, then, watch me go....!!!!

[Kev Martin]

One of these fitted with the optional Planetario

http://www.klindex.it/kroma-p-46.html

Kev Martin
Tiling Logistics Ltd

[Jamie Pearson]

Hey Rob, those flex machines I assume you only do small areas with one of them.

Yes, for obvious reasons. I have done up to 30sqm of sandstone with one as it was covered in all kinds of "sealers".
I have a Samich Lotus Machine due anytime which I will fit 3 brushes on, then, watch me go....!!!!

Rob, do you have a pic of one of your brushes. My findings with SiC and Diamond brushes of various designs tested is that a heavy machine wears them out quickly and results are more in line with speed of the machine rather than weight.

[Rob Hall]

Hey Rob, those flex machines I assume you only do small areas with one of them.

Yes, for obvious reasons. I have done up to 30sqm of sandstone with one as it was covered in all kinds of "sealers".
I have a Samich Lotus Machine due anytime which I will fit 3 brushes on, then, watch me go....!!!!

See photo

Rob, do you have a pic of one of your brushes. My findings with SiC and Diamond brushes of various designs tested is that a heavy machine wears them out quickly and results are more in line with speed of the machine rather than weight.

I have always used them on my Flex. I will be in a much better position to comment on the type and weight once my new machine has arrived. When I saw the machines in Italy, we used the brushes under a Samich Lotus, the brushes were as good as new after the sample area, but this is no real measure, I will come back to you with more idea later.