Our client in Broughty Ferry, Dundee had an entrance hall with Victorian Tiles which had been stained with white paint, by the previous owners. After trying various cleaning solutions without any success we were contacted to see what could be done. We were tasked to save them and get them looking like new again.
After surveying the tiles there was no Damp Proof Membrane under the floor due to the age of the property. To minimize efflorescence (Salts) we decided to use gels rather than dilutions of strippers and cleaners. This helps reduces excess moisture during the cleaning process.
To start the striping process of the paint we brushed on Oxy-Gel from Tile Doctor. This started the process to breakdown the paint on the tiles. This as left to soak on the tiles for 15 minutes and then activated with the use of a course 200 grit milling pad on a buffer machine. After going over the tiles in four passes the soiled residue was removed using a wet vac. The floor was then rinsed thoroughly with clean water and again removed using a wet vac.
The final step of the restorative cleaning process was to apply Tile Doctor Acid Gel, an acid rinse, to the tiles. The acidic gel was allowed to dwell for 5-10 minutes before being worked into the tiles using a black scrubbing pad. The acidic nature of the product neutralized the alkaline cleaners used earlier and dissolved any built-up alkaline salts in the tiles, a common issue with older floors. The soiled solution was then extracted and the tiles were thoroughly rinsed with cloths and water to minimize moisture levels. As I worked, I vacuumed away the waste.
The floor was left to dry over night. The next day the floor was tested to ensure the Victorian tiles we dry enough for sealing. The sealer chosen to put on the tiles was Tile Doctors Colour Grow. This is a tough sealer and one perfect for an entrance hall which would receive traffic and wet shoes. Two coats were put on the floor. Each one was put on and after 5 minutes any excess sealer was removed with clean cloths. A drying time of 40 minutes was given between the coats. After 2 hours the tiles were given a water test to check that the sealer was working. The sealer is walkable in 4 hours and fully cured in 24 hours.
Maintenance of the floor is important and no normal kitchen cleaners should be used on the floor as they will strip the sealer off after constant cleaning. A small bottle of Tile Doctors Neutral Tile Cleaner was left to be used when cleaning the floor. As its PH neutral it cleans the tiles and removes any soiling without affecting the sealer and gives the seal a long life to protect the tiles.
