Restoring the Appearance of Dull Slate Floor Tiles

The photographs below are of rough Chinese Slate floor tiles installed at a house in Dorchester; they had not been deep cleaned in a long time and the combination of pets and grandchildren had taken its toll on the floor. Rough Slate from China is a relatively inexpensive product and although long lasting and value for money the texture of the Slate is difficult to maintain and thus difficult to keep clean even if fully sealed

Cleaning Chinese Slate Tiles

To clean the tiles I used a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was left to soak into the Slate for a good ten minutes before working it in with a buffing machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. This action removed the ground in dirt and any old sealer and a stiff brush was then run along the grout lines with more Pro-Clean to get them as clean as possible. The floor was then rinsed thoroughly and any stubborn areas retreated; a wet vacuum was used to extract the soiled water from the surface of the stone in order to get it as dry as possible.

Sealing Chinese Slate Tiles

The floor was left to dry overnight and I returned the next day to seal using three coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go sealer which is a water based sealer (so no smell) that leaves a nice subtle shine to floor. The slate and the grout looked really dull and dirty before we started and now the floor looks like it was recently laid. For aftercare we don’t recommend the use of a Floor Steamer as they work on a 100 degrees and this damages the sealer; for regular cleaning use Tile Doctor Ph Neutral Cleaner using a two bucket system, whereby you apply the cleaning solution with a jug, wipe the floor and then squeeze off the excess into the second bucket, this stops you reapplying dirty water onto a clean floor..


Source: Slate Tile and Grout Maintenance Service in Dorset

How to Repair Travertine Floor Etching

It is not a very hard task to repair travertine floor etching. This can be done using a polishing powder or a sealer. Travertine, contrary to popular belief, is quite dense and can withstand heavy traffic. However, it is still susceptible to etching, stains and other types of damage if it is not properly protected. Like limestone, granite or marble, the material needs to be cleaned, polished and repaired in times of need. This is especially true when it is used as a flooring material. In order to repair travertine floor etching, follow the steps below.

What You'll Need

• Polishing Powder (for travertine)
• Etch Removal Product
• Rag
• Buff Cloth
• Mop
• Warm Water
• Broom
• Spray Bottle

Step 1 – Clean the Travertine Floor

Before removing the etching using a trusted product, make sure to clean the floor first. Sweep it with a broom or a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris. Soak a mop in warm water, squeeze the excess water and mop the entire floor. Allow the floor to dry completely.

Step 2 – Use a Polishing Powder

A polishing powder designed for travertine can easily remove the etch marks from the floor easily. Apply the recommended amount of powder on the etched areas. Spray water on top of the powder to make it moist, but do not spray too much water. Just a small amount will do. Rub the moist powder with a rag in a circular motion until the etching is concealed. Do not rub with too much pressure in order not to damage the floor surface. When the floor is dry and free from etching marks, buff the floor with a soft cloth.

Step 3 – Use an Alternative Etch Removal Product

Shop around for etch removal products in brick and mortar stores or online stores. Make sure to read product descriptions and reviews to get as much information and come up with the best product in the market. Ask friends, relatives, or online forums for recommendations. Some products come in a spray form that can provide ease of use. Simply spray the product, rub it a bit and buff afterward. Some products may have different instructions so make sure to read the product instructions carefully before application.

Step 4 – Seal the Floor

Sealers are important because they provide the floor with extra protection for years. Since the floor usually receives a lot of traffic, do make sure to reapply the sealer after two years at least. If the floor has not been previously sealed, then determine first if it can be sealed or not. When it comes to sealing, the floor can be categorized into two groups – honed and polished. Polished travertine should not be sealed. Instead, regularly polish it with polishing products to repair etching and other damages. If the travertine is honed, then it can be sealed to protect it from stains and damage. In order to avoid having to repair travertine often, seal the floor yourself or hire a professional to do the job.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Restoring the Appearance of Dirty Victorian Floor Tiles

At Tile Doctor, we often come across Victorian tiled hallways in need of restoration. They're very popular due to their timeless and unique patterns - and as a result are still in production, having first being produced in the 19th century. While many have been maintained in their original state since first being laid (which is sometimes over a century ago), others have been hidden by carpet or linoleum for many years, only to be uncovered by new property owners. In this case, at a property in Newport - the port city of South East Wales - the Victorian tiled hallway had not been subject to an effective cleaning plan leaving the fantastic white and black checkered pattern grubby and unsightly. I was asked if I could help bring it back to life - and I was happy to oblige!

Cleaning a Dirty Victorian Tiled Hallway

I started the restoration by applying a strong cleaning solution combined from mixing two Tile Doctor products in equal parts namely Remove and Go and Pro Clean. Together they create a powerful sealer remover and cleaner to break down any remaining old sealers, paint whilst lifting ingrained dirt and muck from the pores of the tile. The two products were worked into the tiles using firstly a 17 inch black buffing pad to remove the initial layer of dirt, followed by a 6 inch buffing pad, wire brush, and hand-held scrapper to remove the more stubborn specks of paint and dirt. The resultant slurry was then rinsed away with water and a wet vacuum and stubborn areas retreated until I was satisfied. The results were great so after a final rinse I left tiles to dry off.

Sealing a Victorian Tiled Hallway

A couple of days later, after leaving the tiles to dry completely, I went back to the property to seal the floor. I checked first for any excess moisture as this can cloud the sealer and prevent it from acting an effective barrier against dirt and stains. My choice of sealer included one coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow to restore the rich colour to the black and white tiles, followed by seven coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go to provide an aesthetically pleasing sheen finish. Colour Grow is an impregnating sealer that penetrates the pores of the tile to fill them and prevent dirt becoming trapped, while Seal and Go is a topical sealer that builds up an additional layer of protection on the surface of the tiles.


The combination of fresh sealers, preceded by a deep and thorough clean, really helped to restore these Victorian tiles to a condition in which they could be easily mistaken for newly laid! The customer was very pleased and undoubtedly will be looking forward to showing off the tiles to friends and family.


Source: Victorian Tile and Grout Maintenance Service in Monmouthshire

Travertine Tile Finishes: Tumbled, Polished and Honed

Travertine tile is a popular choice of finish in many homes. The tiles are produced from a sedimentary rock known as travertine, which is a type of limestone. It is formed when minerals dissolve in groundwater and are later deposited onto the earth’s surface by springs, rivers and geysers. The tiles are a popular installation material for flooring, walls, backsplash, pavers and around a pool. Some of the more common finishes for the tile are tumbled, polished and honed. Read on to learn some basic information on each.

Tumbled Travertine Tile

Tumbled travertine has a rough pitted surface because of the naturally occurring pores and holes in the rock which are left intact. For many homeowners, the textured surface of tumble travertine has a rustic appeal which enhances home décor. However, the holes must be filled with grout during installation. If left unfilled, debris tends to gather in the holes. Water also collects in the holes when it rains which accelerates wear and tear. Grout helps to maintain the structural integrity of the tiles.

Due to its textured surface, tumbled travertine creates a less slippery surface than the polished type. It is also the easiest to walk on. This makes it suitable for poolside areas. The textured surface also gives it a higher resistance to etching than the honed variety. It is best to use a stone cleaner to wash tumbled travertine. Cleaners that contain ammonia or strong additives can damage the tile surface. Due to its high porosity, tumbled travertine isn’t as durable as polished and honed travertine. Water infiltration tends to weaken the tile structure and makes it more susceptible to cracks.

Polished Travertine Tile

Polished travertine has a smooth, slippery finish and bears a close resemblance to marble. It has an attractive shine due to its smooth matte finish and reflects a lot of light. It must be sealed periodically to preserve the structural integrity. You also need to polish it regularly so that the tiles don’t become dull with time. However, the polished surface allows easier removal of dirt. Simply use a damp mop to wipe away dirt. Polished travertine has a higher resistance to stains and scratches than the honed variety. It is also the most durable of the 3 varieties. This is partly because it has a lower porosity which allows for minimal absorbance of spills. When sealed regularly, this adds to the durability of polished travertine tiles. Polished travertine costs more than both tumbled and honed travertine.

Honed Travertine Tile

Honed travertine undergoes extensive grinding and sanding during manufacture to yield a uniform surface. Honed travertine has a smooth marble-like finish though not as smooth or shiny as polished travertine. It must be sealed periodically otherwise the tiles become more susceptible to damage which makes them less attractive. The tiles have a high susceptibility to stains. Slight contact with acidic juices can etch the surface and cause permanent damage. Coffee, tomato sauce, citrus juices and tea stains can easily etch the surface. It is best to use coasters under glasses, cans or bottles to prevent spills. All spills must be blotted out immediately. Scratches also easily develop on honed tiles because of the smooth surface. It is best to clean honed travertine with a damp cloth or sponge. 

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Remove Stains from Saltillo Tiles

If your home features any saltillo tiles that have recently incurred any stubborn stains, you'll be pleased to know that they can be cleaned in just a few easy steps. Below is the best way to get your saltillo tiles stain free.

What You'll Need

• Empty spray bottle
• Sponge
• Soft-bristled scrub brush
• Ammonia
• Washcloth
• Water

Step 1 - Remove Dust from Your Tiles

Begin the stain removal process by using a damp sponge, washcloth or paper towel to wipe down the affected area and effectively remove any dust or debris. Take care to be as thorough as possible, as any remaining bits of filth may present problems later on in the process.

Step 2 - Apply Your Ammonia-Based Cleaning Solution

You'll now need to produce a mixture of 1 cup ammonia and 2 to 3 cups of water inside of an empty spray bottle. Next, spray your homemade cleaner onto the stained areas of your saltillo tiles and allow it to sit for several minutes.

Step 3 - Remove the Stains

Now that you've applied your homemade cleaner, you're ready to remove the stains that are plaguing your tiles. Using a sponge or washcloth, proceed to vigorously scrub the stains until they have been successfully purged. If the stains prove unyielding, try using a soft-bristled scrub brush.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Repair Chips and Cracks in Limestone Floors

Limestone floors are a handsome and durable flooring choice. Although of considerable strength, limestone can still be subject to damages such as minor chips and cracks. If you notice such faults in your limestone flooring and you want to return it back to its former glory, you can undertake a DIY repair, saving yourself the cost of a professional.

What You'll Need

• Brush
• Epoxy resin
• Masking tape
• Pieces of limestone
• Putty knife
• Scraper
• Water
• Dustpan
• Grout
• Paintbrush
• Polish
• Rags
• Sealant

Step 1 – Clearing the Area

Before getting down on your knees, remove all furniture and other home furnishings that might be on the repair area. This will allow you to have an unobstructed view of the entire floor area as well as prevent any damages that can be done on your valuable furniture.

Step 2 – Inspecting the Limestone Floor

The first task on the repair should always be the inspection of the floor area. Check it thoroughly to identify all cracks and dents and if there are many, mark them with masking tape.

Step 3 – Cleaning the Area

To make the repair more effective, clean the surface of your limestone floor as well. Make sure that it is spotlessly clean and devoid of  obstructions. Sweep up any dust and debris. For stubborn grimes use a damp rag and some elbow grease, and wipe the floor thoroughly Wait  until the floor dries naturally or you can wipe it dry with a rag if you are in a hurry.  

Step 4 – Repairing Minor Damages

For chips and cracks that are very shallow and minor, you can make use of a mild polish that you can purchase from local hardware. Rub the product gently over the crack or chip so that you can have a smoother surface. Once you are satisfied with the result, wipe off the polish with a damp cloth and then brush on a sealant. This is to protect the repair that you have made. Alternatively, you can make use of grout that has been freshly mixed.

Step 5 – Repairing Deeper Faults

If there are deeper cracks or chips on the limestone that cannot be corrected through the previous step, you can make use of epoxy resin that has been mixed until its color is the same as that of your limestone floor. Apply the compound on cracks and chips with a putty knife. For deeper damages, you can make use of chips or slivers of limestone. Use the fragments to fill deeper cavities together with epoxy. Once you have the pieces secured, wipe off the excess glue. Allow complete drying before applying the sealant.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

300 Year Old Flagstone Tiles Treated for Shaling Issues in Chorley

This Flagstone tiled floor at a cottage in the market town of Chorley was suffering from significant shaling issues, which came as no surprise when I heard that the stone was laid nearly 300 years ago. The floor is an original feature of the property, but over recent years it had started to flake and become very rough, making it very difficult to keep clean, uncomfortable to live with, and not very pleasing to look at. The process is natural to the Flagstone, and some people are quick to Read more...