Porcelain tiles are an increasingly popular choice for patios and many installers are opting to use pre-mixed brush-in resin grouts. Unlike traditional sand and cement grouts, resin-based products combine an epoxy resin with a filler. This provides greater bond strength, durability and resistance to water, stains and chemicals. However, these benefits have a down side – brush-in resins can be more difficult to work with and can easily stain tiles.
New installations
If you’re installing a new porcelain patio, issues around staining can be avoided by using a barrier treatment to protect the tile. We recommend LTP Porcelain Tile Protector, which provides a number of benefits:
- It prevents grout and resins from taking hold.
- It makes the removal of any residues much easier, should they occur.
- Porcelain needs to be kept as wet as possible during installation, to improve and increase grout working times. The protector does this, which also aids points 1 and 2.
- A further coat applied after installation will make ongoing maintenance easier too.
Before the protector is applied, the tiles should be cleaned and left to dry overnight. To apply the protector:
- Use a broad paint brush, foam roller or light pressure sprayer.
- Leave to dry for 30 minutes before applying a second coat.
- Leave the treatment to cure for a minimum of one hour before grouting or pointing. Once the grout is dry, and all residues have been removed, a further coat of Protector can be applied to the tiles and the grout joints. This helps with future cleaning and aftercare.
Old installations
To remove epoxy resin grout residue and white haze from existing installations, without damaging the joint or the paver, we recommend LTP Solvex – a non-caustic intensive cleaner/stripper. Solvex helps to soften the resin residues, allowing for easier removal. Application is normally followed by a final wash with LTP Grimex cleaning solution before rinsing down.
How to use LTP Solvex & Grimex
- Pour Solvex directly onto the pavers.
- Apply generously by dabbing onto stains with a cloth or brush. NB. Always wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Work in manageable areas; normally in strips as far as you can reach without treading into the solution. Do not brush out.
- Leave for up to 30 minutes, but don’t allow the solution to dry out. If it starts to dry out within this time-frame, apply more solution.
- Use a coarse, stiff brush or LTP Black Emulsifying Pad to remove the softened coating from the surface of the paver. Repeat this process if some staining remains.
- Wash down the pavers with LTP Grimex, diluted 1:3 with water.
- Rinse with plenty of water and leave to dry.
As well as tackling brush-in resin grout, LTP Solvex can be used to remove wax, oil, silicone, acrylic and polyurethane sealer from porcelain. It can also be used on stone, travertine, terracotta, slate, sandstone, flagstones, quarry tiles and glazed ceramic. (If you’re removing residue from a previously sealed stone tile, a sealant should be reapplied after cleaning and when the surface is sufficiently dry; this may take a minimum of 24 hours.)
Ongoing maintenance
To thoroughly clean a porcelain patio, we recommend LTP Grimex. Grimex can be used at different dilutions depending on the severity of staining. Tiles are washed, using a brush or garden broom, and rinsed with clean water.
For periodic cleaning, you can also use LTP Porcelain Floor Tile Cleaner. This detergent can be used inside and outside, so it’s especially practical for surfaces installed from home to garden, through bi-fold doors. Just dilute 2 or 3 capfuls in a bucket of warm water – or 5 on dirtier floors – wash the floor and allow to dry. This product doesn’t require rinsing.
To remove other stains from outdoor slabs, solutions include LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover, LTP Rust Stain Remover and, for efflorescence, LTP Cement Grout & Salt Residue Remover. All three treatments are safe to use on porcelain and stone tiles.
For more expert advice and information, contact the LTP team on tel. 01823 666213 or email [email protected]
