Expert Answers in Stains

ANSWER - I assume you are saying that you seal your tile with a sealer and that your dog's urine is causing the sealer to be removed. Sealers are meant to minimize the chances of…

ANSWER - From your photo the bottom edge of the wall tile where it is adjacent to the transition joint from the wall to the floor has efflorescence staining.  That suggests water is traveling from…

ANSWER - It is not common to stain natural stone. There are enhancer sealers that applied to enhance the natural color of the stone. Natural stone is just that.  Every piece of stone is somewhat…

ANSWER - Denatured alcohol is acidic and can act as a solvent to break down sealers or stains that could be on the stone.  They use oxalic acid in polishing stone because it breaks down…

ANSWER - Ludders Limestone is a Texas Limestone.  The absorption rate and propensity to stain does vary depending on the physical properties of the stone.  Per ASTM C568 limestone can be rated as a low…

ANSWER - Staining natural stone isn’t something that is recommended by the natural stone industry.  Using enhancer sealers is what is typically done, but they only last so long.  So if you want to maintain a…

ANSWER - Many natural stones that are produced around the world are treated with a type of sealer to enhance the color of the stone.  If some type of solvent gets on the countertop e.g.…

ANSWER -  We have seen where the installer will cover the entire tile with thin-set adhesive (back buttering) and then use globs or spots of the adhesive to attach the tile.  This is not an…

ANSWER - First of all the data sheet for Mapei Ultracare says not to install it on the surface of the tile.  It sounds like that is what you did. I'm not sure why it…

Answer - Unfortunately when you acid etch the surface of a glazed tile it chemically alters the glaze and it can't be restored. If the etched area is contrasting in color to the tile color,…