Expert Answers in

Repairs sealers

How to remove Sealer drip lines?

Donato Pompo Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – It isn’t clear what may have caused these streaks, or what your overall conditions are, so there are some different possibilities.

I assume you have a glazed ceramic tile in the shower.  Normally applying…

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installation stone

Can I install Marble behind a Wood burning stone?

Donato Pompo Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – Most natural stone materials are heat resistant in terms of being near a wood stove. Although if something very hot is set on its surface causing a thermo shock it could crack. The…

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failures Lippage

How to determine whether tile is cause of lippage and chipping?

Donato Pompo Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

 ANSWER – I understand that the 2′ x 4′ tile was installed and has some degree of excessive lippage between the edges of adjacent tiles.  Apparently the tile has chipped at some corners and edges.  …

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cleaning

I tried cleaning my tile and it changed colors

Donato Pompo Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – It is hard to say from your description what type of tile you have, so it can be determined what may have happened what you can do about it.

A non-glossy tile can be…

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cleaning sealers stone

What can I do to improve the shine/appearance of slate tile?

Donato Pompo Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – Slate is not a stone product that is polished or normally has a sheen due to the nature of the material.  There are enhancer sealers that will highlight the stone to bring out the…

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Grout sealers

How to Darken Grout from natural (grey) to a darker shade?

Donato Pompo Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – You need to experiment to determine what you can do.  The grout may be light color because too much water was used in mixing or cleaning it up so it pulled out the pigment…

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Grout sealers

What Do I Use To Change Grout Color?

Donato Pompo Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – There are epoxy grout colorants that can be used to treat the grout joints.  They do have applicators to make it easier to apply.  It is important to properly prepare the grout prior to…

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cleaning stone

How do I clean off haze and remove mortar and grout from travertine?

Donato Pompo Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – There are special latex cleaners that are sold such as Bostik “Hydroment Remove” cleaner.  Generally speaking a very light acid solution using sulfamic acid or even diluted vinegar with some scrubbing can remove a…

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sealers

How should I seal my tile and what kind of sealer should I use?

Donato Pompo Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – Sealers are normally bond breakers, so you do not want to get the sealer along the edges of the tile before you grout.

If you have a travertine stone with voids you can either…

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installation

Is a mortar bed a sound control barrier?

Donato Pompo Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – Using a mud bed (cement) does not reduce the sound, but might amplify it because it is a hard material that transmits sound.  You need a sound barrier that will limit sound transmission.

There…

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