QUESTION

Residue on Stone - I would like to know what I could use to remove grout residue from 18x18 travertine without damaging it. What is a good sealer for stone.

ANSWER

ANSWER - What you use to remove the grout residue off the stone depends on what kind of grout was used. A standard cement based grout can normally be wet with a sponge and then as it first dries use cheese cloth to dust of the residue. A polymer or latex modified cement grout can leave a latex residue and needs a special cleaner like Custom Building Product's TileLab Heavy Duty Cleaner and Stripper. Epoxy grout residue requires an epoxy or paint stripper, but could cause deterioration to the stone's polished surface.

You have to be very careful with whatever you use on a stone polished surface because it can cause the polish surface to etch and remove the polish. An acidic cleaner will remove cement residue, but it can cause damage to the surface. Worst case scenario for trying to remove residue might require grinding the surface of the stone and re-polishing it.

For sealing the stone, Custom Building Product's TileLab has several choices depending on whether you want to enhance the color or not or have a sheen or have it matt finished. Miracle Sealants and Aqua Mix have some good stone sealers as well with similar options. There are links to their websites in the Resources column in Expert Answers of the CTaSC website. Good Luck!