Dear Jason:
“
According to your posts on efflorescence, it appears you recommend ripping out the installation and starting anew.
”
Well, that's pretty drastic, alright! And certainly not the case when there are only 4 tiles involved!
J
In the worst case scenario, all it would have to be done is replacing those 4 tiles; but at this stage and going by your report, I'm not so eager to label it as efflorescence. At least not yet.
Why?
For starters, because efflorescence does not happen on only 4 random tiles.
Second, efflorescence is mostly on the surface – not within it as you report.
So then, what could it be? And, most importantly, is there a remedy?
My totally honest answer to both questions is that I don't know for sure.
I would chalk the first question to “one of the mysteries of limestone”…
And if we accept such possibility, then, of course, there's no sure answer to the second question, either.
But – you may cleverly object – why with only 4 tiles and only after 4 years?
Good question indeed. On the other hand, if there were not so many mysteries with limestone…
L
That is ultimately why I'm not overly baffled by your report.
So this is what I propose:
1.
First you check thoroughly the grout lines around those 4 tiles to make sure that the grout is in place and unscathed – which will put to rest once and for all the possibility of efflorescence.
2.
If when they're wet they go back to their original color, the application of a good quality stone color-enhancer like MB-6 would give you that “wet-look” (without any sheen – only the darkening) permanently (hopefully…).
3.
If that will work, you will send me a thank you note. If not… You will replace those 4 tiles! (Hey, it's only money, right?...
J
)
May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at:
http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?
Ciao and good luck,
Maurizio Bertoli
www.marblecleaning.org – The
Only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!
Article ID: 1525
Created On: Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Last Updated On: Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Authored by: Maurizio Bertoli [mail@mbstone.com]
Online URL: https://marblecleaning.org/knowledgebase/article.php?id=1525