Tile Stripping

Typically tiles which need to be restored through using the stripping process are usually tiles which have been coated in an acrylic top coat sealer or sometimes a sacrificial sealer.

The common types of tiles which are can be coated in acrylic top coat sealers are terracotta or equivalent unglazed ceramics, slate and concrete pavers.

When in good condition the tile has a wet look or satin look across the tile. When the sealer starts to deteriorate the tile may start to have a mottled effect, or the sealer may have peeled in areas. Other symptoms can be scratches and scuff marks through the traffic areas. In wet areas and outside areas the tile surface may have turned a milky shade. This is caused from moisture penetrating the tile or the sealer over time.

The sacrificial coatings are water based acrylic sealers which are designed to act as a physical barrier. These products have been used on common area tiles which are typically hard to clean. The sealer is used as a short term solution to help the maintenance team with the cleaning regime. After a period of time the product wears down leaving a floor that is extremely hard to clean and seems to be always dirty. Typically the tile does not respond to normal cleaning methods and will require the stripping process to remove the excess residue.

The stripping process is quite messy and invasive. TILE ENVY will work with the customer’s particular requirements to make the process as manageable as possible.

After the furniture is removed from the area the walls and surroundings are protected with tape and plastic drop sheets. All skirtings are taped up and the customer is advised of any potential damage issues before work commences.

In this process TILE ENVY uses products which are solvent based that give off an offensive odour. Therefore it is best that pets and people are removed from the immediate area.

A stripper is applied to the surfaces and is left to dwell. The area is then scrubbed until the stripper has penetrated the sealer completely. This process helps break down the sealer into a wet milky mess. The excess is then removed and the process may have to be repeated until all the sealer and residue has been removed. The floor is steam cleaned which will leave the floor in its original state. Once inspected, the floor is then left to dry overnight.

If a topical sealer has been chosen, then three coats will be applied in at least two hour intervals.

Tile stripping can be a messy process but usually results in a positive and improved outcome!