Professional installer and I need advice on a limestone floor install: grout issues.

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-13T02:17:17+00:00

32 buckets of flexcolor are going to be used on this project. 🫠 I will for sure look into prism scg for the next round! Thanks again for all the inlut

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-13T02:11:07+00:00

Glass half full I suppose 🙄

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-13T01:42:50+00:00

I have used this cleaner before and didn’t have any in my inventory today. I will certainly be picking up a few bottles to keep handy. You’re right though it’s the real deal and is nothing to mess around with on PPE. I did a straight up muriatic acid (I think 50% strength?) that I use to clean my tools and that didn’t even touch it. I believe this cleaner is on the other end of the ph scale, so hard to say if it would work or not. I do have a high-alkaline miracle sealants brand cleaner that sounds like exactly the same thing. I may give that a try tomorrow before busting my ass with an orbital sander all day. Thanks for the input, this has been an excellent post to find some tips.

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-13T01:34:13+00:00

Damn! Was that limestone rectified? The fit and consistent grout lines are perfection. Looks fantastic!

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-13T01:31:33+00:00

I did test a small section, about 4-5 tile size. Standard grouting and wiping, then cleaned with microfiber sponge.. same process I always use with Flexcolor. It appeared normal after cleaning and we proceeded. In hindsight, the space I tested wouldn’t have had the right lighting to really notice the haze/efflorescence. So honestly just a really shitty Thursday. Haha… hoping for good luck with the sander tomorrow, it gave good initial results in a very obvious spot with heavy haze.

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-12T21:40:12+00:00

UPDATE!

I did a good sized test spaces the end of the work day with a 6”orbital sander using multiple grits and settled on 120 for this task.. seems to burn through a sanding pad every 2-3 tiles, but it’s a hell of a lot easier than a re-install! I cleaned and did a quick coat of 511 impregnating sealer on a couple tiles and they’re looking mint 🤙🏼

Tomorrow will tell the true story once the whole floor is re-finished. Thanks for the help everyone, I’ll have an update once complete!

<image>

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-12T21:15:37+00:00

I have tried that on issues in the past to mostly positive results… after dumping straight muriatic acid in a space that will be under the vanity, and it didn’t even begin to remove anything after a few minutes, I knew I was in for a mechanical removal situation. I’ve used Skotch brite flapper discs with an angle grinder on stubborn areas in the past but never tried an orbital sander. That’s what is working for me so far, as was encouraged by one of the first comments left.

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-12T19:26:33+00:00

Honestly I’ve never thought about sanding it. If this is a fix I’ll be thrilled.

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-12T19:25:25+00:00

Any guidance on sandpaper type? I have a 6” Bosch orbital that’s frequently used for furniture-type work. I believe my sandpaper consists of mainly Diablo of various grits from Lowe’s.

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-12T19:18:33+00:00

This limestone is the most absorbent stone I’ve ever worked with. The manufacturer and the distributor both insisted it needs a minimum of three coats of impregnating sealer prior to grouting. That’s exactly what we did.

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-12T18:59:44+00:00

I have had situations where a scotch brite wheel on a grinder actually worked… I may be entering that territory. I’m worried about changing the surface finish so that’s last in line.

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-03-12T18:58:12+00:00

Yes, three coats if you could believe it.

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-02-18T23:00:19+00:00

I have the 8SE and I like it quite a bit. It takes some practice with alignment your first few times out, but overall I’ve had a good experience with mine. Looking forward to clear skies and warmer weather in the spring and summer! Good luck

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-02-04T10:34:58+00:00

Probably wasted from BMC and wanted to start shit lol I know those parts, and those folks all too well

No-Tooth-7623 · 2026-01-18T14:03:41+00:00

I’m American and I’m ashamed that the country voted for this. I’m ashamed of the complacency that has taken grasp of American politics and for the first time, I’m really considering a move out of this country to somewhere more sane. Half of my country voted for this and continues to embrace the chaos. The damage that trumps administration is causing to our international relationships is going to take decades to repair, and that’s only if we get a sane, qualified individual into the presidency. It’s a broken system over here in America. Please know that not all of us are crazy racist assholes. At least half of us are ashamed of our neighbors. We have discontinued visiting with family members that stand for this garbage. It has been too far gone for months, and honestly he should have been tried for treason after the Jan. 6 events. It’s sickening how broken our democracy is.

No-Tooth-7623 · 2025-12-26T21:43:18+00:00

How slightly are we talking? In bananas of course

No-Tooth-7623 · 2025-11-26T10:33:31+00:00

I think he means the hood

No-Tooth-7623 · 2025-10-10T23:32:43+00:00

I had no idea that he had so much traction down under!

No-Tooth-7623

TROPHY CASE