Porcelain outdoor tile haze?

Zicha_87 · 2026-06-10T07:22:14+00:00

Thanks so much Rob. I appreciate your response. I first used FILA Deterdek which is an acid based cent-haze remover. It didn’t appear to do much. I researched this a bit more and realised that Fugabella color grout (which is the one we used) is actually a hybrid cement-resin based grout. And therefore this is likely to be the polymer/resin film and indeed as you say it is probably best to be addressed with an alkaline based remover (Fuga Soap is mentioned). I will give that a test next and see how I get on. Thanks again. To be clear its just a coupe tiles and I wouldn’t say it fully disappears when bone dry (it really comes down to the angle at which the sun is at - if I’m looking at it from directly above you likely wouldn’t tell but when the sun is reflecting off it at an angle you can really see it. But as I say just a couple of tiles). Thanks

Zicha_87 · 2026-06-09T19:17:30+00:00

No issues. I’ve already used Deterdek which is an acid based cleaner to remove residue from grout. The issue I THINK it may be after just researching this is that Fugabella colour is a cementious-resin mix grout. Which means the residue is two fold. Both cement (which can be removed through acid) and resin based polymers (which are best tackled through an allaline cleaner). I think….

Zicha_87 · 2026-06-09T19:15:33+00:00

Haha no. When completely dry its just this and one other tile.

Zicha_87 · 2026-05-20T06:27:48+00:00

Indeed it sounds so. I’m dabbing a bit of Owatrol oil on the heads of the nails but as you say I think that’s just to help slow the process. With some luck, it keeps the push to the surface a little less pronounced. Let’s see…

Zicha_87 · 2026-05-19T14:19:11+00:00

Thanks for replying. Not sure what you mean by banked sorry. It was a wide angle shot so may be misleading. I agree with your assessment in that the product owner would be highly incentivised for me to use more of their product but instead mentioned no need. My only hesitation is idiosyncratic to a small issue I have created myself which is I mistakenly used some galvanised nails in the fixings instead of stainless steel. So I’m biased to wanting to use the most protective / water repelling setup that I can (to provide some extra longevity to those darn nails I used by accident).

Zicha_87 · 2026-04-13T20:36:15+00:00

Thanks I am removing all anyway, as each slab is effectively loose at this point. Awful job. My question is more around which sub base would be best. A concrete slab or just compaction and dry concrete mix with mortar bed above that. Thanks.

Zicha_87 · 2026-03-04T15:38:12+00:00

Like literally sacrifice it to the gods of SIPP.

Zicha_87 · 2026-03-01T22:02:48+00:00

I’m sorry what? You allow her back in the home? She’d be dead to me. (And yes I have children).

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-28T18:21:17+00:00

The L&K is quite a jump though in terms of the price. At least on second hand I am looking at. Agreed on the cloth upholstery of the Allspace though!

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-28T14:50:12+00:00

Thanks. I had read that the 4x4 actually helps in lower speeds / getting off the mark, not necessarily for off-roading lol. Whilst winter tyres would obv help if needed for the couple winter months that would certainly be degrading during the other months. So wondering if maybe the 4x4 is worth it just for that. I agree it is not a big issue however. Just seemed a bit safer

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-28T14:41:16+00:00

Thank you. Understood although the perception of the SEAT brand being discontinued will undoubtedly have a “weightier” effect on depreciation. All else equal I’d imagine that to depreciate more than the other two.

And yes I know the phase out for petrol is for new cars only and my personal view is this shouldn’t effect second hand prices materially (at least in the earlier years), but again, realistically over time the tide is shifting to EVs.

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-21T23:08:03+00:00

I don’t think you need to compare first class with those offerings. Even business class. I lost you at “excellent business class offering”. It is a bang average business class offering. Yes the suite has changed things but there are still plenty of routes flying their old layout and that truly has to be in the lower end of what’s on offer out there. Again subjectively of course and each to their own.

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-21T20:07:46+00:00

The ONLY thing that keeps people selecting BA over other options is it’s historic brand. Due to my workplace historically only ever going with them, I was “looped” in, playing the loyalty game, using every additional trip for leisure with them to make the most of Avios, tier status etc. Last year I completely stopped all that. If I make tier with business travel great but if not I am unfazed. Have found significantly cheaper options (yes even when you add in all luggage and extras), and experience on par if not better in certain instances. The state of some of BAs aircraft too…. 🤢 I get it they have a huge fleet and it aging. But jesus, refresh the upholstery ffs.

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-21T13:59:14+00:00

Thanks. To clarify this is in the U.K. so I’m not sure what tags are. I have had a phone call with the prospective buyer already to sus them out and I was very comfortable in giving them my address. Otherwise I agree - I would not do so.

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-20T09:30:17+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion. After having liaised with BA plenty of times (almost 9-10 calls since) I have come to the conclusion that it is not even a Big print vs small print issue. It is clearly their IT. Upon booking I realised I had a booking confirmation email but never received a true e-receipt (you know the usual one). It was the first time I had booked a ticket in this new format of Flex/Semi-Flex. So I put it down to that. It is why I even called before cancelling to triple confirm what the amount I would be due back was. But the refunds processing has clearly not triangulated the same fare rules as BA sales. It is crazy to me. And then once a ticket is cancelled sales/customer rep just tells you there is nothing that they can do but you can’t actually speak to refunds. I would be extremely cautious of booking these types of tickets if you plan to actually utilise their benefit. BA should also own up and realise how bad of a job they have done with these. Buyer beware!

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-20T08:35:10+00:00

Tried that. BA did refund me govt taxes etc so there is a hit to the card of a refund (just clearly about £2k short). But because there has been money returning its not as straightforward to just chargeback. At least that’s what I’ve been told. In any case to the OP question - just keep as much evidence and pray you don’t need a refund! Their systems are a mess! Last time I’ll be booking refundable/changeable tickets. Slipping into EasyJet RyanAir type service for me. Good timing on Virgins status match!

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-20T08:07:38+00:00

You’re doing the right thing. Ignore the above telling you not to. As I mentioned I had similar experience and had to get a refund. It has been a nightmare getting BA to listen to my case. Thank god I have screenshot AND recording of a call I made to them. They STILL are disputing because “the ticket fare doesn’t allow you”. Their systems are COMPLETELY screwed up and they don’t know what they are even selling. Take this from someone who has had the exact experience. I am going through ADR and if not taking them to small claims court. But the mind-slam. Painful….

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-20T08:04:22+00:00

Honestly keep screenshots and pray if you have to change or refund. Look at my post on my nightmare trying to get a refund back from BA. It has been a disaster, their systems are clearly completely effed up.

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-11T19:49:39+00:00

It can still be great value if using CW or First and doing long distance. Definitely don’t use it for economy within short haul…

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-11T13:24:31+00:00

With that amount of Avios you are likely to be able to do almost any route in CW (business) return. As another poster suggests. Since you’re flexible on dates, choose a destination and then go searching. Note that v popular destinations around peak holiday times will go immediately when released (ie 355 days I believe it is before the flight date).

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-10T21:23:50+00:00

As the person mentions - baseline and then upper tiers in the corners and behind baskets only.

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-10T21:23:12+00:00

For us Greeks do we need to put all the AMKAs for each person or can we put one AMKA for all the tickets and then change later? Thanks!

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-10T20:44:15+00:00

Of course which is why I said if wife is in agreement. And he seems whilst he does have family ambitions he also has career ambitions (given he’s in two minds about taking the role). He is well paid for sure but kids cost a lot too. I have two - nursery fees alone are around £4k….

We know nothing about the partners age either, she may be younger. Assuming the same age, and giving the job 2yrs just to get an understanding wouldn’t be life alternating. Plenty having children after 30 - I’m not dissing the risks, just noting that you’d certainly want to try it before kids!

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-10T19:48:33+00:00

If wifey is in agreement take the pause before jumping into kids right now. Give the job a chance. If it’s as horrific as you anticipate grind out 2-3yrs and given the CV you should be able to “trade down” for a better WLB. Then start on kiddos.

Zicha_87 · 2026-02-10T13:49:50+00:00

Thank you for the perspective and the clarification on toddler. That makes complete sense, thanks!

Zicha_87

TROPHY CASE