Sandstone patio

[Eds9332]

Hello,

How do you remove staining from polymeric sand? It has ruined my sandstone patio! It has left the pavers with a grey cement look stain.

I have tried vinegar and steam but no joy,

Any recommendations would be great

[Tony McC]

The chemicals used to remove staining caused by the resin component of typical polymeric mortars will also dissolve the binder holding together such mortars. If the staining is due to the oil component, then a good, safe detergent (such as Johnsons' Baby Shampoo) should help shift it.

[Eds9332]

The stain has been on for a while, I have used a detergent with scrubbing but hasn't shifted it, the patio looks dull, however when wet looks good, maybe if I seal it with a wet look sealant might help?

[MrT]

Use vinegar and a bristle scrub brush. Seems to work as quite a good releasing agent.

[Tony McC]

If the staining is resin-based, a sealant (at least a good quality sealant) might not bond/absorb properly.

[Eds9332]

This is what I've been left with, this grey film will not budge, is there anything? Vinegar doesn't work





Any suggestions? When wet the slabs look fine with no trace of staining.

[Tony McC]

Have you asked the manufacturer? They may have a preferred solvent. Aternatively, look at someting such as Resin-ex, Paramose, Wax-off or similar.

[Eds9332]

I have contacted the manufacture, and all the can come up with is using vinegar! Which insedently doesn't work!

Would I be better off using a cement removal product?

Never used Sika/ever build products, not fit for purpose

[RAPressureWashing]

Be very careful using a cement removing product, as it will most probably be a Hydrochloric acid based product so can damage natural stone if you are not careful.
You have a couple of choices you could Phosphoric acid substitute, less aggressive then Hydrochloric acid, and usually safe on sandstone, or get the stain professionally removed.

[Eds9332]

I have been communicating with the supplier and they are going to arrange a site visit to inspect the damage caused by their product, if it can be professionally cleaned what sort of person can do this and what actions would they take to takle the staining?

Thanks

[RAPressureWashing]

Someone who knows how to clean paving properly and preferably who has a low speed rotary cleaner, and the knowledge on how to do this.

[Tony McC]

I have been communicating with the supplier and they are going to arrange a site visit to inspect the damage caused by their product,

Did they ever turn up, and, if so, what was their suggested remedy?

[Eds9332]

A representative is coming over a week Thursday to assess the damage, I don't hold much hope, as they initially suggested that vinegar was the only remedy!

Will let you know the outcome.

[RAPressureWashing]

A representative is coming over a week Thursday to assess the damage, I don't hold much hope, as they initially suggested that vinegar was the only remedy!

Will let you know the outcome.

I know someone over your way that could possibly look at this for you, he is also a stone expert, cleaning, stain removal etc.
Just let me know and I can put you in touch with him.

[Eds9332]

Ok so has been over two weeks since the site survey, a rep came over from everbuild to take pictures and do a drainage test with the pavefix plus joints, nothing seems to be moving on from this sadly.

Vinegar just doesn't cut it, I've used different brands, leaving it on different times with scrubbing after. I have noticed randomly if I use a heat ie a lighter on areas it removes it, but on the whole not a great idea.

LTP grout stain remover along with other chemical cleaners have also been used, however I have been careful as the LTP contains hydrochloric acid, but still no joy!

I am condsidering a motorised power wash as I have used my Karcher on it and there are signs that it has started to remove a small patch.