Geofix stained by slabs

[newbuyer17]

I recently laid some indian sandstone paving, which was all looking OK.

http://kjpublic.dynalias.com/stain/before1.jpg
http://kjpublic.dynalias.com/stain/before2.jpg
http://kjpublic.dynalias.com/stain/before3.jpg
http://kjpublic.dynalias.com/stain/before4.jpg

(note the speckles are spots of rain on the last two)

However, on applying Geo Fix jointing compound (Grey) it has stained/dyed the slabs.

http://kjpublic.dynalias.com/stain/after1.jpg
http://kjpublic.dynalias.com/stain/after2.jpg

It has darkened the slabs all over, and you can also see patches where the polymer has apparently soaked into the slabs. Difficult to describe but it now has an almost pastel appearance.

I'm not sure how easy the difference is to spot on the photos, but it was noticeable to me straight away.

I followed instructions and tech support advice, and I don't appear to have done anything wrong.

I have scrubbed with soapy water but it didn't make a lot of odds.

To be fair geofix tech support have been very good, and advised me that the slabs are likely quite porous and it has soaked into them. This would seem to fit as when scrubbing them you could almost see the water being absorbed.

They reckon the staining is two-part. The dye in the grey has stained and also the polymer has left a layer. In both cases they think it isn't too bad and it should all wash off when the patio weathers.

Curious as to whether anyone else has similar experiences and whether this will weather off OK, and if so how long will it take?

Thanks

[newbuyer17]

Sorry, clearly the title should have read "Geofix stained MY slabs"

[Pablo]

The residue is only on the flag surface and is nothing to worry about it will quickly weather away. The Geofix will also quickly weather away and will probably need to be redone next year with a proper jointing compound. Sorry about that. Geofix is widely regarded as completely rubbish and almost always guaranteed to fail in a very short period of time.

[Rich H]

Polymerics always do that to slabs. As Pablo says, it'll be gone in a couple of weeks. Also as he says, the pointing will also be gone, or at least fractured and flaking, in a year or less. It is crap.

[newbuyer17]

Thanks.
At least you've put my mind at rest re the staining. Ironically the main reason I used it was to avoid potential staining by using mortar. I'm a bit suprised to hear its not well regarded though.

Looking at http://www.pavingexpert.com/point02.htm I cant see any reference to it being awful and not to use it - the main downside seems to be cost.

Looking at their website I can see the following quotes:
* Permanent joint unaffected by wind, rain washout and mechanical cleaning equipment
* Non staining - attractive and neat finish
* Durable joints which are unaffected by frost, salt UVA and chemicals
* Resists weed and plant growth between joints

Is it really that bad, or is it OK for a DIY job? Suppose its a bit late to be asking anyway now.

[Rich H]

The buff is better than the grey, and some batches are better than others. It will never fully harden like mortar, e.g. a high heel will go into it easily, particularly when the pointing is damp. Weeds DO grow in it quite happily once the joint gets dusty. If you use a power washer to clean the paving in the future, it will definitely blast the pointing out with the slightest provocation. But it looks nice and will hold up for a while, and you may find it lasts you well enough. When it does fail, it is very easy to take out (believe me I know) and re-do with mortar or a resin-based pointing mix like Rompox or GftK.

[Tony McC]

The new version of the page quoted above does refer to the highly variable performance of several polymerics, including (but not restricted to) Geo-Fix. The claims made on their website are exaggerated and from previous experience I know that the manufacturer conveniently forgets many of these statements once problems are brought to their attention.

There's a whole new series of pages dealing with all forms of jointing that's about a week or so away from completion. Actual uploading depends on how good a time I have at the Neil Young gig next week.

[newbuyer17]

Thanks All. I look forward to reading the new page.

Will see how it lasts in the meanwhile. I was told geofix was one of the better ones. Some of the sheds are doing their own name stuff for under half the price of geofix so thought I was paying for a bit better quality. I did look for some of the other names quoted on the site, but it doesn't seem to be very widely available, even on the web, hence using geofix.