The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Wed Jul 10, 2013 9:55 am**

Hi guys, still here with my granite patio issues, do forgive. I thought, i'd start a new topic this time rather then hijacking the other's. I've got slightly "obsessed" with getting my granite patio done in the most technologically correct ways possible.
Slabs silver grey granite have been laid approximately a month ago, in full bedded mortar mix. I've delayed the pointing until the slabs get dry and sealed with Dry Treat coat to avoid the possibility of picture framing. All looked fine...Until last weekend when we cleaned the patio in preparation for the Dry Treat seal. We used Oxy Klenza product, based on it is being non-acid (am being carefull about these fussy granite slabs now!).

After the wash and when the surface dried out, it appeared to become...more dirty then it looked before! The "sandy" edges in places as if they were never cleaned, few "oily" spots appeared, where they haven't been before the clean, that kind of things. Not sure if this is the indication of slabs have been really dusty before, so much that the "real dirt" was concealed by that dust and only came out after the wash?

So my question: is there any other things I can try to clean the patio? on the sealant it says "clean the patio to the condition you want to see it after then sealing" and the current condition is not the one I'd wish to see.

Any other applicable cleaners for granite silver grey slabs out there? or other methods of cleaning (rubbing off the spots with bleach or something?)
thanks in advance for any advices.

Posted: **Wed Jul 10, 2013 8:29 pm**

Have you got some pictures Lana?
It sounds like trapped mositure to me. A picture would easily confirm

Posted: **Wed Jul 10, 2013 8:37 pm**

most granite is over 500 million years old Lana
I worry sometimes that folk overcomplicate laying and sealing patios
LLL

Posted: **Thu Jul 11, 2013 12:08 am**

haha, LLL, I am a woman, overcomplicate simple things is what we do

Actually, I was happy with whatever my contractor intended to do...and then I found this site...lol...they say "half-knowledge" is more dangerous then no knowledge at all...Steve,
here is the picture of the patio AFTER cleaning.
thanks guys!

Posted: **Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:34 am**

It looks ok to me Lana to be honest

Posted: **Thu Jul 11, 2013 8:46 am**

thank you for re-assurance, Steve. I guess, I needed just that. So, I'll just try to get rid of that spot on a step, seal and will be ready for pointing.
many thanks for responses!

Posted: **Thu Jul 11, 2013 7:42 pm**

Looks ok except two rows on upper level next to flowerbed patio door end? slightly darker then the rest or is it just a shadow? Dark patch on one of the steps.

Posted: **Thu Jul 11, 2013 11:03 pm**

yes, these two rows are darker, not dirt, just more wet for some reason. I can see a bit of mortar between the slabs around these, so, presume, this is the reason for moisture to evaporate more slowly then everywhere else, no big deal, I suppose. and yes, there is a stain on a steps which I am trying to remove, unsuccessfully so far.
Have tried:
soap water
Oxy Klenza
the stain looks as if it's oil, but not sure where it might've come from.
thanks for response

Posted: **Fri Jul 12, 2013 6:50 am**

what are you using to point the paving lana, the joints look tight on the photo for a brush in product ?

Posted: **Fri Jul 12, 2013 7:33 am**

lana wrote:yes, these two rows are darker, not dirt, just more wet for some reason. I can see a bit of mortar between the slabs around these, so, presume, this is the reason for moisture to evaporate more slowly then everywhere else, no big deal, I suppose. and yes, there is a stain on a steps which I am trying to remove, unsuccessfully so far.
Have tried:
soap water
Oxy Klenza
the stain looks as if it's oil, but not sure where it might've come from.
thanks for response

It doesn't look like oil with it going slightly "orange" and there seems to be another one on the slab above also.
If you do know that it is oil, this product will remove it http://www.steintec.co.uk/product/150/EXTRAKT

To be honest it look's more like a rust stain, is there a lawn close to the paving and has it had a lawn feed put on it?

Posted: **Fri Jul 12, 2013 8:45 am**

Rust mark.
Could be from the timber packaging.

Posted: **Fri Jul 12, 2013 1:35 pm**

thanks guys! lawn is not close enough, rust mark - could be, methinks. What would be the best product to remove it then? most grateful for any advice!

Posted: **Fri Jul 12, 2013 5:41 pm**

lana wrote:thanks guys! lawn is not close enough, rust mark - could be, methinks. What would be the best product to remove it then? most grateful for any advice!

If it is Rust, try this product
http://www.steintec.co.uk/product/153/RCI

Posted: **Sat Jul 13, 2013 1:51 am**

thank you very much, R&A! much appreciated. Mickg, the pointing product was initially Jointex, now replaced by Rompox. I read in other threads about the pain of pointing tight joints, but it was after he laid them already. don't think there is much I can do at this point of time, but just leave him to his chosen way. I didn't ask specifically for anything to be used, so can't really complain, methinks. thanks again for advices, guys!

Posted: **Sat Jul 13, 2013 6:39 am**

is that rompox easy?
not the worst but wont stand the test of time in my experience
LLL

The Brew Cabin

Granite slabs again, this time - cleaning question