Remove cement film from tiles

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Finished with laying the tiles and now a gray haze is ruining the beautiful result? It doesn't have to be, because there are ways to remove the cement film from tiles. Here's how to do it.

Cement traces can be avoided.
Cement traces can be avoided.

What you need:

  • slightly alkaline basic cleaner
  • abrasive pad
  • products containing phosphoric acid
  • products containing hydrochloric acid
  • plenty of water
  • sponge
  • Cloths
  • Protective gloves

If you have grayish residue on your freshly laid tiles after grouting Tiles see, then this is most likely a cement veil. The cement veil can occur if you did not rub off or wash off residues when you slurried the grout. But there is workaround, here is how to remove that ugly cement film from tiles.

Things to know about cement film removers 

  • When the surfaces of the tiles are polished, this cement film is easier to remove. Use a slightly alkaline basic cleaner with an abrasive pad.
  • You can also remove cement streaks from tiles by applying chemicals.
  • These products containing hydrochloric acid can, however, attack the tiles. Therefore, find out how the tiles that you have laid are put together (at the hardware store, where you bought them, or at the specialist dealer).
  • In the case of natural stone slabs that contain metal, such acidic cement film removers can lead to rust stains, which can often only be visible six months later. You should therefore refrain from using these agents to remove cement veil from natural stones.
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  • You should also be careful with products containing phosphoric acid for removing cement residue because granite and sandstone could react with discoloration or a blind surface obtain.
  • Instead, you can use amidosulfonic acid-containing agents to remove cement residue from your tiles. These funds are ideal and ensure clear results when finishing your tiles.

This is how you go about removing the cement film from the tiles

  1. Inquire at your hardware store or a professional tiler about the composition of your tiles and the aggressiveness of the chemical agents you use want.
  2. Wear protective gloves and work clothes.
  3. Pre-water the soil so that the stones soak up with water.
  4. Test the cement film remover on a little visible spot or on one of the tiles that you have left over.
  5. Then work carefully but quickly so that you don't have to deal with the fumes from the chemicals for too long.

It is better to avoid before than to remove it afterwards

  • Work as carefully as possible when grouting or silting up your tiles.
  • Remove all traces of cement while it is still fresh and soft.
  • The more thoroughly you remove everything, the less - if not at all - there will be a layer of cement left on the tiles.
  • Invest a little more time in this careful work, because then you may save yourself any subsequent removal of cement residue on your tiles.

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