Cleaning Victorian Encaustic (ceramic) tiles

[CPS]

Hi,

I am gradually cleaning the altar area of my church. The floor is made up of multicolor encaustic tiles installed around 1898.

There is so much built up wax and other coatings that we have had to scrape sections of the floor with razor blades.  I wonder if I can't use my Rotex 125 with some kind of abrasive pads to removed the hardened coating?  The tiles are quite hard; they do not scratch easily.  Is there an abrasive pad that would work on this?

Thanks!

 

[PA floor guy]

I have a Victorian home with the same tile through my house in parts.  You have to buy a reducing agent to remove that wax.  Sometimes denatured alcohol will work too.  Just get the least abrasive scotch Brits pad and keep cleaning with the product

 

[nickao]

Ammonia is what is commonly used, that's what we used for the old waxed tile floors anyhow.

Mix 1 gallon of white vinegar with 1 cup cream of tartar in a bucket, then wait 5 min and scrub with nylon scouring pad(This is where possibly a similar thing could be used on your Festool). A vlies maybe? We used a small 15" floor sander for it.

 

[CPS]

Thanks all for the replies.  I've used ammonia, I've used vinegar, I've used a special stone cleaner and Scotch pads. I even rented a floor buffer with a wax removal pad but all it did was glide over the wax (or, whatever) build up.  That is why I was think of a on hands and knees effort wit my Festool. I too thought of the Vlies but wonder how they compare in hardness to a Scotch pad.  The tiles are very hard; I don't think they scratch at all but I don't want to find out the hard way.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Vlies is our equivalent. It may help, but I would be concerned about the wax clogging it up without a good solvent. But, it looks like you've gotten some good recommendations on that.

 

[nickao]

I didnt want to mention this, but you may be at that point. In Chicago at the old Drake hotel we came across a similar instance back in 2004 and the only thing that worked was Muriatic acid. It's heck to work with, gaseous, poisonous and not fun, but the old crap came off and we got the tile that was 100 years old looking fantastic. Then they covered it up anyhow!!

Not sure what your tile is because this may even eat away at certain tiles. Test it and make sure you have the proper mask on. If this doesn't work nothing will. Got it at Home depot back then. When it hits that wax and old substances it will start to smoke. Try it mixed with water first, only go straight as a last resort. This will work, sounds like it's your last shot or I would never recommend it.

 

[CPS]

I am afraid of Muriatic Acid as it is dangerous stuff but will keep that in mind if the Vlies doesn't work 

 

[nickao]

Yeah be afraid, there is no argument there. If what you are saying is happening then I am willing to bet anything vlies wont do it. Have you ever used it, its weak and gums up quick. When I suggested it I had no idea you tried vinegar and off the shelf wax removers, if a wax removers and scotchbrite  didn't do it the vlies isn't going to. Ill cross my fingers for you just the same.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Sounds to me like a chemical solution is best. I'd try paint thinner or if that doesn't work paint stripper will for sure eat the wax away without damaging the tiles.

Even if the tiles are quite hard, a sander with normal sandpaper will scratch them easily, so I'd avoid that. Vlies might actually be to soft again, if you already tried scotchbrite without succes. You can use vlies to clean up after you've gotten most away with a chemical solvent.

 

[Rob Z]

Don't use muriatic acid indoors under any circumstances.  It's dangerous to health and can destroy metal surfaces inside the building.

You can contact Aqua Mix ( http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/products/aqua-mix.aspx )  or Miracle ( http://miraclesealants.com/cleaners.html  ) and get their advice.  Aqua Mix was bought by Custom Building Products, and it has been a while since I called them, so I don't know if you will get to a CBP employee or if Aqua Mix staff still answer the phone.  I've relied on the advice and the products of these two companies for many years and on many difficult projects.

Send Michael Byrne an email and see if he will offer advice pro bono because this is for a church.  He will have a solution for you.  Michael was my teacher when I first started in the trade and he has a wealth of information.

http://www.michaelbyrne.us/index.html#

You can also check with Riley Doty  (  http://artisticlicense.org/?p=411  ) . He works with old tile and I've corresponded with him before while seeking advice.

Good luck.

 

[Rob Z]

I meant to add  this comment. To give you an idea of what might work, take a look at "1 and 2 Deep Clean" and "Heavy Duty Tile and Grout Cleaner". These products are safe to use and not too expensive. I've not cleaned encaustic tile before so that's why I suggest that you talk to those references I gave.  The main problem with using these cleaners to strip wax and clean floor tile is just the efforts to  contain the water and messy solution that is on the floor (if there is a surrounding surface such as carpet or hardwood that can't get wet).  But again, check with the tech people at Aqua Mix and Miracle before you start.

http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/products/aqua-mix/cleaners.aspx

 

[CPS]

Rob,

Thank you for the 2 leads.  I think the 2nd one will be especially helpful as his web site features a photo of his company's work on an antique encaustic tile floor!  I really appreciate your help.