VCT Tile is discolored

[SmokeyDP]

I did my entire basement with VCT tile a few years ago in white. Stupid me, I didn't know I had to seal it so it started to discolor in the more high traffic areas. I borrowed a buffer that came with a pink spongy brillo pad disc on it and tried to clean it up. It made it more shiny but never got back to the way I wanted it, but I used the Armstrong wax mopped over it.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, the float on my sump pump failed and I got an inch of muddy water all over the place. I spent the night mopping the tiles with a cleaner but I feel like I am polishing a turd at this point. Is there someway to 'grind' them down if I get the correct buffer attachment?

 

[NWwoods]

I did my entire basement with VCT tile a few years ago in white. Stupid me, I didn't know I had to seal it so it started to discolor in the more high traffic areas. I borrowed a buffer that came with a pink spongy brillo pad disc on it and tried to clean it up. It made it more shiny but never got back to the way I wanted it, but I used the Armstrong wax mopped over it.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, the float on my sump pump failed and I got an inch of muddy water all over the place. I spent the night mopping the tiles with a cleaner but I feel like I am polishing a turd at this point. Is there someway to 'grind' them down if I get the correct buffer attachment?

VCT Tile is solid all the way through so you can't ruin patterns etc., by scrubbing off surface layer (according to Armstrong). Using an abrasive buffing pad is about the only way to "start fresh" again with new tile finish, since untreated tile is slightly absorbant it would require scratching off very top layer.
Then keeping a wax on it will prevent from happening again, due to the wax taking the stains instead of the tile. Wax stripper alieves stains at this point by removing all wax down to tile.

 

[SmokeyDP]

VCT Tile is solid all the way through so you can't ruin patterns etc., by scrubbing off surface layer (according to Armstrong). Using an abrasive buffing pad is about the only way to "start fresh" again with new tile finish, since untreated tile is slightly absorbant it would require scratching off very top layer.
Then keeping a wax on it will prevent from happening again, due to the wax taking the stains instead of the tile. Wax stripper alieves stains at this point by removing all wax down to tile.

Thanks for the response. It sounds like my best bet is to use an abrasive buffing bad, followed by a normal buffing pad then an immediate wax to try to bring it back to life.

 

[slickgt1]

Polishing a turd. LOL I almost pissed myself at that one.

I say take some sand paper and try a small section. See if it does anything before you go all out.

 

[ksiwik]

Hi all, first timer here in Pittsbugh, PA.
Looking to do the garage floor in Swisstrax, does anyone have any input. We have investigated Swisstrax and Racedeck, we are leaning toward the Swisstrax. We have a
new car coming in approx 2 weeks, we dont plan on it seeing any snow or rain, garage
door is well insulated and we have heard bad stories about epoxy. Please give me some
thoughts.

 

[Jayincali]

Hi all, first timer here in Pittsbugh, PA.
Looking to do the garage floor in Swisstrax, does anyone have any input. We have investigated Swisstrax and Racedeck, we are leaning toward the Swisstrax. We have a
new car coming in approx 2 weeks, we dont plan on it seeing any snow or rain, garage
door is well insulated and we have heard bad stories about epoxy. Please give me some
thoughts.

Welcome to the forum. Although, you should have probably started your own thread instead of hi-jacking this one.

 

[Cryo Gal]

If you have a major rental store in your area go talk to them about it. They rent floor machines and will be able to help you with the different types of pads you can use as well as the stripper/cleaner chemicals. Once you get it stripped and cleaned, seal and giver er a good waxin and your back in business