How to remove self levelling compound from a stone floor

[jjansen76]

We have discovered a traditional Yorkshire Flag floor beneath the ceramic tiled floor in our hallway. Our aim is to restore the original floor, but after removing the tiles we have discovered a self level compound which is easily removed where the compound is thick, but where it is at its thinnest it appears to be just like a layer of paint.

Does anybody have any ideas on how we can remove this without damaging the stone. We can not remove the flags as it is an upstairs floor.

Kind regards

Joanne

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Upstairs floor :?:

 

[MdB]

Strippers of Sudbury normally get mentioned at this point. http://www.stripperspaintremovers.com/
I've not used them myself but others have said good things.

 

[worms]

Upstairs floor?

Yes, I was surprised too, the first time I saw a flagstone kitchen floor, four flights up in an Edinburgh tenement. Apparently not that uncommon.

 

[Penners]

Strippers of Sudbury normally get mentioned at this point. http://www.stripperspaintremovers.com/
I've not used them myself but others have said good things.

Yes, I would call Strippers and ask their advice.

 

[Toby Newell]

Hi

Spirits of salts (old fashioned name for HCl, Hydrochrolic acid) will dissolve cementatious based compounds and is used in the building industry for cleaning cement etc off of brickwork. This wiould be the best method as abrasive means would no doubt damage some of the surface patination of the original flagstones.

It is worth checking a small area with the chemical on the exposed flags as it may attack them too, even if it does then it is probably better than abrasive means, just check regularly (do at a weekend when you can keep an eye on it) every few hours and when loose you can break up and remove the screed with a coarse wire brush and then wash it off, just remember you health and safety precautions as hydrochloric acid is pretty strong stuff. Regards

Toby

 

[Carol]

I managed to get most of our levelling compound off by gently picking it off our lias flags, like many of the 70's and 80's improvements here it was not firmly attached. Once you begin, you may find it comes off in chunks. It was a very satisfying job popping off the majority with an old screwdriver. There were a few patches that stuck fast and there is a large piece still under my dresser (an unseen irritation!) most came off easily but I did use some HG remover for a few stubborn stains.

 

[Toby Newell]

Just an educated guess, anyone want to bet that HG remover is Hydrochloric acid based? I think HG products are pretty good in my experience, lots of professional stone guys use their products.

 

[jjansen76]

Upstairs floor :?:

Our house is built into the side of hill, so looks two storey from the front and is actually three from the back. The kitchen and laundry room are downstairs. The hall wall is also built on top of the one large flag that is in the hall and the living room.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Ah,that explains it! Thank you!