GETTING YOUR PATIO WINTER-READY

Patios have become really important areas, extending property footprints and allowing us to make the most of the great outdoors.  Whatever the size or setting, periodic maintenance will be greatly beneficial – and late summer is an ideal time to get to work.  It will cut down the ‘elbow grease’ required come springtime and will make outdoor spaces more pleasant over the winter months. 

Time to tidy

Whilst most aluminium and wooden furniture can be left outdoors year-round, materials like wicker and rattan generally need to be protected – under covers or indoors.  It’s a few weeks (hopefully) before we need to pack things away but it’s worth planning ahead now and clearing some storage space.

At this time of year, fallen petals and leaves quickly start to build up, especially behind pots and containers.  If left in place, they’ll quickly decay, leaving stains and slippery deposits.  It’s worth emptying and stacking pots before the temperatures drop – especially if they’re not frost-resistant.  Surfaces can then be swept with ease and any weeds removed.  The clearer the surface now, the less dirt will be picked up on footwear over the winter months. 

The pre-winter clean

To properly remove stains and ingrained dirt, we recommend a thorough wash with LTP Grimex.   A blast with a jet wash may seem like a quicker and easier option but it will only wash dirt off the surface.  A specialist treatment will react with ingrained residue and organic matter, drawing it out of the stone’s porosity.  

Before cleaning the patio, remove furniture, pots and other objects.  Then, test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area.

How to apply LTP Grimex:

1. To remove mild staining, dilute one part of Grimex with 10 parts of warm water. Wash the surface thoroughly, using a brush or yard broom, and rinse with clean water.  
2. For more severe staining, dilute one part of Grimex with 3 parts of warm water.  Agitate with a scrubbing brush and leave to act for 5-10 minutes, adding more solution to keep the surface wet.  
3. Sweep up any residue and rinse thoroughly with clean water. 

If your patio is prone to black spot, lichen, moss and algae, it’s worth targeting these now too.  Periodic treatment with LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover will break down microspores and black spot ‘hyphae’ before they colonise.  LTP Blackspot is acid-free, so it’s safe to use on acid-sensitive stone, but it does contain a bleaching action to remove stains.  So, as before, test first on an inconspicuous area.  

How to apply LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover:

1. Remove furniture and other items from the area to be treated.
2. Apply neat Blackspot onto clean pavers with a plastic watering can or light pressure garden spray.
3. Leave to absorb for 2-4 hours; the product will begin to fizz as it gets to work.
4. Hose off thoroughly with clean water.  

Both LTP Grimex and Blackspot & Algae Remover can be used on natural stone and artificial stone surfaces, including porcelain pavers.

Stopping water ingress

Once you’ve cleaned your pavers and they’re dry, it’s an ideal time to replace any lost jointing sand or cement mortar.  This will stop the ingress of water and will help protect paving during the freeze and thaw cycle of winter.

Added protection

If your patio hasn’t been sealed, consider applying a protective treatment. We recommend LTP External Stone Sealer for natural stone and our new barrier treatment, LTP Porcelain Tile Protector for matt porcelain pavers.  Both are non-film forming and will help prevent the absorption of moisture and organic particles, reducing staining and the spread of algae, mould and black spot.  

LTP External Stone Sealer is a water-based, impregnating sealer that’s applied using a foam roller or paint brush, as shown in the Video Aid.  It can be applied over residual moisture and will protect pavers from moisture, stains, weathering and efflorescence.  It’s also UV resistant and non-yellowing.  

LTP Porcelain Tile Protector creates a barrier against organic matter and makes ongoing maintenance easier.  On newly laid tiles, it also protects against staining and helps increase working times.  Our External Porcelain Tile guide includes lots of useful information on cleaning, protecting and caring for these surfaces. 

To find out more, please visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk.  For further information, please contact LTP on tel. 01823 666213 or email info@ltp-online.co.uk

No more ‘fade to grey’ with new LTP Blackstone sealer & restorer

UK surface care specialist, LTP has launched a new outdoor sealer and restorer for dark natural stone and artificial stone surfaces. New Blackstone has a water-based, impregnating formulation, which restores the appearance of faded limestone, marble, slate and concrete.  Like all LTP treatments, the new product is manufactured in the UK and is offered alongside expert advice from LTP’s technical team.

Ideal for paths, terraces and external cladding, LTP Blackstone is fast and safe to use and the permanent finish created provides protection against the elements.  It can be applied in multiple coats until the desired colour effect is achieved – from grey to ebony.  On honed surfaces, it is applied with a cloth or sealant applicator and, on rough cut/textured surfaces, with a foam roller or paintbrush.  Surfaces can be walked on four hours after the final application and can be returned to ‘heavy use’ after 24 hours.

New Blackstone is available in one litre and five litre units and is offered as part of LTP’s extensive range of surface maintenance products.  To find out more, please visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk.  For further information, please contact LTP on tel. 01823 666213 or email info@ltp-online.co.uk

DO PORCELAIN PAVERS NEED TO BE SEALED?

Porcelain tiles are a great option for a patio installation.  They’re incredibly robust, resistant to most stains and are very easy to look after. But do they need to be sealed, like stone?

As a general rule of thumb, it’s only polished porcelain tiles that need to be sealed and these aren’t recommended for outdoor installation as they don’t provide any grip underfoot.  Porcelain pavers generally have a matt finish and a textured surface; outdoors, wood and stone-effect tiles are the most popular options. However, whilst matt porcelain doesn’t need to be sealed, it will benefit greatly from application of a ‘barrier’ treatment.  Tiles that have a textured surface can very easily become stained by grout and installation residues which become trapped in the tile’s high/low surfaces; it’s a particular issue in external applications, where brush-in jointing compounds are often used.  Once congested, the texture of the tile is lost along with the tile’s slip resistance. Ongoing maintenance will also be more difficult.

The benefits of a barrier treatment 

A quality, pre-grout water-based barrier, like LTP Porcelain Tile Protector, applied before grouting, will help protect tiles from staining and will make the removal of residues easier.  It will also make installation easier, as it will improve/increase grouting working times – and a final coat after installation will make ongoing maintenance easier.

How to apply LTP Porcelain Tile Protector

• Ensure that the surface to be treated is completely clean, dry and free from dirt, grime, cement and grout. If necessary, clean the tiles with a dilute solution of LTP Grimex 1:5, using a white pad. Rinse well to remove residues and let the tiles dry.

• Shake the bottle before use. Before grouting, apply evenly to the tile surface using a broad paint brush, foam roller or light pressure sprayer. Allow to dry for 30 minutes. 

• Apply a second coat. Leave to cure for a minimum of one hour before grouting or pointing. 

• Once grout/pointing is dry, and all residues have been removed, a further coat of protector can be applied covering the tile and joints.

For more advice on stone and tile protection and maintenance, contact LTP’s Technical Team on tel. 01823 666213, email info@ltp-online.co.uk or visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk

HOW TO TREAT SLIPPERY PAVERS

Before treatment with LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover. Kindly supplied by Tom Barnard, Floor Restorer.

In periods of wet weather, paths and paving slabs can very quickly become slippery and potentially dangerous.  This can also be a problem year-round in areas that tend to be damp and get very little sunlight. Moist conditions cause slippery residue and algae to build up – and trying to solve the issue with more water can exacerbate the problem.  However, a thorough clean using the correct treatment will restore surface appearance, grip underfoot and help to reduce future build-up. 

This issue isn’t limited to any particular hard landscaped surface; it’s common on most, including natural stone pavers, porcelain pavers, concrete pavers, block paving, wood decking and composite decking.

Different types of algae

Algae comes in different forms and often creates a film or powdery deposit on pavers.  The term algae also includes cushion-like moss; Liverwort, which is a flat green growth with tiny leaf-like lobes, and Lichen, which is more crust-like and can also be yellow or orange. Jelly-like growths are also common; they’re often black or dark green and these are caused by a cyanobacteria called Nostoc.  None of these growths are hazardous – infact, lichen is particularly common in areas with clean air, so its appearance can be a positive sign – but slippery hard surfaces can be.

Another common problem is black spot – a speckle-like deposit that can be black or white.  Black spot is a dust-like lichen that originates from plants and trees. It colonises on pavers, sending tendrils or ‘hyphae’ down into any cracks or porosity, searching for nutrients. It takes about 2-3 years to become established below the surface and it creates a slippery residue on the surface of pavers. 

Addressing problem areas

Why water doesn’t work

A pressure washer and often a dose of household cleaner is a common go-to solution for slippery pavers.  However, excessive water only makes conditions even better for algae to flourish and pressure washing can damage the surface of the pavers, any sealer applied and it will loosen grout.  Water also won’t target hyphae or filaments anchored into place below the surface.   A specialist approach is necessary to effectively remove residue and microspores below the surface; any treatment used needs to break-down the slippery residue, to have a bleaching action to restore the colour of the paver and to target any growth below the surface. 

Care should be taken in selecting a suitable treatment.  If a solution is acidic, it will damage acid sensitive material and erode the grout joint.  We recommend LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover which can be safely used on all types of natural stone, concrete, brick and porcelain.  This treatment removes all types of organic residue, slippery matter and stains, breaking down hyphae below the surface, as well as preventing regrowth.  When applying the Remover, it’s also important to treat the whole area of paving, for a uniform appearance.   

Before treatment with LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover. Kindly supplied by Tom Barnard, Floor Restorer

After treatment with LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover. Kindly supplied by Tom Barnard, Floor Restorer

How to use LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover

Before washing pavers, any large, mossy deposits should be removed.  A long-handled block paving brush is a useful tool.  The whole area should then be swept clean to remove other residue, dirt and leaves.  

LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover should be applied neat to swept pavers, using a watering can or light pressure garden spray, where it fizzes during treatment.  It should be left to act for 2-4 hours and surfaces then hosed with clean water.  The solution can be used on dry and slightly damp surfaces and should be applied during a morning or afternoon of fair weather.  See a video aid on the product page.  Also, see LTP’s range of tools, including deck brushes and grout brushes.

After treatment, it’s worth protecting the surface; we recommend LTP External Stone Sealer for natural stone and barrier treatment, LTP Porcelain Tile Protector, for matt porcelain pavers.  Both will help prevent the absorption of moisture and organic particles, reducing staining and the spread of algae.

For more support and advice, browse the LTP blog, visit and subscribe to LTP TV on YouTube or contact the LTP team on tel. 01823 666213 or email info@ltp-online.co.uk

REMOVING RESIN STAINS & HAZE FROM EXTERNAL PORCELAIN

Textured porcelain pavers continue to be incredibly popular for paths and patios and, for many installers, pre-mixed brush-in resin grouts are the preferred fixing method. Unlike traditional sand and cement grouts, resin-based products combine an epoxy resin with a filler. This provides many benefits, including greater bond strength, durability and resistance to water, stains and chemicals. However, brush-in resins can be more difficult to work with and can easily stain tiles, often leaving an unsightly white haze or dark frame around the edge of the tile.

How to protect a new porcelain installation

If you’re installing new matt porcelain outdoors and using a resin grout, staining can be avoided by using a barrier treatment to protect the tile. We recommend LTP Porcelain Tile Protector, which provides a number of benefits: It prevents grout and resins from taking hold; it makes the removal of any residues much easier and it improves and increases grout working times. A further coat applied after installation will make ongoing maintenance easier too.

What is the difference between a sealer and a barrier?

Much confusion still exists in terms of porcelain barrier treatments and how they differ from sealers. The formulation of our own Porcelain Tile Protector is very different to that of our sealers, which have smaller ‘actives’ and, in the case of MPG Sealer, contain nano waxes. Also, the carrier within our Protector is mildly acidic. This allows for deeper penetration into the fissures of textured porcelain tiles, where it then dries and leaves the active ingredients behind. As they dry, they cross link within the low points of the glaze. This provides protection against penetration from cement and resin-based grouts, making the removal of any residues much easier. The Protector is completely invisible once cured, so it doesn’t alter the appearance of the porcelain. Whilst the treatment is primarily used as a pre-grout solution, it can also be applied to existing pavers – once they have been thoroughly cleaned – to make ongoing cleaning easier.

Before the Protector is applied, the tiles should be cleaned and left to dry overnight. The treatment is then applied with a broad paint brush or light pressure sprayer and left to dry for 30 minutes before applying a second coat. The treatment should be left to cure for a minimum of one hour before grouting. Once the grout is dry, and all residues have been removed, a further coat of Protector can be applied to the tiles and the grout joint.

How to remove resin stains from existing installations

To remove epoxy resin grout residue and white haze from existing installations, without damaging the joint or the paver, we recommend LTP Solvex – a non-caustic intensive cleaner/stripper. Solvex helps to soften the resin residues, allowing for easier removal from the textured porcelain. Application is normally followed by a final wash with LTP Grimex cleaning solution before rinsing down. As well as tackling brush-in resin grout, LTP Solvex can be used to remove wax, oil, silicone, acrylic and polyurethane sealer from porcelain.

A good ongoing maintenance regime

As with indoor tiles, porcelain paths and patios will benefit from a periodic clean. Keeping the surface relatively clean will prevent a build-up of dirt in the textured surface, making ongoing maintenance easier and retaining the tile’s slip resistance. As a general rule of thumb, it’s worth cleaning paving every couple of months or so – ideally, three times during late spring/summer and twice during the winter. Regular cleaning of inside-to-outside surfaces, like those that run through bifold doors, will also help maintain a seamless aesthetic. Jet washing may seem like the best method for a fast clean but it will only wash dirt off the surface of the slabs. High pressure water will also damage grout joints. A specialist treatment, like LTP Grimex, will react with the dirt and organic matter, and will help break it down. Meanwhile, a build-up of algae can be treated with LTP Blackspot & Algae Remover – a treatment that’s designed to break down microspores and black spot ‘hyphae’ before they colonise and help prevent future staining.

To find out more about protection and maintenance, please visit https://www.ltp-online.co.uk or contact the LTP team on tel. 01823 666213 and email info@ltp-online.co.uk. Also, for online help on-the-go, visit LTP TV on YouTube and Product Selector at https://ltp-productguide.co.uk

LTP LAUNCHES GROUT HAZE & LIMESCALE REMOVER

LTP has introduced a new water-based deep cleaning spray to its surface care range. New Grout Haze & Limescale Remover is a ready-to-use first wash cleaner for the safe removal of cement-based grout haze and limescale. It can be used on all types of engineered tile and unpolished stone surfaces, without affecting the grout joint or tarnishing chrome and steel trims and fittings. Periodic treatment also helps to control and remove hard water stains and limescale.

Featuring acid-replacement technology – and a biodegradable, environmentally-friendly formulation – new Grout Haze & Limescale Remover is a rapid-action cleaning agent that can be used on all types of glazed and polished porcelain, glazed ceramic, slate, quarry tiles, brick, mosaics, terracotta, granite and unpolished natural stone. It is also ideal for the fast removal of residue from grout application tools. In new installations, grout should be allowed to ‘film off’ before application. The treatment is then sprayed onto tiles and wiped across the surface with a micro-fibre cloth, before rinsing with a clean, wrung cloth.

BEFORE TREATMENT

AFTER TREATMENT

For older, stubborn residues – and to remove hard water stains and limescale – the treatment should be applied and tiles scrubbed immediately with a white nylon scrubbing pad. Released residue is then removed with a micro-fibre cloth. Sealed natural stone surfaces should be resealed after treatment.

LTP is a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of sealing, cleaning and aftercare products for tiles and stone. Established in 1984, LTP supplies over 700 tile, stone, fireplace and kitchen showrooms and its range is specified for both domestic and commercial use.

To find out more about LTP surface care solutions, please call 01823 666213, email info@ltp-online.co.uk or visit https://www.ltp-online.co.uk

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For media information and photography, please contact Angela Fitzhugh PR Ltd on tel. (01590) 610313 or email angie@afpr.co.uk

LTP GRIMEX NOMINATED FOR TOMORROW’S CLEANING AWARDS 2024

LTP Grimex has been short-listed as a Finalist in Tomorrow’s Cleaning Awards 2024. For over a decade, the Tomorrow’s Cleaning Awards have been a celebration of the finest industry innovations and the best time-tested solutions that the cleaning and hygiene sector has to offer. Public voting will open in early January next year, with winners announced in March 2024.

This year marks the 35th anniversary for LTP’s Grimex deep cleaner – one of LTP’s top-five best selling products. The heavy duty “grime and stain remover” remains a firm favourite within the tiling and cleaning sectors, providing a solution for a myriad of issues, indoors and outdoors. Still featuring the original formulation, Grimex is designed for all types of natural and engineered stone and tile, from limestone and marble, to ceramic and porcelain. It can be used to remove residue before application of a sealer; to daily and deep clean surfaces and to renovate tiles in all environments, including historic settings.

Used at different dilutions to tackle different issues, Grimex removes oil, grease, ingrained dirt, water-based paint and old layers of wax. Applications range from paths and patios, pool surrounds and cladding, to floors, countertops, wall tiles and hearths. For general cleaning, it is diluted with water 1:10 and applied with a mop or cloth; surfaces are then wiped with a clean, damp cloth. At this dilution, Grimex has a coverage rate of approximately 50m2 per litre. For more severe staining – and to strip surfaces during renovations and before resealing – it is used at a 1:3 dilution or neat, and surfaces are agitated before rinsing.

To find out more about Grimex and to request a free sample, please contact LTP on please call 01823 666213, email info@ltp-online.co.uk or visit https://www.ltp-online.co.uk

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For media information and photography, please contact Angela Fitzhugh PR Ltd on tel. (01579) 673026 or email angie@afpr.co.uk

WHY GOOD SURFACE MAINTENANCE MAKES SENSE

There are lots of very valid reasons to support good surface protection and maintenance. Retaining a tile’s aesthetic is top of many lists. Ongoing easy maintenance is also a good motive – keeping a surface clean and preventing a build-up of dirt and residue makes ongoing maintenance much easier and less time consuming. There are also performance characteristics; a correct regime will also ensure that a tile retains its slip resistance. But have you ever considered the benefits that specifically relate to the environment?

Refurbishing & deep cleaning

When a tile or stone surface isn’t properly protected and maintained, the build-up of dirt and organic residue greatly affects the aesthetic, safety and ease of maintenance. In many cases, neglected surfaces are then treated with toxic chemicals. Whilst this may have the desired effect of removing residue, these types of interventions are damaging to the environment and often costly and time consuming. If solutions are unsuitable, they can also damage the tile, grout joint and any sealer that’s been applied, creating more issues that will need to be addressed.

If a tile needs to be renovated or deep cleaned, choose a safe, non-caustic specialist treatment like alkaline-based intensive cleaner, LTP Grimex. Specific residue can also be safely tackled by using a specialist remover. For example, LTP Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover; LTP Rust Stain Remover, LTP Blackspot for the removal of algae and LTP Solvex for the removal of wax, silicone, acrylic, polyurethane and epoxy grout.

Surface protection

Protecting a tile pays real dividends. It retains the surface aesthetic and makes maintenance easier, which is turn safeguards performance. Stone and polished porcelain should ideally be sealed with a water-based treatment before and after grouting, to protect the tiles from grout residue, stains and ongoing wear and tear. Textured matt porcelain tiles, whilst not requiring treatment with a sealer, will benefit from application of a water-based barrier treatment before grouting – like LTP Porcelain Tile Protector. A further coat after maintenance will also make ongoing maintenance easier. Tiles that have been intensively cleaned should also be resealed, to protect them going forwards.

Sealing a tile, once again, offers long term eco-benefits. In protecting the tile, the sealer makes maintenance easier, reduces associated waste and water consumption and eliminates the need for more drastic intervention with harsh chemicals.

Recommendations for ongoing maintenance

Maintenance requirements will differ depending on the type of stone or tile, its location and traffic. In general, we recommend day-to-day cleaning with a quality pH-neutral solution. This is particularly important with natural stone, which can be acid sensitive; everyday surface cleaners, even popular eco-brands, are often acidic and can damage the stone, grout joint and any sealer applied. Likewise, natural cleaning hacks made from ingredients like lemons and soda should also be avoided for the same reason. For stone walls and floors, we recommend LTP Stonewash; for porcelain LTP Porcelain Floor Tile Cleaner or, for all types of tiles, LTP Multipurpose Cleaner.

Tiles should be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid an accumulation of dirt and residue. In general, floors in commercial settings should be cleaned daily and domestic floors on a weekly basis. All LTP cleaning solutions are suitable for scrubber/dryer machines used in commercial environments.

Externally, paths and patios will benefit from a thorough clean every couple of months or so with LTP Grimex – ideally, twice during the winter and three times during late spring/summer. Regular cleaning of inside-to-outside surfaces, like those that run through bifold doors, will also help maintain a seamless aesthetic.

Others ways to promote sustainable maintenance

In addition to the eco-benefits provided by a good regime, choosing products that are manufacturing and packaged sustainably is also vital. At LTP, our own initiatives include:

• Minimising waste disposal throughout production and reusing pallets.
• Sourcing cardboard packaging from FSC accredited suppliers.
• Using recyclable bottles made from recycled materials.

And, over the next five years, our own goal at LTP is for 75% of our production to be of water-based, non-hydrocarbon formulations. The tile and stone industry still needs encouragement to support this strategy but the environmental benefits are irrefutable.

To find out more about the specification and LTP treatments, please visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk, or contact LTP on tel. 01823 666213 and email info@ltp-online.co.uk

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For media information and photography, please contact Angela Fitzhugh PR Ltd on tel. (01579) 673026 or email angie@afpr.co.uk

HOW TO REMOVE WATER STAINS FROM NATURAL STONE TILES

When water’s left to stand on a natural stone or tile surface, it can dry and leave behind a stain.  Circular ring marks from cups and glasses are common, especially on porous stone surfaces like limestone, sandstone and terracotta.  But it’s a problem that can also affect glazed ceramics and porcelain tiles, as well as polished granite and marble.

Why stains occur

Stains often occur as a protective sealer wears away and water is allowed to penetrate beyond the seal. This can happen over time but using a harsh cleaning product will erode the protective treatment and shorten its lifespan. In hard water areas, water droplets can also dry out and leave a lime deposit on the surface; these stains can be particularly difficult to remove with a normal detergent. 

Repeated cleaning of stone surfaces using water and a mild cleaner can also create a surface film.  When we mop and clean, the water dries and leaves a very slight film of residual detergent. Over a period of months, this can create a micron-thick film, invisible to the naked eye. Water droplets then dilute the detergent, leaving a spot mark.  This all happens on a fairly microscopic level, which is why this kind of staining is only visible when looking across a surface towards a light source.

In order to remove the stains, you’ll first need to identify the type of tile and finish, and whether a sealer has been applied; this will determine the best method for removing the stain. Often, when a protective seal is in place, the method for tackling the problem is much less aggressive and more straight forward because the stain is generally only affecting the layer of sealer.

POLISHED LIMESTONE, MARBLE, TRAVERTINE AND OTHER ACID-SENSITIVE POLISHED SURFACES

For acid sensitive polished surfaces, we recommend using  LTP Power Stripper. Simply wash the area as directed by the label instructions, rinse and allow to dry. If the surface has a protective seal, it may need to be re-sealed. To make sure that you achieve a uniform finish a wider area may need treatment.  

Note. Always test the treatment on an inconspicuous area before applying to a full surface. 

LTP Power Stripper – directions

• Sweep or dry mop floor to remove grit and surface dirt. Mix the solution according to the required dilution. (Surface cleaning: 1:12 in warm water. Deep stripping: 1:6 in warm water.) 

• Working in manageable sized areas, mop on the solution to thoroughly wet the floor. Leave for 5 – 10 minutes, keeping the floor damp with further solution, if it begins to dry out. Agitate the surface using a mildly abrasive pad. Remove the dirty residue using clean warm water and absorbent cloths. If treating a large area, a wet vacuum will make the process much easier.  Then, rinse the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before applying further treatments. You may need to repeat the process a couple of times on severely stained surfaces. 

ALL OTHER SURFACES INCLUDING ALL NON-POLISHED STONES

For all other surfaces, we recommend treatment with  LTP Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover. This product is safe to use on acid-sensitive non polished surfaces.

LTP Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover – directions

• For mild staining on non-absorbent surfaces, dilute 1 part of LTP Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover in 4 parts of cool water. Apply with a cloth or sponge wrung out in the solution. Leave for up to 15 minutes. Extract released residues using a sponge and water.

• For more stubborn staining, dilute 1 part of LTP Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover in 1 part of cool water. Apply liberally and spread over the surface. If necessary, agitate with a nylon scrubber, scrubbing brush or rotary scrubbing machine and leave to react for 5-10 minutes, keeping surfaces wet with additional solution. Extract and rinse thoroughly with clean water. 

• For severe staining, dampen the surface to be cleaned with water and apply the solution undiluted. Agitate with a nylon scrubber, scrubbing brush or mechanical scrubber. Immediately extract and rinse thoroughly with clean water. 

If the surface needs to be re-sealed after stains have been removed, we recommend either LTP Mattstone or LTP Mattstone H20 for a natural (invisible finish) on honed and natural riven stones or, for polished surfaces, LTP MPG Sealer or MPG H20 Sealer. 

For more advice, browse LTP TV on YouTube, contact the LTP team direct on 01823 666213, email info@ltp-online.co.uk or visit https://www.ltp-online.co.uk

LTP WELCOMES LISA TO GROWING TEAM

LTP has welcomed Lisa Macdonald to its expanding head office in Wellington, Somerset. Lisa joins as Technical Sales Executive and will support the firm’s office and sales teams across all aspects of the growing business.

A former Teaching Assistant, Lisa was looking for a career change into a customer-focused role and a new challenge outside of the education sector. In the new position, Lisa will handle business administration, as well as customer merchandising, account management and technical support. She will also support LTP’s sales team in the development of new business opportunities.

“Having worked within a primary school environment, Lisa brings abundant personal and organisational skills to LTP. She also has a keen interest in cleaning and restoring. We’re looking forward to supporting her in a new role and sector and are delighted to have her on board,” commented Director, Julie Lock.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys darts and skittles, where she recently raised the trophy with her team, in the local women’s skittles league, as winners of the division.

To find out more about opportunities at LTP, please call 01823 666213, email info@ltp-online.co.uk or visit https://www.ltp-online.co.uk

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Patio maintenance – staying one step ahead

As summer draws to an end, we tend to turn a blind eye to outdoor spaces. Even outdoor hospitality areas generally get little attention over the autumn and winter – and yet, they would benefit greatly from a little maintenance. It would also remove the need to carry out a time consuming – and often costly – deep clean in the spring.

A regular sweep and occasional clean will maintain both the aesthetic and performance features of a paver. Dirt and residue, decaying leaf matter and algae can quickly build-up, staining unsealed surfaces and causing a slip hazard. Keeping on top of maintenance can help eliminate these issues and ensure that outdoor areas are safe and usable year-round.

Why pressure washing makes matters worse

Pressure washing may seem like the quickest and easiest way to clean pavers but it will only wash dirt off the surface. Use of excessive amounts of water can exacerbate staining and slip issues. It will also do little to remove black spot and algae which, once established, sends its tendrils or ‘hyphae’ down into the paver, searching for nutrients. (In fact, the extra dose of water improves conditions and encourages spread.) Pressure washing can also loosen grout, erode the surface of the paver and damage any protective sealant applied. It also uses large quantities of water, which can be both costly and detrimental in environmental terms. A specialist treatment, on the other hand, will react with ingrained residue and organic matter, drawing it out of the stone’s porosity. It will also help to prevent regrowth of algae and other organic material – and, being diluted in a bucket of water, will conserve water.

Specialist treatments, like LTP Grimex, draw out dirt and are especially effective at removing leaf stains. Application is fast and easy: the cleaner is diluted with water according to conditions – 1:10 for mild staining and 3:10 for severe staining – and applied with a brush, broom or mop. When tackling severe staining, the pavers should be agitated with a scrubbing brush and the treatment left to act for 5-10 minutes, adding more solution to keep the surface wet. Any residue should then be swept up and the surface rinsed with clean water.

LTP Grimex application on porcelain paving

Tackling a build-up of black spot & algae

If paving hasn’t been regularly maintained, there is likely to be a build-up of algae. Algae thrives in damp places, so can be particularly prevalent in the autumn and winter. It comes in lots of different forms and often causes a green film, growth or powdery deposit on pavers. The term algae includes: moss; liverwort – the flat green growth with tiny leaf-like lobes, crust-like lichen, black spot and jelly-like growths caused by a cyanobacteria called Nostoc.

Black spot can be particularly hard to remove, once it has become established. Originating from plants and trees, black spot is a dust-like lichen microspore carried by the wind and rain. It leaves tell-tale black – or sometimes white – spots on the surface of pavers. Black spot colonises on stonework, taking about 2-3 years to get really established below the surface.

Certain leaves can also be a particular menace, especially Sycamores. Aphids that live on the surface of the leaves excrete a sugary substance that provides a food source for algae. The combined sugar and bacteria leaves a tell-tale black spot stain and sometimes whole leaf prints.

None of these growths are hazardous – in fact, lichen is particularly common in areas with clean air, so its appearance can be a positive sign – but slippery hard surfaces can be. The open texture of a stone paver enables microspores to spread more easily if surfaces aren’t maintained – but even less porous materials like porcelain aren’t immune.

Any treatment used to remove a build-up of algae needs to have a bleaching action, to restore the colour of the paver. It also needs to target the hyphae below the surface. But care needs to be taken – if a treatment is acidic, it can damage acid sensitive material, erode grout and damage any sealer applied. We recommend treatment with LTP Black Spot & Algae Remover, which can be used on all types of natural stone, concrete, brick and porcelain. It removes organic residues – including black spot, lichen, moss and algae – shifting surface stains and breaking down the hyphae below the surface, preventing regrowth. When applying the remover, it’s important to treat the whole area of paving, for a uniform appearance. It should also be left to act for the correct amount of time, so that it’s able to penetrate deep into the porosity; if hyphae are left untreated, they will spread back to the surface and throughout the paver.

Stopping water ingress

Once pavers are clean and dry, it’s an ideal time to replace any lost jointing sand or cement mortar. This will stop the ingress of water and will help protect paving during the freeze and thaw cycle of winter.

Adding in protection

If pavers haven’t been sealed, consider applying a protective treatment. We recommend LTP External Stone Sealer, LTP Colour Intensifier & Stainblock H2O for natural stone and our barrier treatment, LTP Porcelain Tile Protector, for matt porcelain pavers. These treatments are non-film forming and will help prevent the absorption of moisture and organic particles. They are also water-based, so can be applied over some residual moisture. As a rule of thumb, it is safe to apply a treatment provided that no rain is forecast for 24 hours, either side of application.

To find out more about surface maintenance, please visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk. For further information, please contact LTP on tel. 01823 666213 or email info@ltp-online.co.uk

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For media information and photography, please contact Angela Fitzhugh PR Ltd on tel. (01590) 622521 or email angie@afpr.co.uk

WHY BLACK GROUT TURNS ORANGE – AND HOW TO REMEDY IT

Resin-based black brush-in grout is a popular option for pavers.  It’s fast to apply and creates a durable grout joint ideal for outdoor areas.  It works particularly well with granite pavers, complementing the black speckling within the stone.  Orange staining can, however, sometimes form either side of the joint but, by using the correct product and method, this can be easily remedied.

What causes the orange stain?

The grout colour change and orange staining that forms either side of the grout joint is often caused by poor drainage and moisture lingering in the joint. If the paver is fixed to a bed that isn’t permeable, and a permeable brush-in jointing compound is used, rain water will dwell in the joint and seep into the edges of the stone.  This lingering moisture causes the natural iron content in the stone to oxidise around the edges which creates the rust-coloured stain.  In a dense stone, like granite, the dark edge of the stone can take a very long time to dry out.   Some black brush-in grouts that sit in water for long periods of time can also turn orange because there are pigments of iron in the grout that react with the moisture.

To remove the orange staining, we recommend LTP Ferrex which is specially formulated to remove rust stains that arise from within a paver.  Ferrex can be used on all types of hard ferrous stones including granite, sandstone and slate. 

Ferrex is an acid-based cleaner – but it is the right kind of acid for harder stones.   It is not the same as Brick Acid which can stain/damage pavers and accelerate oxidisation.  However, it isn’t suitable for use on acid sensitive surfaces, like limestone, marble or pavers with a highly polished finish. 

Before application, Ferrex should be tested on an inconspicuous area, to establish which dilution is suitable before treating the whole surface. Here’s a link for more information on application and dilutions. You can also see a Video Aid on the product page and on LTP TV. Treatment to remove these types of stain can take between 3-6 hours. 

How to apply LTP Ferrex 

1. After testing on a small area, apply the solution to the surface and spread out evenly. For external applications garden sprayers can be used.
2. For severe staining, surfaces should be agitated using a short haired scrubbing brush or black emulsifying pad. 
3. After 3 – 6 hours, rinse with plenty of clean water. If traces remain after a couple of days, repeat the process. 
4. After treatment, we recommend that the surface is protected from water with an impregnating sealer like LTP External Stone Sealer or LTP Mattstone H20.  This will greatly reduce the risk of rust discolouration returning. 

Some natural stones will appear darker after treatment, as the product continues to work following the initial application. This is normal and the darkening effect will gradually subside. 

For more information on different types of rust stains, see our blog – The two types of rust and how to remove them.

For more advice, browse LTP TV on YouTube, contact the LTP team direct on 01823 666213, email info@ltp-online.co.uk or visit https://www.ltp-online.co.uk