walkway finished.. help!! haze on the stones???

16 years ago

Hi - I had posted about polymeric along the driveway. For some reason I didn't get any emails saying there were reponses - so I apoligize. We ended up patching part of the driveway and then putting the sand down again in that spot.

Anyway - - new problem... After putting the sand down and painstakingly brushing off each stone.. there is still a haze on the stones from the polymeric sand. Has anyone had this happen before? Is there a way to clean it?

Depending on the coloring after cleaning, I was wondering if anyone could suggest a wet-look sealer. I really like the color of the stones when they are wet - but I am not sure if thats the way to go.

Here are some pics.

Here is the completed walkway - showing Haze

{{gwi:43857}}

Here is another view of the completed walkway

{{gwi:287594}}

Here is a picture of putting them down. You can see the difference in the color.

{{gwi:287595}}

And Lastly.. here is a pic of what they look like wet - what do you think? Maybe once the dust is off them I will not feel the need to seal.. ???

{{gwi:287596}}

I do not think that theres any actual glue on the stones its more of a dust - but no matter how much we brush it off it doesn't look like before..

Thanks in Advance!

Ruth

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Comments (4)

inkognito
16 years ago
First: as was pointed out on the other thread, polymer sand is meant for much smaller joints than you have here. Second: you should keep this sand away from moisture, it will stick to a wet stone, it will even form a film on the stone on a humid day. This being the case you obviously can't wash it off. If you intend to seal then do it before using the polymer sand, (too late, you say). As far as I know the only method you can try is white vinegar and elbow grease, let us know if it works.
roorezzi
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks inkognito

- I had consulted with someone who had done this with about the same amt of joints over a year ago and they had no problems with the wide joints. I had also contacted the comapny to find out about wide joints and it has worked very well and has hardened.

- There is no actual sand on the stones that have stuck on there. Its just very dusty - It does sweep off a little. Not sure if it will go back to normal but my dh wanted me to wait a few days since we just applied the last layer of sand.

- I also read something about the vinegar and we will be trying that out this week to see. I'll let you know if it does anything.

Thanks again for taking the time :-)
Ruth
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DJohn12402_aol_com
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I recently started laying irregular flagstones on a walkway over a solid base of stone dust. I have joints that are about 1" wide. I followed the directions on the Techi-Seal HP (for wider joints) merely blowing the sand off with a blower. This left a very fine haze of powder on the stones which promptly bound to them once misting was applied. My method was to go back and painstakingly pressure-wash it off. This actually works well, the problem being once the stones get wet, you can't see the haze! Also, the sand will tolerate some pressure-washing, but I did have to do some repairs to the ripped up areas. PITA! Well, I think I will try the white vinegar option on the areas that are still less than optimal. I hope to finish the project by using a new 1" paint brush to try to wisk away that fine dust. That should obviate any need to fiddle after the misting is done and sand sets up. Just on the steep part of the learning curve!

As far as a sealer, I have used "Enhance and Seal" from Lowe's. I plan on spraying it on. It does a great job of darkening and sealing the stones (and sand). The problem is I did a test rock with some haze left on it... it will NOT hide the haze... so you'll need to get it off ahead of time!
Kir Brady
3 years ago
OMG this is an old post but I have the same issue. What a PITA. I did seal before the polymeric sand and it did not prevent the haze!! I guess I will try a scrub brush? I have a pressure washer with a floor brush accessory but I am worried it will remove the sand!

walkway finished.. help!! haze on the stones???

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inkognito

roorezzi
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walkway finished.. help!! haze on the stones???

Comments (4)

inkognito

roorezziOriginal Author

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Kir Brady

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roorezzi
Original Author