Porcelain tiles are an increasingly popular choice for patios and many landscapers are opting to use pre-mixed brush-in resin grouts. Unlike traditional sand and cement grouts, resin-based products combine an epoxy resin with a filler. This provides greater bond strength, durability and resistance to water, stains and chemicals. However, these benefits have a down side: brush-in resins can be more difficult to work with and can easily stain tiles.



New installations
If you’re installing a new porcelain patio, issues around staining can be avoided by using a barrier treatment to protect the tile. We recommend ECOPROTEC® Pre Grout Protection, which provides a number of benefits:
- It prevents grout and resins from taking hold.
- It makes the removal of any residues much easier, should they occur.
- Porcelain needs to be kept as wet as possible during installation, to improve and increase grout working times. The protector does this, which also aids points 1 & 2.
- A further coat applied after installation will make ongoing maintenance easier too.

New installations
If you’re installing a new porcelain patio, issues around staining can be avoided by using a barrier treatment to protect the tile. We recommend ECOPROTEC® Pre Grout Protection, which provides a number of benefits:
- It prevents grout and resins from taking hold.
- It makes the removal of any residues much easier, should they occur.
- Porcelain needs to be kept as wet as possible during installation, to improve and increase grout working times. The protector does this, which also aids points 1 & 2.
- A further coat applied after installation will make ongoing maintenance easier too.


How to use ECOPROTEC® Joint Residue Remover
- Pour the solution directly onto the pavers.
- Apply generously by dabbing onto stains with a cloth or brush. NB. Always wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Work in manageable areas of no more than 5 square metres. Do not brush out.
- Leave for up to 30 minutes, but don’t allow the solution to dry out. If it starts to dry out within this time-frame, apply more solution.
- Use a stiff, short haired brush or emulsifying pad to remove the softened coating from the surface of the paver. Repeat this process if residue remains.
- Wash down the pavers with ECOPROTEC® Intensive Cleaner, diluted 1:3 with water.
- Rinse with plenty of water and leave to dry. For more information, see the Technical Datasheet.
ECOPROTEC® Joint Residue Remover can be used on natural stone, glazed ceramics and porcelain. If you’re removing residue from a previously sealed stone tile, a sealant should be reapplied after cleaning and when the surface is sufficiently dry; this may take a minimum of 24 hours.
Ongoing maintenance To thoroughly clean a porcelain patio, we recommend ECOPROTEC® Intensive Cleaner. It can be used at different dilutions depending on the severity of staining. Tiles are washed, using a brush or garden broom, and rinsed with clean water.

For periodic cleaning, you can also use ECOPROTEC® General Cleaner. This pH neutral cleaner can be used inside and outside, so it’s especially practical for surfaces installed from home to garden through bi-fold doors.

To remove other stains from outdoor slabs, solutions include ECOPROTEC® Rust Stain Remover and ECOPROTEC® Cement, Grout and Salt Residue Remover. Both treatments are safe to use on porcelain and natural stone tiles.


For more advice and information about LTP’s ECOPROTEC range, please call 01823 666213 or email technical@ecoprotec.co.uk. Also, see more articles in the Technical Blog section.
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