Cork Tile query...

BertieUK

Recently we fitted new cork tiles to our bathroom floor. We coated the surface of the tiles with two coats quick drying floor varnish. Following the advice on the can re drying times etc.

Now we find that when we place a bath mat onto this surface, and when the bath mat gets wet, there is a white shadow left underneath.

The bath mat has a rubber backing on it to avoid it slipping.

Any reasoning as to this happening please.

regards

BobUK

keystone

Water based varnish?

Cheers

BertieUK

Keystone Thanks for your input.

Yes it was a water based varnish.

regards

BobUK

keystone

BertieUK wrote: »

Yes it was a water based varnish

The water from/under the mat is lifting the varnish from the tiles. Was it a specialist varnish for cork or just bog standard stuff? You should be bable to clean the water marks off, then a very light sand and apply another 2 coats if the tiles were untreated. But that might not cure it.

To be honest you'd be better off lightly sanding it off and applying a gloss cork sealant.

You are seeing exactly the same effect as water marks on furniture.

Cheers

BertieUK

keystone Many thanks for your input.

We have noticed now, that after about 6 hours after the mat is removed the tiles return to normal. The product we used was advised by our local B&Q Store. It says on the can... B&Q Quick drying floor varnish is ideal for use on all interior wooden, cork and parquet flooring, and allows the natural beauty of wood to show through. etc

It certainly was not cheap and the smalles tin we could find was 2.5 Litres.

Regards

BobUK

keystone

I'm almost tempted to suggest you try a third coat but as I said it may not cure it. Yes I would expect the mark to disappear after the source is removed - its as it dries out.

Cheers

BertieUK

keystone Again I thank you for your input.

We will take your advice, and maybe try a third coat, and see if that might cure the problem, thanks for your advice in this matter.

Regards

BobUK

keystone

Hope you crack it. Bon chance.

CVheers