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Cement Terrazzo water feature: how to get back to looking good again?

Jonlyn
Just Starting Out

Cement Terrazzo water feature: how to get back to looking good again?

 

I have I believe a Cement Terrazzo water feature not 100% sure.  I would like to get back somewhere near new again.  What do I need to do?  Or do you know a contact of someone who could do the job?

 

Thankswater feature 1.jpgwater feature 2.jpg

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Cement Terrazzo water feature how to get back to looking good again

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Jonlyn. It's brilliant that you've joined us, and many thanks for your question about restoring your water feature.

 

I just wanted to check that this isn't a very convincing stone-look fibreglass water feature. Can you move it reasonably easily? If it's stone, I'd expect you not to be able to budge it at all.

 

If it is stone, you might like to try the mildest approach first, which would be a general cleaner like Hillmark 375ml Stone Kleen And Protect Marble Granite Cleaner. If this doesn't remove the watermarks (I suspect it won't), you'll need to cut and polish them out. You can use a mild automotive cut & polish, or I'm tempted to recommend the Bellessi Polish Kit. This kit is for acrylic and not stone, so I'm hesitant to recommend it. However, if it was my project, I'd be going this route. I'm not sure if you'd use the sandpaper included as it's likely too coarse, but the included polish should be of a suitable grade. Regardless, the kit would be handy as you can use it on your drill with the automotive cut & polish if you need to go that route.

 

Let me mention @TedBear to see if he has any thoughts.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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Re: Cement Terrazzo water feature how to get back to looking good again

Hi @Jonlyn   I am informed that either

a paste of baking soda and water can be used (wiped gently with a soft cloth) or
CLR Pro Bath &  Kitchen Cleaner is safe*  on granite....

 

***  but NOT the regular CLR for removing calcium Lime and Rust *** .

 

(I am relaying the above from another source... I haven't personally tried either.)

Re: Cement Terrazzo water feature how to get back to looking good again

Hi, 

Thanks for the information, I definitely can’t move the water feature not even a mm or rock the top so that is why I’m thinking it is terrazzo cement??

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Cement Terrazzo water feature how to get back to looking good again

It sounds like it, @Jonlyn.

 

I've also heard of using baking soda and water to make a paste, as @TedBear suggested. The cleaning for this feature will be similar to those methods used on a terrazzo benchtop.

 

Keep us updated, and please let us know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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kathh
Finding My Feet

Re: Cement Terrazzo water feature: how to get back to looking good again?

I too would love to hear if you were successful in removing marks. I have a fountain and it is looking gross, have tried equal parts cleaning vinegar and water spraying on, leaving a few minutes, nothing. Also tried Gumption and scrubbing, nothing. 

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MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Cement Terrazzo water feature: how to get back to looking good again?

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @kathh. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about restoring terrazo.

Thanks so much for jumping in on this discussion! It is a fairly old one, but hopefully @Jonlyn might be able to pop back in and let us know if they had any luck restoring their feature.

 

From the photos you’ve shared, it does look like the surface of your fountain may have started to deteriorate—especially where the orange patches are showing through. That could be the underlying material becoming exposed, which can happen with aged terrazzo or concrete that's been weathered over time.

 

You might like to try the polishing method I mentioned above using a cut and polish or a similar product. If the surface is still structurally sound, a gentle cut and polish can sometimes lift stains and bring back some of the original sheen. Just take care not to use anything too abrasive, especially if the top layer has thinned or is flaking away.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

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Re: Cement Terrazzo water feature: how to get back to looking good again?

Would it be worth trying the CLR Bathroom and Shower first? Trying to avoid putting my 60+ year old body though more torture. 

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Cement Terrazzo water feature: how to get back to looking good again?

Hello @kathh 

 

It's certainly worth a try, looking at the photos of your water feature it appears that there is a large buildup of lime and calcium on it surface. I recommend testing it on a small portion of the water feature to see if it works. I also suggest testing the Josco 3 Piece Hand Wire Brush Kit on its surface and see if you can scrape it off. Just keep in mind to start gently and to not put too much pressure to avoid damaging the surface.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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kathh
Finding My Feet

Re: Cement Terrazzo water feature: how to get back to looking good again?

When you suggested a cut n polish what kind would you recommend? Heading to Bunnings now so I have gear for Good Friday jobs.

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