So it is our first flooring attempt and we wanted to do something interesting. So we decided to tile our daughters bathroom floor with stones. They came in 12"x12" sheets and were told by the guy at Home Depot to use standard adhesive. We spread the adhesive and laid the tiles. No fuss..no..err muss. Well we used way too much adhesive and it spread between the stones and onto the top. Not knowing anything about it we of course didn't try to remove it with a wet sponge, even though we had one, until about a day later. By then it was too late, it was stuck onto the tops of the stones.

Tried to use a buffer but didn't do much of anything. Then tried 180 grit sand paper, which works, but I fear is also taking a bit off the stones.

This is a link to a product similar to what we installed.

River Stone 12 in. x 12 in. Tiger Eye Natural Stone Mesh-Mounted Mosaic Tile-GDMRSTE at The Home Depot

Does anyone have any advice for removing this stuck on adhesive without removing the stones in the process? Hoping turpentine or similar is the answer, otherwise I fear I will be looking for some fine grit sand paper.

 

Goodness.

Is this a latex adhesive or a mortar-like thinset?

If it's latex, you can probably take a propane torch and lightly heat the adhesive. This should make it gummy enough that a plastic food scraper (widget???) will remove the majority of it. Then I'd recommend Energine or Naphtha as a solvent to remove the residue that is left.

Obviously you would not want to use the propane torch and the Naphtha at the same time, since it is flammable. So be careful. And wear some gloves to protect your hands, and goggles to protect your eyes. If you're sensitive to odors, wear a respirator, since heating the adhesive will likely be smelly.

If it's hard like mortar ur probably screwed.

 

Welcome to the forums! Yeah, I like using "Standard" adhesive. It's a good brand. What?! How did you apply the adhesive? Did you use a 1/4" notched trowel? What did you use for an underlayment? Is there supposed to be grout between these pebbles?
Interesting is an understatement with this flooring. Keep in mind your children will choose your nursing home, so be kind to them as they grow up. JK. Have you walked on it with bare feet, yet. Just curious as to how it felt underfoot.
I agree with Brant, a little, excuse me LITTLE heat and a small amount of chemical remover will probably do what you want. Naptha is highly flammable, so be careful. Not sure if Methyl Ethyl Keytone would do as well. Much higher flash point.

 

The stone tile you used is awesome - and expensive. What type of adhesive did you use? If you used a mastic type of adhesive try contacting the mastic manufacturer through their customer service.

I have had some luck using Jasco Adhesive Remover to remove tile mastic.

 

Just to emphasize the fire danger - naptha is an ingredient in charcoal starter.

 

Sorry, I didn't have it in front of me when I wrote this last night. The adhesive is Home :: Architects & Specification Writers :: Custom Building Products OmniGrip Maximum Strength Adhesive. I won't say it's a latex as it is more rubbery when dried. We did use a trowel and notch but because the gaps between the stones were sometimes quite large it didn't seem to make a difference as we had to use more than would normally be required. Hence why it got it all over the place.

By the way walking on it is great. They are smooth and with the grout (haven't done this yet) should be smoother. Look great too. The baby shouldn't (they always do right) have any complaints.

 

I would experiment a bit. My first thought would be water and a stiff bristled brush. Most mastics are water soluble to some degree although I don't think Omni Grip is a true mastic. I've used it and actually prefer it to thinset. It has some serious adhesion.

Not wanting to rub salt in the wounds, but the stuff is an easy cleanup before it cures. Again, I think the manufacturer may be your best bet if water or the Jasco stuff doesn't work.