Replies

1. 
   JTC1 | May 17, 2009 07:48pm | #1

   >>>this decorative strip isn't "hard glazed" and using a dark grout stains the tile......<<

   This is probably less than desirable.

   >>>..... Would painting sealer on this tile help me or is this something we'll just have to live with?<<<

   Most probably will help / cure the problem.

   Only one way to know for sure -- test sealer and grout on a spare or scrap tile.

   Seal a tile, let the sealer dry thoroughly (sealer package for cure time), smear grout on it, let it sit for a reasonable period of time (like it would during normal grouting) and see what happens.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
1. 
   Ray | May 17, 2009 08:07pm | #2

   Well, duh.  I guess that's why "real" tile setters get paid for their work.  There's a strip on the workbench with sealer, jug says 24 hours, I'll try some grout tomorrow afternoon.

   Thanks a lot, appreciate the help

2. 
   FastEddie | May 17, 2009 08:42pm | #3

   That is similar to saltillo tile or narural stone.  If you don't seal it, it will stain badly by the grout.  You need two coats of sealer before you grout, and then at least anual resealing to keep the tile from absorbing soap scum.

   "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   Ray | May 17, 2009 09:01pm | #4

   Thanks.  One of the problems with being retired is SWMBO's had over 40 years to dream up these "honey-do's".  This is my first and last tile job :)

3. 
   andybuildz | May 18, 2009 01:38am | #5

   It's no biggie. I always preseal unglazed tile first.

   I've had tumbled marble which I was told WAS sealed but it just didn't seem like it was to me so I tested it with some grout over one tile...let it sit for ten mimutes then wiped it off. Sure as shootin' the grout was a bidtch to get off. I sealed the entire job first and the grout wiped right off no problemo.

   My favorite company for sealer or any tile related stuff is http://www.aqua-mix.com/

   They're pretty expensive but worth every penny and then some and their tech suport is fabulous!! I've gotten in to some jams back when and they had products that bailed me right out.

   I order directly on line from them.

    

    

    

   http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

   http://www.ramdass.org

    

1. 
   JeffBuck | May 18, 2009 05:33am | #6

   also loving the Aquamix.

    

   Jeff    Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

1. 
   andybuildz | May 18, 2009 05:47am | #7

   surprised I never hear more people say that..not even over at JB's.

   I've tried em' all and they're FAR superior!. They've even gotten me out of a big pickle once or twice...almost like magic.

   I almost totally destroyed a shower I did. Totally intricate work that took me forever. A real work of art if I say so myself...which I never do.

   After I grouted the entire thing it looked like I covered the entire thing in  haze of cement. OMG!!!! I couldn't get it back no matter what I tried!!! An Aqua-mix rep told me they had something I should try. I think it was called Renew or something like that.

   A tiny little container was something like $60-80// I think a pint or less?? I forget.

   I tried it out and OMG...it was not only like new again it made the job look stunning!

   I love them...lol.

    

    

    

   http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

   http://www.ramdass.org

    

2. 
   Mongo | May 18, 2009 06:12am | #9

   Aquamix is my first choice for tile products. I started using Sealers Choice on concrete countertops years ago, and have been using their tile/stone products ever since.

1. 
   andybuildz | May 18, 2009 06:30am | #11

   makes the crappola they sel at the box stores look like water.

   Funny  thing too is..most tile suppliers around here don't stocj Aquamix. Shows in the AM site tile stores that carry it in  your areas but anytime I tried getting what I needed they hardly carried anything and had to order what I wanted and I could do that myself so....I do.

    

    

    

   http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

   http://www.ramdass.org

    

1. 
   Mongo | May 18, 2009 08:17am | #13

   They carry some of it at Home Depot out here.Other than that I mail order everything. Late night click o the mouse and then the UPS truck arrives.Amazing!

4. 
   Griffin12 | May 18, 2009 06:08am | #8

   hat isI know it has somethimg to do with your wife, but what is: SWMBO?

1. 
   Ray | May 18, 2009 06:14am | #10

   She Who Must Be Obeyed

1. 
   Griffin12 | May 18, 2009 07:27am | #12

   I now understand. I have one of those too.