I am installing some tile for a customer he bought at Lowes. 6×6 wall tile- Venetian Stone Rialto Noce. There is a lighter shade of the same tile mixed in. It says on the box it is porcelain.
I have to be careful not to overmark my cuts with a sharpie because on some tiles, the ink appears to soak into the tile and won’t come off. This suprises me because I though porcelain was not supposed to absorb anything.
My concern is what is going to happen when I grout? Should I seal first?
Replies
Porcelain is porous, just not nearly as porous as ceramic. You can probably remove marker with paint thinner if you have to. It's a good idea to seal it before grouting, especially if the grout color is a stark contrast. It only takes a few minutes and you'll be better assured to not stain the tile.
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Thanks for the advice. I'd never worked with porcelain before and was a little concerned. I think the sealer would be cheap insurance.
Craig,
Use a glass marker. Sort of like a crayon but not.
Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood
I've tried some the pencils from the tile section of Home Depot. They were a pain to sharpen and kept trying to unroll on me. Do you have a brand/source you like?
Craig,
Call a glass shop.
Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood
Thanks
"Cheap insureance" is the functioning phrase. Chances are if the grout is similar color to the tile it won't make a difference, but you know that Murphy's Law thingy. If the grout color is different from the tile (i.e. grey grout on a white tile floor), it problably will stain the tile, and probably not very evenly. Better safe than sorry.--------------------------------------------------------
Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
Yeah, it's a kitchen backsplash. Not very many good choices for fixing it if the grout stains it.
I've installed alot of that tile. Its a nice product but you should watch what you make it with. Mhy tile guy does not seal it first.
The other potential problem is that you really need to watch dye lots. We've had problems color matching the few times one Lowes has not had enough on hand.
It makes me feel better you've had some good experience with this tile.The dye lots are something to keep in mind. Many times my customers will pick up material 200 mi. away. It'd be a pain to deal with.Thanks