Hello all,
We’ve just put the tile backsplash up in our kitchen and it has a decorative strip that includes natural stone and glass (the rest is ceramic). The stone is rough to the touch, and it doesn’t say on the box what kind it is, nor are there any instructions, nor did the tile shop saleslady know. I’m trying to figure out if a) I need to seal these tiles before I grout and b) how careful do I need to be to keep the sealer out of the joints, should I paint it on like I saw in another post? If it matters, the joints are 1/8″ and the grout is Mapei sanded with polymer.
Thanks for your help!
Replies
I'll post a comment more as a bump than anything.
I always seal natural stone before grouting, usually twice. (After a couple of messy, stressful incidents where I didn't.) I use a paint brush, and a lint-free rag to mop up drips and excess. I don't freak out if some sealer gets in the gap, but I'm as careful as time allows.
I've been accused of being anal-retentive and slow, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
k
For 1/4" grout joints I slop the sealer on. And yes, I recommend pre-sealing any natural stone. I prefer Aquaguard Gold. For a smaller grout line, I'd be more inclined to be more careful about only coating the top of the tile.
I'd also look at another grout, sanded in 1/8th "may" work, but if those grout lines shrink at all during setting, sanded won't work. I'd take a long look at Custom Brand Prism grout. I use Mapei as the standard choice, Prism is a nice option to have. Vic
yes. Absolutely with out question. You'll never get all of the haze off the tiles if you don't.
Thanks everyone, we will definitely seal. I think we will stick with the grout we have though, since it was recommended at the tile shop.
I seal natural stone before grouting -- makes haze removal MUCH easier.
I use one of the foam paint rollers to apply - keep roller pretty dry, applying several thin coats seems to work the best. You don't have to wait for them to dry between coats.
I am just building up thin coats to make one "normal" coat -- without any of the drips and runs.
JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.