skip to main content

Grout and installation tips for matte/frosted glass tile?

10 years ago

I've chosen a 1" x 6" offset mosaic matte (frosted) glass tile for my kitchen backsplash (pardon the kitchen question here, but as my question is specific to tile installation rather than kitchen aesthetics, I thought this would be the better forum). The color is a soft white.

The tile tearsheet says to "seal matte finish with a penetrating sealer before and after grouting". Does that make sense? I wouldn't think you'd seal a glass tile like you would a stone tile (and in fact my search turned up at least one thread here about glass tile troubles caused by the installer using a sealer), but maybe the matte finish gives the sealer something to adhere to? Would there be a particular type of penetrating sealer to use?

Also, any recommendations on grout? The tear sheet specifically says to use unsanded grout with the gloss tiles, but doesn't say anything about the matte tiles. Is there a benefit to using sanded grout if it isn't contra-indicated with the frosted tiles (I'm assuming there's less danger of scratching)?

Here is a link to the tile tearsheet if that might be helpful.

I'm not DIY-ing this, but at this point in my renovation I've learned the hard way that I should try to know as much as possible about the various options so I can make sure the contractor does things the way I want in the end.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Beth

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

monicakm_gw
10 years ago
I haven't been to these forums in months and right off the bat see a question I can help with :)
We installed glass tiles in our bathroom and was told to seal them before and after with a penetrating sealer to keep the grout from staining them. We did that...except for one tiny corner I overlooked. And yes, you could see the difference. Thank goodness it was in an area that no one will notice and it wasn't that much of a color difference.

IIRC, the sanded vs unsanded is grout line size. Use sanded on the smaller grout lines. I'm sure we used AquaMix sealer.

ps...the hardware isn't black. It's venetian bronze :)
User
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks monicakm, pretty tile! Glad to hear a first-hand account that using a sealer on the glass tile was a good thing.
Related Discussions
does anyone have white frosted glass subway tile for a backsplash
Q
Comments (3)
I don't have CE, but our granite is also a dark stone(Labrador Golden Flake), so you might be able to get an idea from a pic of my kitchen. Our backsplash is a mosaic from Artistic Tiles--a mix of glossy and matte (frosted) glass strips in varying lengths and widths. The tile itself is clear, but is "painted" white on the backs. Because it is not Starfire/Starphire (aka low-iron) glass, it reads slightly blue-green in different lighting, at different times of day. In thses pics it just happens to look pretty white. Here are some pics for you:
...See More
Sad story of frosted glass tile. Can it be given a happy ending?
Q
Comments (4)
Oh man. Was this his first time using glass tile?? He should have sealed the grout only (glass is non-porous) with an appropriate applicator. It's time consuming to do it properly, but this is why you (or the people you hire) don't (shouldn't) cut corners. There is one non-toxic product that might help. He can (and I mean he, not you) try this stuff, made to scrub off sealer from tile. I don't know whether it will work, but I hope so. Removing glass tile is not easy (ask me how I know - better yet, ask me about the surgery I had on my right hand to remove a shard of glass that lodged in my tendon). If it does work, he will then have to seal the grout correctly. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: AquaMix
...See More
grout lines for 3x12" matte glass backsplash tile
Q
Comments (0)
We are installing 3"x12" matte glass tiles as a backsplash in our kitchen. We were going to make the grout line spacing 1/32". Any thoughts, recommendations or tips based on experience?...would love your feedback! ty, KM
...See More
Best Unsanded Grout for Glass Tile Backsplash
Q
Comments (8)
Many glass manufacturers do not allow the use of epoxy grout with their product. You must contact the manufacturer for this information. If there are no instructions in the box also inquire as to which setting material is called for. Some glass may require mastic instead of mortar. While you have them on the line ask about thermal shock rating. You have a large format glass tile (9 square inches is large format for glass) If you have a cook top, especially gas simply boiling a pot of water on the back burner could crack the glass tiles due to thermal expansion. Just a few things the DIY shows and box stores won't mention. Was any of this mentioned to you at your point of purchase? Always test grout first to verify it will not scratch the glass. Other grout manufacturers such as Ardex, Bostik, Tec should be considered also. Some make grout specifically for glass. I do not recommend glass tile installation for a DIY'er. or a GC/ remodeler. There is a lot more to it that I did not mention. Proper cutting, setting, polishing etc. If you think hiring a professional is expensive wait until you see the cost of hiring a amateur. Good luck with your project.
...See More
still_lynnski
10 years ago
Monica wrote it backwards wrt sanded/unsanded grout. Sanded grout should be used when the grout lines are anything wider than 1/8 inch. Unsanded grout only for narrow grout lines, 1/8 inch or less.

I work with all kinds of glass tile for mosaics. We never seal any type of glass tile. I'm very interested to learn that there's a visible difference!
monicakm_gw
10 years ago
Oh good grief! Yes I did get it backwards :( Had to go back and see for myself that I said that...I did. Sorry!
still_lynnski
10 years ago
It's obvious you know what you're talking about, Monica! I think your typing hand just had a little hiccup.
User
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you both very much for your help!

Curious if anyone else has used a sealer on matte glass tile...
Mike Papetti
8 years ago
I've just purchased and am ready to install black matte glass tile and reading this thread helped my choice of grout for 1/8 inch lines. So thank you! I don't think I will be sealing the tile since it will be charcoal grout on black glass tile..does anyone disagree w/ my thought of not sealing the tile?
enduring
8 years ago
Well, I didn't know you would seal glass tile, but if it does indeed effect the tile color or luster, I would seal it. Charcoal will show on black.

Don't seal the grout spaces though. Just rub it on the surface with a rag so it doesn't drip onto the sides of the tile that will be in contact with the grout. Sealants can be used as a grout release.
Mike Papetti
8 years ago
Thanks for the pro tip! @enduring :D
enduring
8 years ago
Im not a pro, just did a bunch of tiling in my house. I have not used glass. But the sealant couldn't hurt.
PRO
Cabot & Rowe
8 years ago
There is no need nor desire to seal glass tile of any sort. Do use a NON sanded grout if using a cement based grout. Better yet, use Fusion Pro or Flexcolor CQ. While both are sanded, they are painted sand and not the scratchy angular sand found in cement based grouts. Do not use Spectralock with frosted glass as you can't wipe the residue away on frosted glass.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: How to Install Tile

By Buckminster Green LLC

Before you pick up a single tile, pull from these tips for expert results

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES How to Install a Tile Backsplash

If you've got a steady hand, a few easy-to-find supplies and patience, you can install a tile backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Ways Grout–Yes, Grout–Can Add to Your Design

Choose From a Palette of Grout Colors for a Warm, Unified Look

TILE Epoxy vs. Cement Grout — What's the Difference?

By By Any Design Ltd.

Grout is grout, right? Nope. Cement and epoxy versions have different appearances, durability and rules of installation

DOORS Contractor Tips: Choosing and Installing Doors

By Buckminster Green LLC

Picking a door involves more than just visual appeal. Here's what you need to know to make sure your doors and hardware last

TILE 3 Key Steps for Grouting That Looks Its Best

By By Any Design Ltd.

Get your grout right to keep your tile beautiful and for an installation that will last

REMODELING GUIDES Finishing Touches: Pro Tricks for Installing Fixtures in Your Tile

By By Any Design Ltd.

Cracked tile, broken drill bits and sloppy-looking fixture installations? Not when you follow these pro tips

BATHROOM DESIGN 9 Tips for Mixing and Matching Tile Styles

Get acquainted with the basics of combining shapes, colors and finishes for a symphony of tiles

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — the Tiling and Grouting Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 3 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick the right tile and test it out, then choose your grout color and type

BATHROOM TILE Quick Fix: Repair Cracked Bathroom Grout

Banish an eyesore and safeguard your bathroom from water damage in 30 minutes or less with this DIY repair

Sponsored

DelCo Handyman & Remodeling LLC

Franklin County's Remodeling & Handyman Services

More Discussions

Is it possible to change a color of a granite countertop

2

Why would anyone use tile and grout in a shower??

12

Is bidet installed correctly?

7

I have an off balance space in bathroom

3

tilebar kenridge ribbon white

0