One more question - should I specify separate enhancer and sealer or have them use a combination product?

One of the local tile stores gave me a sample of a product called Enhancer Pro from Stonetech. Is this comparable to the other two?

Absolutely. Stone Tech's a good product. You might want to check though-- I believe it's strictly an enhancer, in which case you might want to get their penetrating sealer, as well.

Does the glass tile get sealed as well or does the installer need to avoid getting the enhancer and sealer on the glass?

The glass DOESN'T get sealed, and it's next to impossible to avoid getting on the glass, but so long as he wipes it off before it dries, you should be fine.

should I specify separate enhancer and sealer or have them use a combination product?

Ask 10 different installers, and you'll get 5 saying combination, and five saying separate products. I don't see a problem using the combination products, and until someone proves to me that there are real advantages to using separate products, I won't worry about it.

Thanks Bill. Your replies are very helpful, as they always are.

I tested some 511 Enhance & Seal on slate tiles I was installing and it made them a lot darker than when they were wet. Way darker than I wanted. I used 511 SuperSeal (the HD version of PorousPlus) and even though it said the didn't change the color of the tile it signficantly darkened them.

It's difficult because these products are so expensive but since you say you want to deepen the color a "a little" you might want to be careful about over-enhancing.

I intend to try the enhancer on samples before I even order the tile. I want to know what it will look like before I spend the money. I already have a pallet of tile I won't use. We like the look of the polished tile but don't want to use that in the kitchen. I have ordered a sample of the honed version that should come in tomorrow. I want something that has the color of the polished without the glossy, slippery surface.

I used aquamix Sealer Gold.

No change in color, very easy to use.

I already have a pallet of tile I won't use.

Craigslist is a wonderful thing! :-)

Actually I have donated it to the local Habitat for Humanity. I didn't have time to try to sell it as I have to make room for the pallet of new tile coming in next week and I didn't want to deal with trying to transport it somewhere.

Stonelocators is crediting me for what I paid for the tile against the new order and the tax deduction will cover what I paid in shipping. I'll come out even eventually.

I love a happy ending!! :-)

I'm getting ready to put some stone mosaic listels in my kitchen as a blacksplash......105 to be exact and they are quite expensive.....I received them and they don't have the sheen that the sample had........I was told to buy some penetrating sealer and it would give them the low luster, yet deeper color.......well, it didn't....I've been looking for info on the web and read that I should put an enhancer on it first.....well, I've already done the sealing.......I only tried one listel so won't be out too much money.....oh, I haven't put the stone on the wall yet........so, what steps should I take before starting.......I did plan to seal all the mosaic before attaching them with a mastic.....I'm using mastic because this is going over paneling......but I was also told to buy some uniflex and apply to the walls first, since I painted the paneling with kiltz (thinking that I was doing a good thing).......the mosaic is called river rock colombia by interceramics........thanks for your help...didi_2007

Penetrating sealer only seals the stone, and then leaves it looking just as it did before you sealed it. An enhancing sealer will bring out the color, but still won't give you any kind of luster. For that you need a top coat sealer-- something along the lines of Miracle's Mira matte or Mirra gloss sealers.

Not to hijack the thread... but if I've applied 2 coats of a penetrating sealer to tumbled marble, then grouted. Is it too late to try to use an enhancer? I'm thinking too late Joe!