BillV/Kevin - ? regarding marble/granite sealing
farmhousebound
14 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (6)
bill_vincent
14 years agofarmhousebound
14 years agoRelated Discussions
??? for Bill V, Kevin or another Stone Person
Comments (6)Hi Karen-- I've made no bones in here about not caring for Tile Lab, but up till now, it was just a personal preference. As for what they told you at Aquamix, do what they tell you. The Sealers Choice Gold is a good solvent based product. As for the difference between solvent based and water based, there are two important differences. First, the solvent based sealer is a "breatheable" sealer, while the water based is not. What that means is that the solvent based sealer will let moisture transmit back and forth , so as not to trap moisture in the stone or grout, while the water based sealer will not. The reason this is a good thing is that you don't want moisture getting trapped inside of a surface, and growing mold or mildew INSIDE. That's actually even a tougher situation to remedy than if it just grows on the surface.Secondly, both are what's called "penetrating" sealers, meaning they do their job by penetrating into the stone, and stopping solids from getting into the pores of the stone, thereby curtailing stains taking hold. Water based sealers will not penetrate NEARLY as far into the surface as the solvent based sealers will, and as a result, have to be replaced much more often. About the only time I'll use a water based sealer is if I'm installing something like terra cotta tile, or soft limestone, where I need a pre-grouting sealer to stop the grout from adhering to the face of the tile. Any other time, I'll use solvent based....See MoreQuestion for Bill V. and Mongo
Comments (12)I'm going to give you a little hint that not even very many installers know. Everyone thinks that the solvent based sealers are the cat's meow, and as sealers, they are. They last alot longer, and will do their job alot better. BUT--- as a grout release, not a one of them will stand up to a water based sealer. Years ago, when I lived in south Florida, I did alot of Saltillo (terra cotta) tile. As I'd set it, I'd spray it down with Aquamix's water based sealer. As much of a nightmare as most people think it is to grout terra cotta, using that stuff as a grout release, it was like grouting glazed tile. A couple of years later, I was up here doing a Saltillo floor for my last employer, and they gave me Porous Plus-- supposedly the absolute best sealer for that purpose. I went thru twice the sealer, at almost TEN TIMES THE PRICE PER GALLON, and it STILL didn't do as good a job. I would submit that you'd get the same results with limestone, no matter HOW coarse the texture. Check it out. Water based sealer isn't that much-- only about 20.00 a gallon-- pick up a gallon (and DON'T let them talk you into using ANY kind of solvent based sealer-- not Porous Plus, Not Bullet proof, NONE of them), and seal a piece of tile. Let it dry overnight, and then smear it with grout. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, and try and clean it. I have a pretty good feeling it'll put all your fears to rest....See Morering..... ring.....calling Bill V.
Comments (107)Bill, Did you think I was finished asking questions??? Of course not. Tomorrow I'm sealing the grout. I have a white cast iron tub I want to protect. Should I put the plywood over the tub while I seal? Would it be better to take off the plywood and try and cover the tub with towels. SCI said I had to spray it on and not roll it or use a rag. It will run down to the tub so how do I protect it? Will it damage the finish if it gets on the bathtub? I know this is a simple question but look what happened when I got involved with my grout application. Donna...See MoreBill V or others: Tile sealing question
Comments (9)Bill, Another question about sealing marble, if you don't mind: What type of sealer do you recommend if you want enhancing properties? We recently had Crema Marfil put in our master bathroom (on the vanity) and our fabricator thought it would look better honed and I trusted that I'd like it. Unfortunately, I'm not crazy about the look as it too so much of the color out of it (it's such a "quiet" marble anyway that I feel like it robbed it of any beauty it had in the first place!). Also, where do you purchase these sealers? Do places like Lowes or Home Depot carry them? Many thanks!...See Moreazstoneconsulting
14 years agobill_vincent
14 years agofarmhousebound
14 years ago
Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPINGHow to Clean Marble Countertops and Tile
Acidic solutions can damage your marble surfaces. Here’s how to keep marble looking clean and amazing
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNUsing White Marble: Hot Debate Over a Classic Beauty
Do you love perfection or patina? Here's how to see if marble's right for you
Full Story
MATERIALS10 Modern Marble Looks
Marble has broken free of the standard kitchen countertop slab and is showing up on bathtub backsplashes, modern dining tables and more
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESWhy Marble Might Be Wrong for Your Bathroom
You love its beauty and instant high-quality appeal, but bathroom marble has its drawbacks. Here's what to know before you buy
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESCarrara vs. Calacatta Marble: What Is the Difference?
The answer is in the color and veining of these popular Italian marbles
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESYour Floor: How to Find Right Stone Tile
Get the Pros and Cons of Slate, Travertine, Sandstone, Marble and Granite
Full Story
KITCHEN COUNTERTOPSKitchen Counters: Granite, Still a Go-to Surface Choice
Every slab of this natural stone is one of a kind — but there are things to watch for while you're admiring its unique beauty
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGN5 Favorite Granites for Gorgeous Kitchen Countertops
See granite types from white to black in action, and learn which cabinet finishes and fixture materials pair best with each
Full Story
KITCHEN COUNTERTOPSKitchen Countertops: Granite for Incredible Longevity
This natural stone has been around for thousands of years, and it comes in myriad color options to match any kitchen
Full Story
bill_vincent