I am not an expert.

That being said, I can tell you what my tile store said. They said to use the sealer (they sold me the 511) twice before install and once after grouting.

I literally just laid all (ok most) of my tile out on the counters and sealed it once after taking out the tiles I didn't like. I have issues with my GC though, so wanted to make sure it got done at least once. (I will seal it again after grouting unless I actually SEE him doing it. Yes, I have trust issues at the moment) They said it should be applied to clean surface, and will dry in about 5 minutes the first time and about 15 minutes the second time. My tile is scheduled to be installed tomorrow as well.

The aquamix was recommended with the handpainted tile focus I bought, so I think you would be fine with either.

If Bill V says any different - definately go with what he says!!

Good luck!
Allie

Thanks Allie-
I spoke with my tiler briefly today and he said he would seal it AFTER install.. I was surprised to hear that due to what I have read on here. I am thinking about doing a quick seal before bed (although it is already after 11 pm here so i may be all talk), but maybe i will wake up early to save myself..

Yikes. I am a little nervous about this..
Thanks again!

I just went into my garage to go through the tiles I didn't like and discovered (i know I should have done this as soon as I purchased the tiles) that the store gave me one box of 6 x6 instead of 3x6 tiles. That being said, there are two whole boxes of tiles I don't like and only 2 of tiles i do like plus the box of 6x6. It took two week for the store to get my tiles.. UGH.. I am trying to figure out how to incorporate the 6x6 without it looking too busy since i will have a small mural over the range.. DOUBLE ACK!!

Aquamix is a good sealer. As far as WHEN to seal, leave that up to your installer. Personally, I prefer to grout unsealed stone, in most cases, and that would include travertine, and then seal everything after the grout dries. Some would prefer to use it as a grout release, and seal both before AND after. Which ever way he's more comfortable with, so long as he realizes you expect a nice clean finished product, and will accept nothing less.

Even when I hand-paint tiles, I don't always seal before install. (Sometimes, it's a deadline issue.)
And, occasionally I do the mural once the tile is up, and it can't be sealed before install.

I have tumbled travertine tile and our tiler sealed after install (he used Surfacegard).

Thanks all for putting me at ease..I think everything will be just fine now. AND the wrong tile situation is being figured out so it should all be good. Hopefully later today I will have a 100% finished kitchen..
Thanks Again!!
Elissa

We used Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold-Professional for our fire & ice tiles. It has the Build Green seal-low VOCs. Expected wear is 15 yrs. Applied before grouting and after. We're very happy with the results.

Don't believe you HAVE to seal before grouting. It's a matter of preference. I would ask your tile guy if it would do any harm/damage to your tumbled trav tiles if you seal once before grouting.

Thanks for all of the advice/info. I am really bummed now.. i thought the "wrong" tile issue was going to be resolved this am, but it is not and as a result my backsplash will NOT be installed today or even this week. It will take a few days to get the right tile and my tiler is not available for the next 3-4 weeks..

Oh well, I guess i have waited this long w/o a backsplash.. i can wait another few weeks.. :(... Thanks again for your help!