Messy grout lines and etched marble after professional installation
zorrokitty
5 years ago
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What's my best grout choice for tight grout lines in a shower???
Comments (7)How about TEC XT? Comes in both Sanded and Unsanded versions (for most colors), and is supposed to be more stain resistant and mold and mildew resistant than other cement-based grouts. It does require a longer cure time 7-10 days before getting wet or sealing (doesn't need to be sealed, but can be, with a solvent-based sealer, which we did when we sealed the marble and trav tile in both bathrooms). I sealed it in the MB at 7 days because I needed that bathroom functional "now" LOL. It also requires a drier clean-up (just wring sponge out well when wiping off excess grout, according to the rep with whom I spoke during my grout "research"--there's a video you can watch, too). It's a little stickier than the reg TEC grout, so you might need a bit more elbow grease to remove grout haze, but that's about it. We used the Bright White for the field tile in both upstairs baths (used the reg TEC in Bright White for our kitchen and guest bathroom since the XT either wasn't around then or we just didn't know about it at the time). We used both the Sanded and the Unsanded. The Unsanded is a bit whiter than the Sanded (because the sanded has actual grains of sand, which I'm sure you know), but both seem white enough. We used a very glossy, very white, Porcelanosa large format tile in the MB. Our grout lines are very tight, except for the White Thassos mosaic/border (which came pre-mounted on mesh), and the Unsanded worked very well. We also used it (in Almond) with the split faced trav mosaic in the hall bath which had practically non-existent grout lines in spots. Of course, when I say "we" used any of these products, I mean our wonderful tile guys used them for us!...See MoreProfessional repair of etching on Carrera marble counter?
Comments (12)A cleaner or poultice will not take the etching out, pro or otherwise. The only way to improve it is to buff the area down -- taking the top layer of stone down below the level of the etch. If the stone is polished, you wither have to repolish (most likely professional to get the same kind of shine), but you can buff out the honed and try to lessen the impact. If this makes you crazy or deciding on counters make you crazy with worry, don't go with marble. If marble is part of your dream of a pristine kitchen, don't do it. There are too many good alternatives. If you can embrace marble, the wear and tear without tears, if you love your oldest denim the best and you love lined for it's unique look, feel and the way it does wrinkle, then marble might be your thing. Seven years here, and no itch....See MoreMessy Edge Where Mosaic Tile Backsplash Meets Wood Counter
Comments (38)So, I talked to a tile guy today. He has good reviews on Angie's List and seems like reasonable prices. He said he would not want to take out several rows from the bottom because it would risk damaging the counter and the rest of the tile. He said the only option would be to redo the entire backsplash, which we don't have enough leftover tile for and honestly I don't want to spend the money on. He suggested either a border of some sort to cover the imperfections, or recaulking and trying to use the caulk to make it look better. I suggested maybe he just entirely redo the area behind the sink (there is a wide window there so it doesn't go very high), and then recaulking or adding a border everywhere else. I'm waiting for him to send an example photo of what the border might look like....See MoreHow to clean grout in marble mosaic
Comments (11)Steamers on grout or any natural stone will break down the sealer and remove it over time. I would suggest KlenzAll by Stone Tech sealers. It is a cleaner for natural stone which will also clean your grout. You'll still have to put some elbow grease into the cleaning but you won't have to go grout line by grout line. Once floor has been cleaned properly you will then want to reseal the entire floor. Use a SOLVENT based sealer for best protection and longevity of sealer life. Penetrating sealers do not absorb well into polished surfaces of stone. It would be best to use a topical sealer like an enhancer. Considering your stone is polished, the enhancer should not enhance the coloring much. I would apply 2 coats for best results. - You do not need to buy grout sealer separate. The sealer for the stone will also seal the grout. For cleaning purposes down the road; only use cleaners that have a neutral ph balance so that they do not etch your flooring. Do not use products that have a wax or a polish in them as they can create a haze on the floor that is very difficult to remove. I recommend you only use a cap full of Dawn dish soap to 1 gallon of warm water for cleaning your stone....See Morezorrokitty
5 years agozorrokitty
5 years agozorrokitty
5 years ago
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