treehugger, I don't know where you're getting all that. I gain nothing from trying to help people here. Let me give you just one example of why I don't care for those products. I live in Maine, and I've got a brother in law who lives just north of Salt Lake City. About 4 years ago, he called me and asked if I could help walk him through installing tile throughout his kitchen, front hall, and foyer. I spent over 2 1/2 hours on speaker phone with him, directing him on how to lay his floor out, going through several different possibilities, as well as giving him a shopping list of exactly what he needed to complete the project. About a week later, he sent me a very nice thank you email, and I thought that was that. Come to find out, he'd gone to Home Depot to get his materials, and while there, some numb as a box of rocks salesperson told him that this premixed thinset was "all the rage" that ALL the pros were using it. Well, he decided maybe this was the way to go. Six months later (this was in april the tile went down, and then in october,) he called me to ask my why his grout was all cracking. So, I went through everything, step by step. I had him go downstairs and measure his joists, to make sure they were strong enough. Then he checked the layers of his subfloor. Next, I asked him to tell me exactly what he used for thinset. He told me that wouldn't be a problem-- he still had a PAIL of it.... I told him that was as far as he needed to go. I had him clean the grout around one tile and pop it. He didn't even need a chisel. Six months later, the premixed thinset (mastic) WAS STILL SOFT. Don't get me wrong-- premixed thinset has its uses, but those uses are very specific and limited, and the use for which it was designed (replacing portland cement based thinsets for floor installations) is not one of them. Go to any tile forum, and you'll see that. Same with the premixed grouts. 9 times out of 10, they make a mess, shrink in the joints so bad that the tile has to be regrouted a second and even a third time. Additionally, they make such a mess that they're next to impossible to clean,and they're impractical to use. Let me ask you a question, lady. If these products are all that great, then why is it I knew right off, without you telling me, what it was that you used? Next point-- you think I'm in here to steer people AWAY from doing their own work? Aren't YOU barking up the wrong tree! (all pun intended!) I spend just as much time on line helping people as I do actually setting tile. I'm here for two reasons-- either one, to make sure people who try to do their own tile have a much better chance for success, or two, to help people who have pros install their tile, make certain that their installers have half a clue as to what they're doing. Now, if you have problems in your life, I'm sorry for what you're going through. But I've done nothing to deserve this bullsh*t you're giving me. Don't bother responding, because I won't come back to this thread.

Hey Petra-- I answered your thread over in the bathrooms forum, but for the benefit of those who might bring this thread up in a search, here it is, copied and pasted: Tell her this-- Although I'm one of the few who does NOT advocate wholesale sealing of grout joints, if she WANTS to, she can, by following the directions on the container of sealer with reference as to wait time. I WILL say this though-- although I do believe there are one or two sealers that say you can use them the next day after grouting, most will require atleast 48 hours, and some, even require a full cure (28 days, not 21, as with ALL portland cement based products)

No John , but it doesn't come with the waiting -- an important part -- period before washing it ,like the Laticrete Spectra Lock Pro . For me , I've always give a cleaning final wash the next day , on any epoxy project . Safer this way than sorry + it is easy to do corrections if needed .

We use both brands and have never had an issue. Usually comes down to color - or where we purchase our tile. Sealers are always a good idea - as long as you are using a penetrating sealer - not a film. Sealers need to be re-applied periodically. If you use the area daily, then you may need to reseal every 6 months. Not as much usage - the sealer will last longer. But do not count on sealers to prevent stains - they will help keep it looking good longer, but you can still stain sealed grout.