I apologize: Yet another sealing question

[zel]

As you all may have noticed, us DIYers get confused about sealers ...
I headed down to Lowes the other night to get Aquamix Sealer's Choice Gold 15, but they had only a gallon jug and I was not prepared to shell out $90 for it. I went ahead and got a quart of Aquamix ProSolv 10, a solvent-based product. Now I know most will say, "Get Stonetech or find Gold 15," but I was really planning on getting this done today (Sunday). I've been showering inside four shower curtains forever.
-Will this stuff do a good job? (I costs half as much as Golf 15, so I hope it won't do half as good a job, but I might settle for that.)
-Any advice on using it? (Put it on wipe of excess immediately, give it a few minutes before wiping, etc.)
-Do I need to wait a certain amount of time before caulking? (I wasn't sure if the solvent base would interfere with the caulk.)
Quick replies would be appreciated, as I want to work on this fairly early today.
Thanks, and I will repeat what everyone says (because it's true): This site is invaluable!

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[cx]

I haven't used the Aquamix products, Zel, but the Gold 15, a water-based product, has gotten only good reviews here as long as I've been around. The ProSolv 10 I'd never heard of.

Will it be half as good as the Gold 15? Probably not quite in your application, but it might be good enough. You will almost certainly want to use at least two applications. And considering that it is a solvent-based product, I'd think it very important that your grout is well cured (at least 7 days) and that the area to be sealed is very, very dry before the application.

I'll move you over to the Restoration/Cleaning/Sealing forum where some real sealer gurus are more likely to lurk.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[zel]

Things should be very dry. The tile has been set for weeks, and the grout has been done for a week. The only moisture has been some steam from showering; I have vinyl shower curtains hanging on all four sides, and we use the exhaust fan. (BTW, this is a tub surround.)
I think we have another Lowes, so maybe I'll check there. In the meantime, does anyone else have any thoughts?

[doitright]

Hi Zel :)

Here's the product data sheet on the Aqua Mix Prosolv 10:
http://www.aquamix.com/Tech%20Datas/ps10%20tech.pdf

I'm sure you'll be fine with this product. Make sure you don't let it dry on the surface. Wait 24 hrs. before applying 2nd coat if needed. Caulk 1st if using a siliconized latex caulk, caulk afterwards if using a silicone caulk.

Hope this helps. ;)

[zel]

Is the water-based product easier to use, e.g. do you have to worry less about it drying on the tiles? I know the smell/vapor situation is probably better.
If I do get the Sealer's choice, could I silicone caulk immediately after, or should I wait a couple hours?
Thanks again.

[doitright]

Hi Zel :)

IMO, the biggest advantage to the water based products is the odor is considerably less. Some of the water based flourochemical products do have a strong aroma if used in high volumes, but disipate quickly.

As far as ease of application, it depends on the product you're applying, as well as the surface you're applying to.

We always suggest to TEST 1st!

If you use the Sealers Choice (water based), caulk 1st if using siliconized acrylic, or allow overnight dry of sealer, and if additional coat is not needed, caulk with silicone caulk.

[zel]

Thanks, John.
Check out this deal: I called the Lowes where I bought that sealer to make sure they did not get more in, and the guy checked the other two stores. He said one of the other stores had a few Sealer's Choices and that at that store it was not regular stock item--might be on clearance. I called that store, the guy said he had one and that he could knock some $ off. I heard him ask a manager, who replied, "half." Woo-hoo, from $30 down to $15 just like that. He held it for me and I went and got it. :yipee:
I put it on today, and now I have a couple questions:
--I managed to miss a couple spots while wiping up and the tiles hazed up a bit. Is there anything I can do to get that stuff off?
--You're supposed to do a water test, but how do you do that on a wall? Is it just that the grout won't get darker as if the water is soaking in?
--If I want to add another coat tomorrow or even later, can I just put it on, or did that window close after a couple of hours?