Tumbled marble backsplash -seal it?

[Dutch123]

Newbie- wow great site.

It's 18" kitchen backsplash in tumbled marble 6" squares, I guess- or other size - but she wants it done in a diagonal. I read a thread/post here mentioning to go ahead and just seal the entire marble bs (backsplash)?
Is that the best choice seal all the tiles? While on the topic of diagonal pattern is there a trick/tip or layout technique to make this job trouble free?

Dutch

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[Rd Tile]

Just did one in 4", I always lay out all the tile on a sheet of plywood, give it 2 coats of sealer with Aquamix Gold 15, Stonetech from the store here works fine also.:)

Then I cut what I need as far as 1/2s for the bottom, along the counter, leave a 1/16" gap at the counter, if there is a corner, start there with even cuts on both sides and set them so it looks like it folds the corner, if any walls just come to an end, I cut a few in half to make a border, like below.:)

You will probably also need longer screws for the outlet boxes, once finished, cut the tile so it goes behind the tips on the outlets, but make a small cut or don't cover the small hole for the outlet plates.:)

Wait a week and give the grout and tile one final sealing.:)

Space them 3/16 to 1/4" and use sanded grout.:)

Oh yeah, caulk the gap between the counter and tile and inside corners with a matching color.:)

[doitright]

Hi Dutch, Welcome! :)

Yes, you can seal the tumbled marble. First establish if you want it to look natural, or like the wet look.

No such thing as a troublefree diagonal splash. Laticrete 255 is a good nonsag thinset if you mix it tight enough. That will help a lot. :nod:

[Shaughnn]

Great examples Richie,
I suppose the only advice I can add is that you be carefulof your layout drifting while you are setting. After setting your first course of triangles and one course of full field tiles, check your level and adjust accordingly.
Best of luck,
Shaughnn

[Dutch123]

Great thanks for the help... I was wondering about "drift" ... good pic examples Rd tile.. I'll take pics and post . Is the first tile run the bottom 1by2 pieces? Or is it the corner?

Thanks;
Dutch

[Rd Tile]

?, lost ya.:)