To Seal or not to Seal

[madels]

Hi all, my name is Mike A, from Westchester, NY and I am new to the forums. I am having my master bath remodelled and my contractor is telling me that he doesn't recommend sealing the grout (he doesn't think it makes a difference in the long run). My grout is a bone color (off-white) and I have used a ceramic cream tile. He is probably going to charge an arm an a leg to seal the grout if I make him do it anyways, based on his complaints about it. So, here are my questions:

1. Does sealing really make a difference?
2. How much should I expect to have a contractor charge me for a, 6'/10" bath (with tiles 1/2 way up the walls and all around and above the shower/bath tub)?
3. Is this something that a DIY can do easilly?

I'm sure people ask this all the time, but I pretty much know nothing on this topic so any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike A

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[cx]

Welcome, Mike. :)

1. I think so. Your tile mechanic may be of a certain age and back only ten or fifteen years ago it might not have been worth doing. Sealers have come a long, long way since then. I was of his same opinion only five years ago - but I'm a slow learner. :rolleyes:

2. I dunno.

3. It certainly is. You are actually likely to get a much better job doing it yourownself than by having it done reluctantly by a professional tiler who dosen't think it makes any difference anyway. :shades:

My opinion; worth price charged.

[doitright]

Hi Mike, Welcome! :)

What CX said.

Many times it's not worth the contractors time to come back and seal unless they are properly compensated.

Besides picking up some sealer (from our TYW Online Store :) ), consider maintaining it with some tile & stone specific neutral pH cleaner. :nod:

[madels]

Ok, I think I am going to take on the job myself and seal the grout. Now I have to pick out the sealer. I noticed in an earlier posting some people recomending solvent and non-solvent based sealers. What is the difference between solvent-based sealer and non-solvent based sealer? (How do you know whether you should use one vs. the other? )

Thanks again for all your help!

Mike A.

[cx]

Well, Mike, it's my understanding that the primary advantage of the solvent-based sealers these days is resistance to UV exposure. The new water-based products are being advertised as more durable and long-lasting than even the best of the solvent-based products.

For some of us old guys, that's always been difficult to accept, but I've been forced into using some water-based products (especially paints) that are clearly, without question, far superior to the old solvent-based products we've used for decades. I'm adjusting. Slowly. :)

Call StoneTech Professional's toll-free tech service number (888-786-6343). Pose your question to them and see what they say. There are still applications for the solvent-based products, but for sealing showers and and such, They've got me pretty well convinced that the water-based products are the way to go. StoneTech manufactures both kinds. We carry StoneTech products and we can sell you either kind.

It's alleged that the water-based sealers are easier to use, but I've never thought it to be a big deal to use either kind. You brush it on (or use other applicators), you leave it for a while, you wipe it off. You do that again, maybe. Ain't too scary in my book. :shades:

For StoneTech, their Heavy Duty Stone Sealer is good water-based pookey for grout. Their Impregnator Pro is the tried and true solvent based stuff.

And there are a lot of other brands out there. Some good, some not so good.

You any less confused? Me neither. :D

My opinion; worth price charged.

[doitright]

Hi Mike :)

When I talked to technical assistance at Stone Tech, they clearly recommended sealing grout with Heavy Duty Stone Sealer over Impregnator Pro.

I'm not a chemist, nor claim to be. I usually go by manufacturers recommendations. When you do that, you virtually eliminate potential problems.

[confusionsay]

hi Mike.
i just stumbled upon your post while doing a search on grout. noticed you said you picked 'Bone' colored grout to go w/ your beige tiles.
that is exactly the same grout & tile color i have.

i'm curious: are you happy w/ the way it looks?

i'm aksing bc my grout came out horrible (looks gray when i think it's supposed to look creamy). happy w/ my beige tiles though. but the combo looks odd.

love to hear your thoughts on yours,
thanks, Alex