Saltillo sealant streaks

[lloyd1223]

Hello. My name is Mark, and I live in Tampa, FL. This has been my first saltillo tiling project, and thus far I have been very happy with the look. I set the tiles (dry) and began using the penetrating sealant from Roval, Formula 1088, prior to gouting. I put on the first coat, and water soaked in easily in a small test spot. I've repeated twice more, and now water beads up nicely. I think I am ready to grout, and apply a final surface sealant. My problem is that with this last coat of Roval sealant, I have begun to see some inconsistant streaking from tile to tile. It appears to be in strokes, from the rag I used to apply the sealant. They aren't terrible, but I wonder if I need to apply more sealant to even out any streaking, or if it might make it worse? If something has stained it, is it the sealant itself, or something that may have happened to some of the tiles before hand? Could the grouting process cause further staining, or any other spills on the floor in the future (even with a surface sealant after grouting)?
Any experience with this anyone?
Thanks for our time and suggestions.
Mark

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[Davestone]

I think you have a couple problems.You've put on a lot of penetrating sealer, so the topcoat isn't soaking in well.Also, a rag isn't the best sealer applier,you can't get a consistent application.I like to use a turtle back,or camel back sponge, or a paint roller with short nap roller.You have to use slower strokes with the roller or you get air bubbles.I also only use one coat of impregnating sealer, just to keep the tile from soaking up so much of the topcoat sealer.You may be able to use the hard sponges to go ovwer what you've sealed to even it out a little.

[Hector Macias]

What type of sealers are you using? Water based or solvent (oil) based?

[lloyd1223]

Thanks for the quick response. I have not yet applied a top sealant. The penetrating sealant I'm using is an oil based sealant, and I have applied 3 coats to protect the tiles form the grouting process which I will do today. I will not be using a rag for the topcoat sealant, but I did for the penetrating RoVal. I have not yet chosen a topcoat sealant, so any suggestions would be great. (interior, but in laundry/utility room, so I want plenty of protection). Thanks for the advice.
Mark

[Hector Macias]

I would stick to an oil based for your top coat. We generally stay away from "penetrating" sealers since any sealer you use on Saltillo is a "penetrating" sealer for the first two coats. Davestone's applications techniques are right on. In your case I would thin down our oil based sealer 3 parts sealer to 2 parts lacquer thinner thinner and use davestone's application technique. The lacquer thinner is very "hot" and will allow penetration. I know Lacquer thinner is compatible with our sealer because we use it all of the time. Our sealer is concentrated and must be thinned before use. Lacquer thinner should work with most other oil based sealers but you should defintely check with the manufacturer first. Also, once thinned it is much less susceptible to leaving bubbles behind which look like sand particles if you let them dry. One more note: since you used an oil based sealer, many of those streaks have a tendency to dissipate once fully dry. the sealer was applied unevenly and the thicker parts take longer to dry- hence the streaks.

[frankmazuca]

Lloyd in Tampa

I had trouble with discoloration on light grey grout I used with my Saltillo tiles? Did you have any problems with your grout?
I used a product by Roval Reflecta Polish as a top coat on the tiles and it worked well to give a glossy wet look to the tiles, After you finish applying the 1088 you might gve it a try.
I used a roller made for stains and varnishes on the tiles-sold at home depot-and that worked well.

Frank-down the road in Lakeland-Mazuca