sealing before I start

[cabfo3]

This is my first post. I look forward to using your site, and love the concept. I bought the TYW book last week and have been reading both VERY carefully.
We're looking at doing the kitchen and both baths over the next few months. From a tile store, I bought empress gold granite for the kitchen floor and counter, mystic gray marble for the master bath wall, and bosco bianco porcelain for the bath floors and showers. I tried the water test and the granite failed, so I read on the site to seal it both before laying and after. The porcelain is bumpy and the book says to seal bumpy things first too.
So am I correct in thinking we need to start doing it now? Or should we wait until we lay it and/or grout it? I've ordered some bulletproof from the TYW store, is this ok for all 3 tiles and the grout (when done)? You guys recommend it for gold granite counters, but I haven't seen an FDA approval on it.
Also, I have harvest gold glazed tile in my entry, with (intentional) dark brown grout lines. For the last 15 years I didn't know I was supposed to reseal it. I ordered revitalizer from the TYW store. Do I just brush it carefully and spray, or what? It actually looks pretty good considering my lack of housekeeping. :dunce:
CAB

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[doitright]

Hi Carol & Frank the IIIrd, Welcome! :)

I usually wait until my products are installed before sealing. Others here seal first. I like the thinset under the granite to cure before sealing (if that particular type of stone needs sealing). This way I can be sure the granite has lightened up before taking a chance that moisture will be sealed in (though most sealers allow vapor transmission).

As far as FDA approval, these products are impregnating sealers. This means they do not sit on the surface (unless used on a stone that doesn't require them).

Revitalizer is a maintenance product, not a sealer itself. If your intention is to use it on your 15 year unsealed floor, I believe you would be wasting your money. Now if you seal first, you'll be fine maintaining with the Revitalizer.

[cabfo3]

Thanks!!!!!!!!
I'll seal my 70's grout as soon as the Bulletproof comes, then as you say, I'll actually maintain it. BTW it was laid directly on the old oak floor, and hasn't cracked a bit. For all I know its gone 30 or 40 years w/o sealing.
We'll wait to seal the kitchen and baths until a few days after laying the tile but before grouting, then again after grouting. I suspect the granite is going to need a lot. Any idea on the bosco bianco? I can't tell if its glazed or polished. I imagine it makes a difference.
Frank said to mention something about bed bugs and have a good nite. Sorry, we don't do beer, but are on our way out to the all-you-can-eat buffet. Is that a good enough substitute? :x:
CAB

[doitright]

Hi Carol :)

Not familiar with the bosco bianco. I'll see what I can find out.

All you can eat? Seafood, I imagine! :yummy:

Bedbugs? :scratch:

Not a beer drinker myself, so good enough for me. Enjoy! :nod:

[cabfo3]

John:
What? Just because I live on the edge of the Bay means we eat seafood? Actually this place does have all you can eat salmon, shrimp, and white fish, but also turkey, steak, roast beef, orange chicken, wings, pizza... but we like it because they also have fruit and vegetables. One of my kids has a genetic error and can't eat protein.
I'm off for my morning walk, but its raining (again). Almost every day this month. It makes the shoreline park out my back gate rather muddy.
CAB

[doitright]

Hi Carol :)

Hope I didn't offend you with the seafood statement.

Here in Chicago all we have is all you can eat hot dog buffets! :yeah:

[cabfo3]

No offense. We have a restaurant over by one of the bridges called the "Dead Fish" :crazy: , the rooms at my kid's elem school were named after fishes and boats, and I see guys cutting through my yard all the time going fishing. (Not so much when its so muddy though) I wouldn't eat anything caught out there though, we're between two oil refineries.
I've heard of your hotdogs: my daughter (who can't eat meat) drove from CA to CT and stopped in Chicago, where someone took her out for hotdogs. :shades:
If you're hungry, try: :clap1:
http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?client=buffets&template=locator_st&state=IL&Submit=Submit
They have a lot in your area.
Back to the subject of sealing tile: Is Bosco glazed or just polished?
CAB

[doitright]

Hi Carol :)

Do you have a link? Are they the ones made by Artistica? If so, there were no images available.

[cabfo3]

Its all in Italian. The box is red and white stripe. It says "gres fine porcellanato, smaltato", which I assume means "small fine porcelain tile". No where does it say Artistica although I assume that is the manufacturer from searching online. It also says "carico rottura kg 550/cm2:, "cottura 1225 (degree sign)", "pei 5", "mohs 8,5", "ass h20 0,05%", "iso 10545-3". Also the size 30x30 (12"x12"), thickness 8 mm, num of pieces per box 16, type bosco bianco, choice 1, shade either 13 or 14 (both lots look the same), caliber 5... and a sku of 8-023325-004425. I have 250 sf for the two bathrooms... one lot per room.
The surface feels smooth, but not like a glossy glass glaze. And it has a bumpy texture, a bit like my textured walls which are a satin finish paint over stucco. The color seems to go all the way through it, which is what the salesman at the floor store said. The color is off white with pale gray and tan. I don't think if you got a pic to come up online it would show anything but white.
I was hoping you were familiar with it. It doesn't seem so, therefore I'll install it and then take a leftover piece and test it with sealer. Just like you guys suggest when faced with unknowns.
Carol

[doitright]

Hi Carol :)

You gave me all the info I needed. You have a high fired, color through, textured, porcelain tile. It does not need to be sealed. However the use of a grout release may help with grout cleanup. Many people have difficulty removing grout from the textured crevices. Stone Tech makes a specific grout release, while other companies just utilize on of their sealers (it will usually say on the label).