How do I know if my grout has been sealed?

[courtneyk]

I just had a random pattern light walnut travertine tile floor installed and laticrete parchment grout was used by the professional installer. I am concerned that contractor does the not do thorough work and even though he said he selead the floor/grout after the grout cured I am not certain he has. Should the grout look/feel any different after it has been sealed? I do not notice any color difference at all and it still has the same feel which is hard grout with a little grainy powder on top. I assumed that this loose powder would have hardened up after the sealer. This is the first work I have done in my house so I am a novice, any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Courtney

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[JTG]

Hi Courtney

Good test: Sprinkle water on the tile/grout. If it is sealed the water will bead.
Good Luck
JTG

[courtneyk]

thanks jerry. btw, what is the grainy powder the is left after the grout has cured? is it just normal excess that needs to be swept away?

[Tool Guy - Kg]

That sounds like some grout residue left from the cleaning process. Go ahead and clean that off.

If the water doesn't bead, look to see if the water darkens the grout pretty readily or not. I find that some sealers don't make the water bead much, but still keeps the grout from darkening with the water. If the grout quickly darkens with water (like water darkens a dry concrete sidewalk), it's not sealed. :)

[Davestone]

It also sounds like the floor needs to be cleaned before you seal it,if it looks like there are any streaks across the face of the tiles,or the powdery residue i would clean the floor with a stone cleaner and soft brush and rinse it well, and let it dry a day before sealing.

[doitright]

Hi Courtney, Welcome! :)

Can you post a picture? :shades:

I'm guessing this was a tumbled travertine, since you mentioned various sizes. The graininess you describe would indicate that a sanded grout was used. My concern would be the same as Dave and Bubba's. The surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned (remove the sand grit). Hopefully you can't scratch the grout out with your fingernail.

Your travertine needs to be sealed as well.

[courtneyk]

Thanks for everyone's input. What I have figured out is that it is not sealed and the installer is coming back in 2 days to seal it. My cabinets were installed today so there is some mess from that as well as residue from the dried grout. What is the best way for me to clean the tile/grout before it gets a final seal? Are there special products? Please be specific about type of brush to use and any special order of products and rinsing. The materials are tumbled light walnut travertine and laticrete sanded parchment grout.

Thanks again,

Courtney

[Davy]

Make sure to something safe for stone. I'd get some KlenzAll from our TYW online store. :)