Amount to seal at one time

[hans_idle]

I'm about to seal my foyer floor. I tried several test pieces first (with all the scraps that I have left over) and got good results with water beading. I'm using the StoneTech Heavy Duty Sealer.

The situation I have is that it seems that I can only seal a small amount of tile at one time. For example, if I have a 10'x10' foyer, I can apply sealer only on that amount that I can reach without stepping on wet sealer. Because I need to wipe off the excess sealer 15-20 minutes later, I need to be able to reach the tiles to wipe them off. And I don't want to be stepping on wet sealer while wiping.

So it seems I should seal starting at the edges and working my way towards a door. But that means I'll have to apply sealer to the edges (all around), wait 15 minutes, wipe, then apply sealer to the more central portions working towards the door, wait 15 minutes and wipe, and then seal from a doorway.

It just seems like it's a slow process. Unless I am missing something.

-Hans

P.S. - I'm looking forward to doing some "stain" tests on the scraps that I have. I figured I'd take some scraps that were sealed and see what happens when I spill cool-aid, red wine, peanut butter, coffee, and other liquids on it. I'm actually looking forward to the test.

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[Davestone]

You could always tie the dry rag to a broom handle so you can reach the whole area,or use dry rags under your shoes, or wear those blue construction booties.Be prepared that the acidic substances may indeed wear away enough sealer to slightly penetrate the stone.

[Marge]

I've taken one of those Swiffers and attached a rag/microfiber. It has those suction holes on the bottom and the rag stays pretty well put.

[Davy]

You don't want the sealer to dry on the surface or you'll have a real mess. I usually only seal about 20-30 ft at a time. :)

[hans_idle]

All good advice. Thanks. So far I've done the closet and 1/2 bath. I'll be doing the rest of the foyer in an hour or so.

So far I don't seem to have a problem with the sealer drying. I let it sit for 15-20 minutes and then wipe off. Some of the tiles really soak it up, others not so much. I figure I'll seal again after grouting (this is just the pre-seal phase).