Matte to Gloss, Possible!

[Charlie H]

My first post here, any help will be greatly appreciated, believe me. Here's the problem, just had white matte subway tiles installed on the backsplash above marble countertops. I hate to say it, but they look terrible, with the white grout its just one big dull mess, it almost looks like the tiles were painted. I was wondering whether there is any way to add some shine, even a little would be great. I was thinking about some carnuba car wax or some other automative car wax, mothers maybe, or a synthetic car wax. I was thinking I would need to pinstripe the grout to keep it dull, and then apply the wax and buff it out. I also am thinking about Johnson's Jubilee aeosol wax. I could mask the countertops and the grout and then apply. What do you all think, bad idea, any better options. Thanks, Charlie

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[Davestone]

Gotta be careful putting white materials together, i think people underestimate how different whites are.Any topical sealers will have a hard time staying over a ceramic, and wax will also,but it may work,it's easily removed and worth a try i guess.

[GraniteGirl]

How about changing the grout color to an accent color and repeating the accent color in the outlet covers? There are some really cool outlet covers available and you could turn them into a feature.

http://www.switchhits.com/images/switchplates-mer-zen-green.jpg http://www.switchhits.com/images/mer-berry-grey-round.jpg http://www.switchhits.com/images/switchplates_cho_o_new_fleur_de_lis.jpg

Just an idea :jack:

Oh - the above company is called SwitchHits.com (http://www.switchhits.com/switchplates.html)

[david bassler]

GraniteGirl suggestions are going to give you a more defined look. :)

[Charlie H]

Thanks for the suggestions, I was definitely going to try some samples. And I have also been thinking about changing the grout to a antique white or linen white, a big part of the problem is that the grout and the tiles are the exact same color, so it almost reads like a fake tile backsplash. I am guessing I should use grout colorant? I see that Aqua Mix sells the stuff, should I seal the grout before adding colorant, or after? I am thinking the later but wanted to be sure. Any tips on using the colorant? Thanks allot for your help. Charlie

[david bassler]

What nonsense of spam you have. :jack: