Sealer Product confusion, conflicts and questions with mixed application!

[Supergirl]

OK, I thought I had it all down (learning this is just a general misconception for me in this project!), then as I was getting ready to seal (non-enhancing)::stirpot:

-I have mostly ceramic tile, no sealing needed.

-I have a tumbled slate with marble decorative border and tumbled slate chair/pencil that runs around the whole room including shower- that should be sealed.

-I have decided to use Tec's XT grout that doesn't "require" sealing, but as overkill I still want to seal it inside the shower :)

So, I bought Aquamix Sealer's Choice Gold, for some reason I thought it was solvent based (I guess I am reading toooo many spec sheets), which apparently is what you are supposed to use over the XT if you desire to seal it, or one must pre-seal the stone with the water based.

BUT Sealer's Choice Gold it is water based! I know many like this sealer, and I was under the impression that solvent was better than water based as it allows vapor transmission, but then I have also read that nowadays, water based sealers can be superior to the solv based. So I am confused.

So these are my questions:

1. I could just pre-seal with the Sealer's Choice Gold, then worry about the grout and buy a solvent based if the Sealer's choice gold is the superior product, I have already opened it (Uhg). Is it a superior product?

2. I could just buy 511 Porous Plus for the whole thing- spec sheet states allows vapor transmission, but doesn't state that it is solvent based (I am extrapolating), and it doesn't state unsanded grout.

3. Stonetech Impregnator Pro which is solv based, for either whole thing, or just the grout, although i think I have to call them, because it doesn't state it is for grout in the spec sheet.

And, as an aside- just how do you keep the stuff from being on the edge of the grout joint as needed to prevent the grout from not adhering?? It is a liquid, it is wet, even with a paint brush, I envision the sealer crossing that line, or not getting good coverage???


Please don't just tell me to not seal the grout, or to use a different grout, I know that is an option.

Thanks for any insight or advice...

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[Davestone]

Relax supergirl, the sealer you have will vapor transmit and be fine.The thing about not sealing the edges of the tile pertains to presealing before grouting.

[doitright]

Hi Supergirl, Welcome! :)

At least you've been doing your research! :tup2:

If you'd like to preseal without worrying about dripping over the edges, you have a few options. You can either use a small sponge, a paint pad, small rag (or microfiber), or mist on with a spray bottle (respirator recommended).

Of all the products you listed, I'd lean toward the Impregnator Pro. Don't worry about it not working on the grout, because it will. :nod:

[duneslider]

Supergirl,

Like John said, the impregnator pro should work fine. I have never tried to seal the XT grout but I personally would call Tec and ask them what sealer they think you should use. I would be surprised if the Stonetech stuff wouldn't work but at the same time I do think it is good to check with the manufacturer. Might be good to do a little sample board up too, so you could test it before you did your shower.

Just my two cents.

[doitright]

Hi Supergirl :)

Bryan's correct. Check with the manufacturer first. Their data sheet specifically states:

Note: AccuColor XT grout never needs sealing, however, if the tile or
stone is to be sealed after grout is installed, use a compatible
solvent based sealer. Test a small area of the tile/stone and grout
to ensure you achieve the desired results. If a water-based sealer
is required, pre-seal the tile/stone. Do not apply sealer to
tile/stone edges as this may prevent proper grout bond.
Certain tile surfaces, including glazed ceramic tile, marble, stone
and agglomerate tile can be scratched or damaged when
grouted with sanded grout. Follow tile manufacturer/fabricator
recommendations or test a small area prior to use to determine
suitability. Use of AccuColor XT Unsanded Grout may be
appropriate for many tiles not suitable for use with a sanded grout.
For industrial and commercial installations where chemical resistance
is required, use TEC® 100% Epoxy Mortar and Grout (TA-470) in
accordance with ANSI A118.3 recommendations.

[Supergirl]

Relax... that's what I will be doing in my finished bath!

Thanks for the replies Davestone, John and Bryan!

So I think then I will just get the solvent based sealer and not worry about using 2 different products. I do want to pre-seal the stone border before grouting, so I guess I will just be careful and let it fully dry.:calm:

Does anyone have any thoughts about the functionality of water vs solvent based sealer? I get that they are actually quite different, just not sure I get how that translates into performance with regard to stone and or grout??

[duneslider]

The solvent or water is just the carrier. If both products are of a high quality, they should both perform well. I have used both and don't find too much difference between them. They both work the same so far as I can tell.

I personally would stick to one type of sealer to do all your sealing. Unless you really want to buy extra stuff.

[Supergirl]

Well, here is what I am doing about the sealing:

Yes, due to the composition of the XT grout, that requires a solvent only based sealer
I bought Miracle 511 Impregnator for that.

The slate border actually darkens with the 511, so as I had already bought the Sealer's choice gold, and I like that it doesn't change the look, I will use that as a pre grout sealer for just the stone and I can use it to seal the grout in another bathroom, no $ wasted.

The pebble shower floor just looked darkened and more muddy colored (and the stones are really cool looking) with the Aquamix Enrich N Seal, but look just richer with the Miracle Enhance N Seal, so I will use that.

Basically, it was about $40 misspent. With the amount of time and labor we are putting into this project and the exhaustive time I spent getting the right combo of materials, if that is all that was misspent, I can live with it.

I do very much appreciate everyone's time and replies! Thanks!

[Supergirl]

Oh, and I called Miracle, they told me any grout is fine, not just sanded... but no explanation.

I also looked for Stonetech's product, but the local place didn't have any of the solvent products...

[Supergirl]

I did end up using the Mirable 511 Impregnator on the slate, it dried to the same finish, just took a couple of hours for the color to even out. I will be using that as a pre-grout and grout sealer.

Nice smell, I just twitch occasionally :-)

[doitright]

Hi Supergirl :)

If I knew that's what you were after, I could have recommended some much better products that are manufactured outside of the United States! :loaded: :D