Unglazed Ceramic Tile

[Neal Peterson]

I just finished installing my first tiling job. It's in my bathroom 4' x 8' in my old 150 yo home. I installed American Olean unglazed ceramic 2" octagonal with 1" dots -- all white -- and I plan to grout with tan(ish) sanded grout.
I purchased the tile at my local home store (not a box store).

The people at the store don't know what they are doing, so I travelled 80 miles to the nearest city and visited a professional tile center.
I had a lot of questions, and here is what they told me:
1. Seal the tiles (they sold me 16 oz jug of Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold).
2. Use grout release (they sold me 32 oz jug of Aqua Mix grout release).
3. Grout the tiles.
4. Re-seal with the sealer.

One of the "experts" said that this was probably overkill (is he talking about the grout release??), but since it is my first tiling job, he said that it's OK.

What should I use to apply the sealer and the grout release? Paint pad?

Is it true that I shouldn't let any of the grout release drip down the sides of the tiles? If so, how do I apply it??

Does it matter if the SEALER drips down the sides of the tiles?

I need the answers ASAP so that my wife gets off my back!!!

Neal

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[GeorgeT]

Hi Neal -

That ceramic is not going to soak up a lot of sealer.

You should be able to just do grout release, grout, let it cure and then seal the whole thing.
There are some around here would say you might not even need grout release.... ain't going to hurt though.

Paint pad, Roller, Brush any of them are ok just get an even application... follow manufacturers advice on Grout release.....

Dripping over the edge is only a problem if its a lot... a little bit is not a big deal but try and not do it.... can prevent the grout from sticking properly to the tiles....

[doitright]

Hi Neal, Welcome! :)

Boy, that salesman saw you coming! :yeah:

Just kidding, I agree with George. :tup2:

[Neal Peterson]

The jug of grout release says this:
"Apply a liberal coat ensuring 100% surface coverage using a sponge applicator, heavy-textured paint roller, or brush. Allow a minimum of 30 minutes drying time before grouting. Prevent build up of grout release in grout joints.

My question is this: If it is anathema to get the grout release in the grout joints, why would I "slop" it on liberally with the suggested applicators???

Is it not really that important if I get it in the joints?

Thanks for all of your replies!

Neal

[GeorgeT]

It's an important thing to be sure your grout bonds to your tile.
It's an important thing to coat well with grout release if your going to use it.

If your a careful craftsman you can do both...

a little in the grout joint is no big deal.
A lot will compromise the bond of your grout to your tile....

[Neal Peterson]

I just phoned the Aqua Mix company to ask them about using their grout release.

They told me that it is not to be used on ceramic tile -- unglazed or glazed.
They said that grout will not stick to ceramic tile.

They also said that I should grout and then seal -- but seal only the grout, not the tiles. Said to apply the sealer over all, but then take a paper towel and wipe the surface of each tile to get the sealer off.

I'm thinking that if this is true, I would have rather carpeted my bathroom with orange shag carpeting!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO???


Neal

[GeorgeT]

Neal -

I'm glad you spoke to the manufacturer. Always an important step.

Yes, most ceramic tile would not need grout release. Many installers would not choose to use it in this situation.
Unglazed hex tile has a slight texture that would hold a little grout release and it would give you some help from the dissimilar colored grout.
Sealing the grout in a hex tile floor would mean that the tile is going to get sealer on it... you just wipe it off as you go, trying your best to not let the sealer dry on the surface.... but wipe the whole floor not just the tiles. Sealers soak in to the grout... wiping the surface does not remove the sealer from within the grout.
We have only talked about the materials you mentioned when you started this thread. Another technique would be to set the tiles, grout the tiles and let it cure and then do a mild acid wash to clean any traces of grout from the tiles.

Of course there is something to be said for orange shag also......

[Neal Peterson]

George --

I think that you should come to Iowa to do this floor for me!
I'm afraid to start because so many people have said so many things!!

I have gotten SO many opinions -- and all from "professional-ish" people.

First it was seal, grout release, grout, then seal........
........Then it was seal, grout, then seal............
........Then it was grout release, grout, then seal.......
........and now it's grout, seal, then wipe off the sealer.

Should I do the last one??

Neal

[GeorgeT]

Neal -

I think you could get a few more variations on your project if you keep asking different people... thats the fun of this business... everybody has a little different take on the process.

That said, I would set it, grout it, cure the grout, clean up if needed and then seal it.

[SABoyt]

that said, i would set it, grout it, cure the grout, clean up if needed and then seal it.

ditto!