Crackled glaze

[Derek Atlanta]

I am installing ceramic tile in a shower that has a crackled glaze. The vendor that sold me the tile said that it needs to be sealed prior to grouting to keep grout out of the crackles... my contractor thinks this is not necessary.

The tile is http://www.adexusa.com/pages/product.cfm?Item=ADHBQ936

What do you think?

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[ob1kanobee]

DO A TEST FIRST

The last time I used a tile like that the grout was a light grey and yes it did go into the tile.

I don't know that sealing it would of helped but in the future I will always do a test on a tile before I install.


Maybe some other pros on here have some ideas?

[Tool Guy - Kg]

While I wouldn't be crazy to install this in a shower, it's not my decision.

But I'd absolutely seal it before grouting. I'm going to have to assume your contractor hasn't experienced the consequences that sometimes occurs w/o the sealing....very cheap insurance to seal. Very cheap.

:)

[ob1kanobee]

I would seal it and test it 24 to 48 hours later to see what happens.............

You might have to seal it 2x as well and use a good sealer...............

[ceramictec]

off the website you gave us:

always listen to the manufacturer !!!!



Installation Specs:
Always follow ANSI Specs.
Sizes are Nominal.
White Body Crackle Glaze.
Field Tile Thickness: ¼’’ inch.
Needs to be sealed if installed in showers or wet areas.
Soak tiles in water before cutting with a wet saw and rinse
immediately to avoid clay bleeding into the crackle surface.

this seems like tricky crazed tile, you need to be careful installing this and follow their directions.

besides that if your using a darker grout it needs to be sealed !

[pooky]

rub ink on a test tile to reveal the "crackle", or crazing, as potters call it.

you will understand the need to seal, and willingly want follow the manufacturers instructions to the letter --

Very impressed at the response from the pro crowd here:tup2:

The contractor you mentioned, who believes pre-sealing crackle- glaze tile is extraneous, should be directed here to to read up. He'll be glad he did. :yipee: