TYW Grout Stain and Seal

We are two weeks away from completing a new home and have questions about a few of the products offered at the TYW store.

We are considering staining and sealing the grout on the floors of our new kitchen. We wanted to seal it anyway, but the tilesetter didn't check with "the boss" about what color the grout should be, and of course he got it wrong or I wouldn't be asking this question. ;-)

Before choosing a color from the website, can anyone tell me -- how true are the colors on the TYW website ad for the stain and seal product? Also, the ad says a 16 oz. bottle of the product will seal 350 sq. ft. of floor. Does that mean the GROUT ONLY on 350 sq. ft. of tile, or does it actually mean 350 sq. ft. of total coverage?

We're also considering sealing our granite countertops. Is TYW impregnating stone sealer a better product than what we can buy locally at HD or equivalent?

Finally, we also want to seal the grout in our showers and on our bathroom countertops. Is the impregnating stone sealer a good product for that, too? Is it better than the similar HD or other box store product?

Thanks,

Rick

[John Bridge]

Hi Rick,

You can't trust the colors on your computer screen. I guarantee you they look different on every monitor. Other than that, let's say they are close. You should really find an actual grout chart, say for Custom grouts (Home Depot) and look at that. The TYW colors are scanned directly from the manufacturer's chart.

Another thing. With stain you can't make radical changes in the grout color you have. Our chemist says about 4 or 5 shades in either direction. The coverage is figured on the average grout joints within a square foot of floor. Coverage varies, of course.

Tile Your World Stone Armor is the best impregnating sealer on the market. I say this without exagerating. It is similar to Aquamix Sealer's Choice 15 Gold but it has a bit more viscosity (more solids). It will work well on your grout joints and on stone.

I'm going to move this thread to where our chemist, Tim Thomas, usually hangs out. We'll get his comments. Might not be until tomorrow.

[kemguru]

Hi Rick

I agree with John.

That coverage figure is based on a 12”x12” tile with a 3/8” grout joint. Staining and sealing only the grout, no tile.

Hey, thanks for your replies!

I'm not clear on how much difference in color is possible with the Stain and Seal. Our grout is now pretty close to the "nutmeg" color on the chart for your Grout Stain and Seal product. My wife wants to go to either Dove Gray or Natural Gray. Do you think the Stain and Seal can make the transition to either of these colors?

Thanks,

Rick

[John Bridge]

I'll wait for Kemguru on this one.

Is Kemguru around? I would find it helpful to learn how much I can safely change the grout colour with the Stain and Seal before ordering.

Thanks,

Rick

[kemguru]

Yes...let me catch up real quick.

I just looked at the actual chart. Nutmeg to gray is too much of a color change for the stain. The joint would have an inconsistent, shadowed look in areas. So it will change the color, but it might be blotchy.

Aqua Mix Grout Colorant will do it. It’s “thicker” than the TYW Stain, so the color will be consistent.

Thanks, Kemguru. I see there are several local suppliers, so I'll check it out.

Rick