enhancer before sealer?

[TileInEye]

I have natural looking porcelain tile and slate/marble/glass border running across the bathroom walls including the shower. After grouting, the border ended up lighter than before grouting. I've removed most of the haze(i still have to use the vinegar solution to get up some of the other tough spots - is it advisable on the slate and marble too?) but some of the grout has found it's way into the grooves and crevices of the marble and slate. I can live with that, i just think it needs to be glossier looking. Kinda when i wet it with water.

I have the aquamix gold sealer, i was wondering if this would give it a deeper/glossier look. If not, can I buy something to make it glossier and then apply the sealer?

This project is approaching one year. haha. my pregnant wife will have my head if i don't get this done soon.
thanks
ryan

[Mike2]

Welcome back Ryan.

I'm going to move this over to our Tile and Stone Cleaning/Restoration forum where kemguru, the Tile Your World chemist will be sure to see it. Sit tight and hopefully the ride over there won't be too bumpy.

[Steven Hauser]

Hi Ryan,

Clean to your satisfaction, color enhance, wait about 24 hours then seal per manufacturer instructions.

[kemguru]

Hi Ryan

You would use either an enhancer OR an impregnator, not both. One company, in particular, recommends that you use both (their products, of course). They need to formulate a better enhancer. Most enhancers are impregnating sealers, as well.

TYW Stone Beauty, available right here, has received some excellent reviews. It will seal your surfaces very well, as well as give you the wet look you desire.

As long as your marble is not polished, go ahead and use the vinegar solution on everything.

[TileInEye]

i already bought the aquamix gold 3 months ago, u think that will bring out the colors more?

[kemguru]

It shouldn’t. In fact, by design, standard impregnators should not change the color, or look, of a surface whatsoever. That’s why folks like them…they seal, but leave the surface unchanged, generally.

Aqua Mix Sealers Choice 15 Gold is a great impregnator, but it will not achieve the look you’re seeking.

Aqua Mix does make some enhancers. I recommend their solvent-based one. Any way you could take that impregnator back and exchange it? If not, I’ve heard, and read, many excellent reviews on our own TYW Stone Beauty.

[KChurch1]

We used TYW Stone Beauty for the first time last week on some slate.... WOW! Great stuff! Color Enhance and protect all in one application.... great value too! Of all the enhancers we've used over the years, this was the most user friendly and gave excellent results.

[TileInEye]

Did all the walls minus the floor and the shower enclosure. Pretty good stuff. Water beads up on my counter now, so i guess it is working. I ended up spraying it on. Much easier. It also did not enhance the color whatsoever, as kemguru mentioned.

Is it okay to use the Aquamix sealer on the shower floor(tile and grout) and the bathroom floor (tile and grout)? My concern is the floors being able to breathe. I read this on a thread somewhere.

Also can the sealer be sprayed on silicone caulk?


Thanks again

[KChurch1]

I use it on the shower floors.... it allows for moisture vapor transmission. You can spray it on the caulking, but it won't penetrate or seal it, but it shouldn't hurt it... just wipe off the excess.