Granite Tile and Grout Question

[RollTideFan]

Hey Guys, Good Afternoon. I have a question concerning tiling my kitchen counter top with granite tile. Do I need to seal the granite before and after installation or just after? Or does it need to be sealed at all?

Also, I am having a terrible time trying to find a non-sanded chocolate brown grout with a matching caulk. The tile color is a salt and pepper - I believe its called baltic brown but not sure. I can find one or the other, either the grout and not the caulk or the caulk and not the grout You guys are great any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[jkrause]

Does the tile look like this ( I used Baltic brown) used a charcoal colored non sanded grout and sealed it after install and curing periods with Impregnator 511

[RollTideFan]

jk,
No, thats not it, I guess that was what I was thinking but its a salt and pepper color with a little brown. But that is a beuitiful job you done there. To add to my earlier question, do I need to seal the entire counter, tiles, and all?
Thanks.

[Brian in San Diego]

Yes, you need to seal the granite. I think yearly would be sufficient and some of the higher prcied sealers may last longer. Check with the manufacturer. have you checked out TEC grouts and caulks...or Laticrete's?

Brian

[RollTideFan]

Brian,

TEC is not available in my area. Closes store is over 60 miles away. Any other solutions?

[jkrause]

Impregnator 511 cost 'about' $75 a big jug... works great.. and YES seal the entire project...

[RollTideFan]

Thanks JK - You Da Man....

[jkrause]

I aspply it in a spray bottle set on fine -fine -fine - mist.... let it sit for a good 3 minutes... use a cloth to remoove the excess...

Couldn't be any easier...

[Brian in San Diego]

RTF,

Did you check out laticrete's website? If they don't have a dealer that's closer, I'd recommend you call one or the other and see if you can order over the phone. If you use spectralock (available at Lowe's) you could order the Latisil to match.

Brian