Sanded vs non-sanded on glass mosaic

[Calgary Dave]

I'm looking for a close-up picture of non-sanded grout when used with a glass mosaic, where pinholes and a crappy finish is evident.

Let's not turn this into a debate on which is better to use (I've always used sanded on glass mosaics).

I have so many pictures of my jobs, but I don't have one that shows this clearly, even though any time any of my guys have tried to grout glass mosaics with non-sanded, the final grout job looks horrible.

Does anyone have a good close-up of this?

[dhagin]

Maybe in the "worst tile job" thread?

[custombuilt]

Umm...dave don't you know you're not supposed to take a picture of it if it looks horrible!

[Calgary Dave]

Originally Posted by custombuilt

Umm...dave don't you know you're not supposed to take a picture of it if it looks horrible!

I know! lol. I guess that's why it's so hard to find. I DID have one, it was of one of my own jobs. Glass mosaic and the flooring company ignored my request to supply sanded grout. In a hurry and my guy was there and needed to finish. So we went ahead with the non-sanded. Sure enough, little pinholes everywhere and was sent back to touch up the grout.
I took pictures on the cel phone, but must've deleted them. I want a good picture to show future clients what happens when you used non-sanded. Every Home Depot employee always says "Oh don't EVER use sanded on glass...you'll scratch it!!"

[Tiger Mountain Tile Inc]

Maybe you could do a mock-up with a small sample of glass?

[Dobri]

Every time I do test on glass tile with sanded grout the results are scratched tile. Am i missing something?

[Higher Standard Tile]

Just grouted a glass mosaic backsplash with unsanded grout a couple weeks ago.

No pinholes.

Grout choice depends on the glass. The smooth refined ones look better with unsanded, the paper face ones that are jagged edge look better with sanded. I like Permacolor for those.

Or use Urethane or Epoxy depending on glass manufacturer's recommendations.

[ceramictec]

I guess it depends on who's grouting it.
I use unsanded on those linear glass tile all the time and dont get pinholes.
just have to grout it the right way, let sit and not wash out.
dont have trouble scratching glass tile either, just need to make sure you know the product.
if I'm installing a tile with a tight joint that gets unsanded I will definitely use a non sanded on the accent tile.

[Dobri]

I don't get pinholes either, immediately after the initial setup I would go back with my sponge and lightly smooth the joint vertically and horizontally.
I still don't understand how you could apply sanded grout to the glass and ot scratch it. Is there a technique for that?

[eurob]

I think Dave -- aka Calgary Dave -- , talks about the small glass mosaic ( 1 x 1 ) with the back bevel . It is almost impossible not to have pinholes with the unsanded grout. Best option with those , IMO , epoxy grout .

Originally Posted by Dobri

I still don't understand how you could apply sanded grout to the glass and not scratch it.

I agree . I did a while ago a backsplash with linear glass tile and used the recommended Permacolor and slightly scratched few of them . I think the kevlar in the grout did it. I guess the cleaning process has to be done before the grout sets on the glass surface. Still the risk is there , more with sanded grout.

[jwmezzanotte]

Only way I've ever scratched glass tiles with sanded grout is by being dumb and using my margin trowel rather than rubber float to fill joints.
I dont see the big deal?
Just need to be a little careful

Originally Posted by Calgary Dave

Let's not turn this into a debate on which is better to use (I've always used sanded on glass mosaics).

Sorry Dave
Couldnt help myself

[Higher Standard Tile]

Yes, you can't state an opinion and at the same time say that nobody can have a different opinion. I thought that was an American thing

And the title of your thread is sanded VS. unsanded on glass mosaic. Kinda invites opposing opinions eh?

But I agree with Roberto that unsanded can be tricky with back beveled glass mosaics and that is what Dave is probably referring to. For that use sanded, urethane,or epoxy depending on your preference.

I used permacolor (sanded) on this one.

But in the end almost every glass tile manufacturer specifies a specific type of grout.

[ceramictec]

nope, unsanded on that too

did this one 6 years ago. the owner bought unsanded since they didn't want the glass scratched. not like it would have mattered it was recycled and rustic looking. I grouted it and let sit up, used a damp sponge and then buffed it with a cotton towel.

[jwmezzanotte]

I don't really have an issue with unsanded grout coming out the way it should. I usually do ok.
Its just that even when it comes out like its supposed to... I still don't like the way it looks.


Id actually rather use epoxy than unsanded grout if I had scratching issues.